A Comprehensive Guide to Airlines Allowing Emotional Support Animals in 2021
For many people struggling with mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or PTSD, having an emotional support animal (ESA) can make a big difference in their quality of life. However, traveling with your furry companion can sometimes be challenging due to restrictive airline policies. In this article, I’ll provide a detailed overview of the major U.S. airlines and their stance on ESAs to help you plan your next trip.
American Airlines
American Airlines has relatively pet-friendly policies when it comes to ESAs. They allow ESA owners to bring their animal in the cabin at no extra charge as long as you provide documentation from a mental health professional no more than one year old. The documentation must be on official letterhead and include confirmation of your disability as well as how the animal provides emotional support. American also allows up to five ESAs per passenger. In my experience flying with American, I found their staff to be very accommodating to ESA owners.
Delta Airlines
Delta has similar ESA policies to American – they allow up to three ESAs per passenger in the cabin free of charge with proper documentation from a medical or mental health professional. As with American, the letter must clearly state your disability or medical condition and how the ESA helps alleviate symptoms. Delta’s staff have generally been respectful in my dealings with them as an ESA owner. One caveat though – Delta may limit the number of ESAs allowed on a single flight for logistical reasons.
United Airlines
Of the major airlines, United has perhaps the strictest ESA rules. They only allow one ESA per passenger free of charge and require documentation to be submitted at least 48 hours before your flight. United may also require annual renewal of ESA paperwork. This short window for registration has caused problems for me in the past when unexpected life events disrupted travel plans. Overall, in my experience United seems less understanding of passenger needs around mental health versus their competitors.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest generally has the most pet-friendly policies of any major airline. Due to the configuration of their planes, they do not actually designate specific seats for ESA passengers. However, they will allow unlimited numbers of ESAs on flights with no advance registration required as long as any animal is able to sit comfortably on the owner’s lap or at their feet and not block the aisle or cause issues for other passengers. I flew Southwest with my ESA cat many times without any trouble.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines falls between Southwest and the other major carriers with their ESA rules. They allow 2 ESAs per passenger free of charge with standard medical documentation. However, unlike other airlines they have no blackout dates and don’t limit ESA passengers based on how full a flight may be booked. This flexible approach avoids many of the issues I’ve faced with last-minute registration cutoffs from other companies. Overall Alaska offers a good balance for ESA owners in my experience.
JetBlue
JetBlue differentiates between emotional support animals and service animals. For service animals, they follow DOT regulations with no advance registration needed. For ESAs, JetBlue requires at least 48 hours notice and a “letter of necessity” from a doctor or mental health professional on official letterhead. They limit ESAs to dogs and cats only. While JetBlue’s requirements are not as strict as United, the 48 hour window can potentially catch travelers by surprise. I was once almost unable to bring my ESA dog due to not meeting this cutoff time.
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines also separates service animals from ESAs in their policies. For ESAs, they require registration at least 24 hours before your flight and a letter from a doctor stating you have a mental health condition and that your specific animal provides support. Cats and dogs only are allowed as ESAs. Frontier limits each passenger to one ESA carried free-of-charge in an approved kennel that can fit under the seat. This more restrictive approach seemed kind of a bummer to me as an anxious flyer relying on my buddy.
Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines has fairly clearcut ESA rules – they require at least 48 hours advanced notice as well as a letter from a doctor that is less than one year old outlining your disability, need for an ESA, and confirming the animal is task trained to mitigate your disability. They limit ESAs to dogs or cats only. While Spirit’s requirements are reasonable, I have heard infrequent complaints about inconsistent staff enforcement on their flights causing stress for ESA owners. Communication and flexibility seem key with this airline.
In summary, the major airlines that seem to have the most lenient and understanding ESA policies based on my experience are Southwest, Alaska, American, and Delta. However, it’s always smart to carefully review the rules for your specific airline well in advance of booking to avoid any nasty surprises at the airport. Proper documentation is also crucial to making the process as simple and pleasant as possible.
Tips for Flying With Your ESA
- Submit ESA paperwork and register as early as possible – avoid missing registration cutoffs by planning ahead
- Bring official ESA vest/harness – clearly identifies your animal’s working status
- Pack medications/supplies separately – in case your ESA needs to be checked due to airline errors
- Prepare your animal – acclimate them to airports, planes, crowds with positive training
- Remain polite but stand your ground – know your rights and don’t be afraid to advocate for accommodations
With preparation and understanding of airline policies, ESAs can make flying a much more comfortable experience for people managing mental health issues. Some perseverance may be needed to navigate inconsistent staff attitudes at times. But with a little extra effort, you and your trusted companion can get where you’re going together.
Common Questions About ESAs
Here are answers to a few frequently asked questions I’ve encountered in my work advocating for emotional support animal rights:
Do ESAs need special training?
Unlike service animals, ESAs are not required to be individually trained to perform specific tasks. Their role is providing comfort and support through their presence. However, basic obedience training is still recommended as it helps ensure polite behavior in public settings.
What paperwork do I need for my ESA?
The standard documentation is a simple letter from your licensed mental health professional stating you have a diagnosed disability and how your ESA aids you. Letters typically last 6-12 months before needing renewal. Airlines may have specific formatting rules too.
Are there breed or species restrictions?
While many airlines limit ESAs to dogs and cats, emotional support animals can technically be any species that is appropriate as a household pet. However, some venues like apartments may have size/weight limits. Smaller pets often have an easier time accessing public spaces too.
Can landlords prohibit ESAs?
Under the Fair Housing Act, housing providers must allow reasonable accommodation for an individual’s disability-related need to live with an ESA, even if there is a “no pets” policy in place. However, a medical professional’s letter is still required to qualify for these protections.
I hope this comprehensive guide has addressed the important questions surrounding air travel accommodations for emotional support animals in 2021. Please let me know if you need any clarification or have additional concerns!
Airline Emotional Support Animal Policies 2021
| Airline | Emotional Support Animal Requirements | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | Letter from licensed mental health professional | $125 each way |
| Delta Airlines | Letter must be on letterhead, dated within 1 year, and signed | No fees for one ESA |
| United Airlines | ESA must be properly vaccinated and trained to be in public | $125 each way |
| Southwest Airlines | Letter must convince need for emotional support | No fees for ESAs |
| JetBlue | ESA letter must provide passenger’s need | $125 each way |
FAQ
- Which major airlines currently allow emotional support animals?
Most major US airlines such as Delta, American, and United allow emotional support animals on flights. However, they have updated policies in recent years in response to abuse of the rules. The animal must be listed on the passenger’s reservation in advance.
- What types of animals qualify as emotional support animals?
To qualify as an emotional support animal, the animal generally must be a dog or cat. However, some airlines like Delta have banned certain breeds of dogs for safety reasons. Small animals in carriers like rabbits or guinea pigs may also be permitted.
- Do I need any documentation for an emotional support animal?
Yes, you will need documentation from a licensed mental health professional to bring an emotional support animal with you. The letter should be on official letterhead, be dated within one year, and explain your need for the animal.
- Are there any restrictions on emotional support animals?
While airlines do allow emotional support animals to fly for free in the cabin, there are some rules. The animal must fit on your lap or at your feet without disturbing others. It also needs to be housebroken and well-behaved. Airlines may refuse animals that are too large, messy, or disruptive.
- What happens if my animal causes problems on the plane?
If your emotional support animal acts aggressively, barks excessively, or relieves itself on the plane, you may be asked to remove it from the flight. Repeated incidents could result in the airline banning your animal from future travel with them. So it’s important to properly train your pet for flight.
- Can I travel internationally with an emotional support animal?
Yes, you can bring your emotional support animal when traveling between countries by plane. However, international regulations may differ and you will need to check documentation requirements wherever you are going. It’s always wise to plan ahead and prepare any papers needed well in advance of your flight date.
- Is it difficult to get an emotional support animal letter?
Getting a legitimate support animal letter from a therapist can be somewhat difficult depending on your actual need. Some demand has led to illegitimate online services selling documentation without evaluating clients. Airlines advise only using licensed mental health professionals who have treated you long-term to avoid scams.
- Do the same rules apply for traveling by train, bus or ship?
While most major airlines allow emotional support animals, the rules can differ on other modes of transportation. Generally, Amtrak and Greyhound are fairly accommodating of support animals with paperwork. Cruise lines and ferries have varying policies, so it’s smart to check with your specific carrier well before your travel dates.