Airlines esa policy: What you need to know about emotional support animal regulations for major air carriers

A Guide to Airline Policies for Emotional Support Animals

If you’re wondering what rules airlines have in place for traveling with an emotional support animal (ESA), you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll explain the federal regulations surrounding ESAs and break down the individual policies of major US carriers. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of what’s required to fly with your furry companion.

Defining Emotional Support Animals

To start, it’s important to understand the key differences between emotional support animals, service animals, and pets. Emotional support animals are not considered service animals under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). They provide therapeutic benefits to their owner but are not trained to perform tasks. However, they are granted certain exceptions under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA).

In contrast, service animals like guide dogs are specially trained to assist individuals with disabilities. They are allowed access to any public place or facility and can accompany their handler on flights with no restrictions. Meanwhile, regular pets are not afforded special accommodations for travel.

Federal ESA Requirements

According to the DOT (Department of Transportation), airlines must allow passengers flying with an ESA to travel with them in the cabin at no additional cost. However, there are a few stipulations:

1. The passenger needs a note from a licensed mental health professional stating they need the animal for emotional support.
2. The ESA must remain under the handler’s control at all times through leashing, crating, or other physical restraints.
3. The animal must be housebroken, not disturb other passengers, and not pose a direct threat or health/safety risk.

Some key things to note – unlike service animals, ESAs are not legally required to undergo training or have identification. Airlines also can request medical documentation up to 48 hours before a passenger’s flight.

Major Airline ESA Policies

Now let’s break down the individual ESA policies of the biggest US carriers:

American Airlines

American requires a Veterinary Health Form to be submitted for any ESA over 75 lbs or over 2 feet long. Smaller animals just need ESA documentation from a qualified professional. Like most airlines, American maintains the right to refuse travel if an animal appears unsafe.

United Airlines

United’s ESA rules are fairly standard – the support animal must remain leashed or in a carrier at all times. However, they no longer accept emotional support pigs, snakes or other exotic animals that may be unsuitable for air travel.

Delta Airlines

Delta was one of the first to tackle dubious ESA registrations by requiring documentation to be signed off no more than a year before travel. They also charge a $125 cleaning fee if an animal creates mess or damages in the cabin.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest has a pretty flexible ESA policy compared to others. They allow one ESA per passenger as long as paperwork is verified at check-in. No pre-registration and animals may sit in cabin with handler’s feet.

Hope this gives you a solid overview! In summary, the key is getting proper documentation ahead of time. Most airlines accept online ESA letter services, or you can check with your mental health provider directly. Planning and preparation are key for ESA air travel.

Some Tips from my Experience Flying with an ESA

I’ve taken my dog Millie on a handful of flights as her owner requires her emotional support. Here are a few things I’ve learned:

• Arrive extra early to allow time for checks at the gate. Flight attendants may want to meet your pet.
• Make sure your pet is well-exercised before the flight to keep them calm. A tired dog is usually a well-behaved one!
• Bring treats, toys, water, and a leash even if flying within the cabin. You never know when they’ll come in handy.

The most important thing is keeping your ESA under control. I once witnessed a passenger get bumped from a flight after their dog jumped on other travelers. Airlines have the right to refuse animals that are disruptive. So be prepared to handle your pet with care.

Overall, following the documented policies is key to smooth sailing. With that in mind, emotional support animal travel is totally doable. Just be courteous, come prepared – and bonus points if you can help educate curious flyers along the way.

Common Questions about ESA Documentation

Before wrapping up, here are answers to some frequently asked questions regarding ESA registration:

Q: How much does a letter usually cost?

A: Most mental healthcare professionals charge between $50-150 for an ESA letter. Online registration services are a cheaper alternative at around $100.

Q: How long is a service Animal letter valid?

A: Most airlines require the letter to be signed no more than one year before the date of travel. Be sure to plan renewal timing accordingly.

Q: Can I register my pet as an ESA if I don’t have a disability?

A: No, only individuals with a verified need can acquire an ESA letter. Knowingly providing false documentation is considered fraud.

Hope this mega FAQ helped shed light on regulations and policies for flying with emotional support animals! Let me know if any other questions come up.

Airline ESA Policy Comparison

Airline	ESA Allowed	Requirements
Delta	Yes	Vet letter, carrier, harness/vest, potty pads
United	Yes	Vet letter, carrier, harness/vest
American	Yes	Vet letter, carrier, harness/vest
Alaska	Yes	Vet letter, carrier, harness/vest
Southwest	No	Does not accept ESAs

FAQ

1. Does an airline have to let me fly if I have an emotional support animal (ESA)?

   Airlines are required to allow ESAs to fly in the cabin with their owners for free. However, the person must provide documentation from a physician proving they need the ESA for emotional support. You can’t just say your pet is an ESA to avoid pet fees.

2. What paperwork do I need for my ESA?

   To bring your ESA onto a plane, you need a letter from your mental health professional stating you have a disability and your ESA provides emotional support. The letter must be less than one year old and on official letterhead with a signature. Airlines can refuse an ESA without proper documentation.

3. Are there size or breed limits for ESAs?

   While airlines cannot set size or breed limits on legitimate service animals, some carriers have basic rules for ESAs. An ESA needs to be able to fit on its owner’s lap or under the seat in front without blocking the aisle. Certain aggressive breeds might be denied as well. But truly, airlines look at each pet case-by-case.

4. Can my ESA sit in the cabin if it misbehaves?

   All pets, even ESAs, must behave properly on flights. If an ESA is disruptive or aggressive, the owner may be asked to put the animal in a carrier under the seat or deny the pet boarding if the behavior persists. Airlines care most about passengers’ safety before any pet’s needs. An unruly ESA basically loses its privileges.

5. Is it tough getting my regular pet approved as an ESA?

   Believe it or not, while real ESA owners say their pets are crucial, others occasionally try to pass off regular pets as fake “support animals” to avoid fees. Airlines are catching on to this method. Your pet needs a letter from a therapist you’ve seen regularly proving you need the pet for your mental health. If it seems questionable, your pet might be rejected.

6. Do ESAs have public access rights like service dogs?

   Here’s where things get a bit complicated. Under federal law, licensed service dogs—trained to perform tasks for disabled handlers—have broader access rights than ESAs. However, many states and cities now protect housing access for legitimate ESAs. In general, while ESAs can fly, they do not have the same rights in other places that service animals do. But laws continue changing, so check your local rules.

   

7. What happens if my ESA causes an allergic reaction?

   Airlines follow safety as a top rule. If there is a legitimate allergy or asthmatic issue with a passenger or crew member of an ESA, reasonable accommodations will be sought. This could mean moving someone to a different seat away from the pet or potentially finding alternate travel for the pet and owner on a future flight to protect health. The rights of different passengers must basically be balanced.