Airlines Now Allowing Emotional Support Animals to Fly – Your Guide to ESA Certification and Policies

A Comprehensive Guide to Emotional Support Animals on Airplanes

If you’ve ever wondered which airlines will let you bring your emotional support animal (ESA) into the cabin with you, you’ve come to the right place. In this in-depth article, I’ll answer all your questions about ESAs and airline policies. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of the ins and outs of traveling with an ESA.

What is an Emotional Support Animal?

An emotional support animal (ESA) is an animal that provides therapeutic benefits to its owner through companionship. ESAs are prescribed by a mental health professional to help treat a diagnosed mental illness or disability such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD. An ESA differs from a service animal in that it isn’t trained to perform tasks. Rather, its presence alone benefits its owner’s well-being and daily functioning.

Do Airlines Have to Allow ESAs?

Yes – under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, airlines are required to allow passengers with disabilities to travel with their prescribed ESAs. The laws prohibit airlines from refusing transport to passensers with ESAs or charging pet fees.

However, airlines can require documentation from a mental health professional stating that the passenger has a disability requiring an ESA for treatment. A letter should verify that the person has a bona fide disability and that the ESA provides emotional support. Most airlines accept ESA letters that are less than one year old.

Which Airlines Accept ESAs?

1. Alaska Airlines: Allows ESAs in the passenger cabin with valid documentation. ESAs must remain in a carrier under the seat.
2. American Airlines: Accepts ESAs in the cabin with a medical documentation form. ESAs are allowed on flights 2 hours or less without a carrier.
3. Delta: Allows ESAs to accompany passengers with proper forms. A soft-sided carrier is required for in-cabin travel.
4. Frontier: ESAs can enter the cabin as long as documentation is approved in advance. Animals must remain in a carrier at all times.
5. Hawaiian Airlines: Permits ESAs with a letter from a licensed mental health professional. Animals must remain in a pet carrier at the passenger’s feet.
6. JetBlue: Accepts ESAs on flights shorter than 3 hours with completed forms. For longer flights, animals must remain in a carrier under the seat.
7. Southwest: Allows passengers to bring their properly documented ESAs in-cabin at no charge. Animals must remain in a pet carrier during boarding and exit.

Can Airlines Restrict ESA Breeds?

While airlines must accept passengers traveling with properly documented ESAs, their regulations allow them to restrict exotic or dangerous animals from flying in-cabin due to safety concerns. This is reasonable as animals like snakes, monkeys, hedgehogs are unpredictable and potentially risky in an enclosed aircraft cabin.

Some airlines also prohibit brachycephalic (short-nose) breeds like pugs or bulldogs that may face breathing issues in the pressurized aircraft cabin. Overall, cats and dogs are the most commonly approved ESA breeds.

What kind of Documentation is Needed?

All major airlines require passengers bringing an ESA to provide a “letter of accommodation” from a licensed mental health professional such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or clinical social worker. The letter should include:

1. The passenger’s name
2. The letter writer’s professional license information and signature
3. A diagnosis of a mental health condition requiring an ESA
4. A statement that the ESA provides emotional support to alleviate symptoms
5. Date that the letter was issued (<1 year)

Some airlines like Delta and United provide ESA documentation forms that the mental health professional can complete instead of a letter. Be sure to submit required forms 4-21 days before your flight depending on the airline.

What are the Rules During Flight?

While flying, the ESA must remain at the passenger’s seat at all times and be under control through voice commands, leash, cage, or harness. The animal cannot obstruct the aisle or bother other flyers. ESAs are not allowed to sit on seats or laps.

Some airlines require ESAs to stay in an enclosed pet carrier, especially during takeoff, landing, and times of turbulence for safety. You’ll want to check specific carrier policies and restrictions. Proper vaccination documentation may also be requested.

From my experience traveling with an ESA on multiple airlines, as long as you follow carrier policies and properly control your animal, flight attendants are accommodating of passengers’ approved ESAs.

Will the ESA Fly in the Cargo Hold?

No, airlines cannot require ESAs to be placed in the pressurized cargo hold below the aircraft during flight. That would defeat the entire purpose of having an animal provide emotional support to its owner in the cabin. ESAs must remain with their passenger for the entire flight.

Questions about Airport or Flight Delays?

If your flight is delayed or canceled, airlines are required to rebook you and your ESA together on the next available flight. You can also travel to the gate with your ESA – just be mindful of any gate limits for regulated service animals.

Many airports now allow service and companion animals to relieve themselves in designated pet relief areas. Know these locations and clean up appropriately. Have all travel documents handy when going through security screening as well.

Hope this guide has answered your questions about flying with an emotional support animal! Let me know if any other parts of the process need clarification. With the proper paperwork submitted in advance, traveling with your ESA can go smoothly.

Airlines that Allow ESA Dogs

Airline	Advance Notice Required	Cabin Location	Weight Limit
Delta	48 hours	Cabin/Under Seat	20 lbs.
American Airlines	48 hours	Cabin	No limit
United	48 hours	Cabin	25 lbs.
Alaska Airlines	Check-In	Cabin	15 lbs.
Southwest	Check-In	Cabin	No limit

FAQ

1. Can I bring my emotional support animal on an airplane?

   Most major airlines allow you to bring your emotional support animal (ESA) in the cabin for free. However, airlines have the right to ask for paperwork showing you need an ESA for a mental health condition. The animal also needs to behave on the plane.

2. What paperwork do I need for my ESA?

   You’ll need a letter from your mental health professional stating that you need an ESA to help with your condition. The letter should include your name, your therapist’s information, and confirm that you require the animal’s presence. It’s a good idea to contact the airline in advance to check their ESA policy.

3. Are there any restrictions on what animals I can bring?

   While many companion animals are allowed, certain breeds may be prohibited due to safety concerns. Very uncommonly, an animal very big or unsafe may also not fly in the cabin. Check with your airline first to avoid issues. However, at the end of the day, an airline has the final say over whether an emotional support animal can fly with you.

4. What are my responsibilities with an ESA on a plane?

   ESAs on planes must behave well and not disrupt other passengers. They should remain at your feet or on your lap during takeoff and landing. You’ll also need to clean up after your pet if there are any “accidents” in flight. ESAs also cannot be seated in emergency exit rows since they aren’t trained for emergencies like service animals. Be polite, as some folks have unkind views of pets flying for free!

   

5. Could I face problems bringing an “unofficial” ESA?

   Technically yes, it is forbidden and you could get in trouble. Airlines have a right to deny animals lacking paperwork. It’s also unfriendly to those with allegories. However, every once in a while you may get away with it if the animal is tiny and well behaved. But is it worth the possible risks or being sent home without your pet? It appears official documentation protects both you and the airline.

6. Do any airlines have additional ESA policies?

   Some carriers have tighter rules due to bad encounters before. For example, one major airline now requires a “behavior agreement” stating your animal will remain leashed, not bark or growl, not sit in laps, and more. Another carrier asks for vet records proving shots are up to date. On the flip side, budget airlines often have fewer restrictions for small pets at a fee. Regardless, always check individual policies carefully before booking travel with an ESA.

7. Can I travel internationally with an ESA?

   Bringing an ESA on international flights can be more complex than domestic travel. Some countries have lengthy quarantines while others ban certain breeds. It’s essential to research requirements for any country you’ll transit or visit. You may also need rabies vaccination records or import permits in advance. Although ESAs help many people, international travel with pets requires extensive planning. Are you up for all that work?