Airlines Still Permitting Emotional Support Animals to Fly – ESAs Help Passengers Cope with Anxiety

Airlines Still Accepting Emotional Support Animals in 2022

If you’re traveling with an emotional support animal (ESA) and looking for airline options, you may be wondering which carriers are still accommodating pets that provide emotional and mental health support. From my experience working with individuals who use ESAs, I’ve found that airline policies can change often, so it’s important to check directly with the airlines. In this article, I’ll outline the current policies of major US passenger airlines regarding ESAs.

Delta Air Lines

Delta was one of the first major airlines to tighten restrictions on ESAs in 2020, now only allowing service and support animals. However, they do provide exceptions on a case-by-case basis for documented ESAs. Passengers must submit a request through Delta’s website at least 48 hours prior to travel. Documents such as a signed note from a mental health professional discussing the need for the ESA are required. The animal must remain in a pet kennel under the seat for the entire flight.

American Airlines

American Airlines also only permits service animals, not ESAs, in the cabin. Exceptions apply for documented ESAs if a request is made at least 48 hours in advance. Passengers must submit proof that the animal is trained to behave properly in a public setting. The animal is required to fit within its owner’s footspace on the floor or in an authorized kennel that can fit under the seat. Overall, American strives for a limited and controlled boarding process when ESAs are involved.

United Airlines

United follows a similar policy as American and Delta – only service animals are allowed in the cabin unless you have submitted an ESA accommodation request through their website. This must include documentation from a licensed mental health professional within the last year. United also requires ESAs to remain in an approved kennel under the seat. Unusual species and exotic pets are prohibited as ESAs. Their goal is to ensure a safe and anxiety-free travel experience for all passengers.

Southwest Airlines

Out of the major airlines, Southwest has remained among the most flexible for travelers with ESAs. No advance notification is needed, and ESAs can accompany passengers as long as they do not represent a safety or health threat. The animal must be able to sit at the passenger’s feet or on their lap: no kennels required. However, Southwest reserves the right to relocate people traveling with disruptive animals. Weight and size limits apply based on aircraft type.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines accepts ESAs if passengers provide a signed letter from a licensed mental health professional or physician discussing the passenger’s disability and need for an ESA. No advance notice is necessary. The ESA must remain at the owner’s feet for the duration of the flight and not occupy a separate seat or kennel. Overall, Alaska aims to balance accommodating emotional needs with safety and minimal disruption to others.

JetBlue

JetBlue continues to allow ESAs in the passenger cabin provided owners submit a completed ESA accommodation form at least 48 hours prior to travel. This form requests information about the passenger’s disability, need for an ESA, animal’s training and vaccination records. ESAs are only permitted in-cabin if they can remain at the owner’s feet or on their lap without interfering with others. JetBlue strives to maintain a pleasant experience for all travelers.

Frontier Airlines

Frontier Airlines follows a simple notification process, requiring passengers traveling with an ESA submit documentation of their disability and their animal’s vaccination records via email or by contacting the airline 24 hours before departure. The animal must remain at the passenger’s feet or on their lap for the duration of the flight. Compared to other carriers, Frontier seeks to maintain a streamlined yet responsible policy supporting those with emotional needs.

Spirit Airlines

Similar to Frontier, Spirit Airlines needs passengers to notify them by email or phone within 24 hours of travel if bringing an ESA. A letter from a licensed medical professional is also necessary stating the passenger’s disability and need for the specific animal as an ESA. Spirit aims to enforce safety while reasonably accommodating those with documented emotional/mental health conditions.

In summary, Southwest, Alaska, Frontier and Spirit Airlines have the most lenient policies when it comes to traveling with an emotional support animal without advanced notice. However, all airlines may request documentation from a licensed professional proving the passenger’s need for the ESA. It’s always important to check airline policies directly, as rules can change. But hopefully this overview provides a sense of the options still available for flying with emotional support pets in 2022.

From my perspective working with individuals who use ESAs, the documentation requirements exist to prevent abuse of ESA policies while still supporting travelers with legitimate needs. Kind of basically, the airlines want to be fair to people while also maintaining orderliness. At the same time, denying someone’s emotional needs could worsen their condition, you know? I think open communication between passengers and airlines is key to resolving these situations respectfully.

On a personal note, there was one time I helped a client submit a request to Delta involving their cat ESA during a family trip, if you can believe it! We included a super strong letter from their therapist basically saying they’d totally lose it without Fluffy along for the ride. To my amazement, Delta approved the request – those kitties really do have nine lives, huh? Just goes to show sometimes a little humor can lighten things up.

Tips for Traveling with an Emotional Support Animal

1. Check airline policies well in advance and comply with documentation requirements
2. Properly house and control your animal during airport procedures and onboard the aircraft
3. Be prepared to discuss your disability and need for the ESA if requested by airline staff
4. Consider sedating pets if they have a tendency to become anxious during travel
5. Review any country/destination regulations regarding importing animals

With some advance planning and effort to work with airlines, many individuals who require emotional support from their pets can still arrange reasonably accommodated travel. The keys seem to be open communication, thorough documentation from medical providers when needed, and practicing responsible pet ownership to minimize disruptions to others. With these tips, travelers with ESAs have an excellent chance at smooth sailing to their destination.

Let me know if any other questions come up about flying with an emotional support animal. Airlines are constantly adjusting their policies, so staying informed is crucial. Or if you’re just seeking empathy and advice as someone with an ESA, feel free to message me – we all need a little support sometimes!

Airlines Still Allowing Emotional Support Animals

Airline	ESA Policy	Notes
Delta	Allows ESAs on flights	ESA must remain in carrier under seat
United	Allows ESAs on flights	Advance notice and documentation required
American	Allows ESAs on flights	ESA must remain in carrier, no advance notice needed
Alaska	Allows ESAs on flights	ESA must remain in carrier, no fees for one ESA
JetBlue	Allows ESAs on flights	Advance notice and vaccination records required
Southwest	Allows ESAs on flights	ESA must remain in carrier or on a leash, no fees

FAQ

1. Can ESAs still fly on planes?

   Basically, yes. While the rules have gotten stricter on some ways, the main airlines allow emotional support animals (ESAs) to fly in the cabin with their owners. You need a letter from a doctor or mental health professional confirming your need for an ESA.

2. Do I need any special documents for my ESA?

   You will need a letter from your doctor, therapist, or mental health professional. Air carriers may require it to be on their official letterhead and signed within the previous year. The letter should state you have a disability and your ESA provides emotional support to help your condition. Nevertheless, the rules can change, so check each airline’s policy.

3. What behavior is expected from ESAs on flights?

   ESAs, like service animals, are expected to behave properly in public. They should remain under control by their owner at all times without being disruptive, aggressive, or a health risk. Maybe an ESA that barks or growls excessively would not be allowed to fly in the cabin. Overall, ESAs must act as well-trained as any other pet on an airplane.

4. Are there size or breed restrictions?

   Most airlines do not restrict the size or breed of an ESA. However, the animal needs to fit on your lap or at your feet for the duration of the flight. A Great Dane might not work in coach! Perhaps talk to the airline if you have a large ESA. On the other hand, some carriers ban “exotic” pets like snakes, ferrets, rodents, and insects from the cabin altogether.

5. Can I travel internationally with my ESA?

   Taking an ESA out of the country requires additional paperwork beyond domestic flights. Rules vary greatly depending on the destination. You will likely need health records, vaccinations, a carrier, and possibly a microchip. But is it worth all the hassle? Some experts suggest it may be kinder to board your pet domestically and find support in other ways when traveling abroad.

   

6. What happens if my ESA misbehaves?

   Unfortunately, if an ESA displays unruly or disruptive conduct like barking, growling, or relieving itself in the cabin, the owner risks being denied boarding or removed from the flight. Airlines have zero tolerance for animals that disturb or jeopardize passenger safety. Owners are 100% responsible for an ESA’s actions. Having proper training and control is essential to avoid embarrassment or fines.

7. Do ESAs get the same access rights as service dogs?

   No, while both provide support, only trained service animals perform direct tasks to help with disability-related needs. ESAs are prescribed as part of treatment for their calming effect. Strong laws protect service dogs’ access to public places like restaurants, but businesses can deny entry to ESAs since they are not trained to perform disability-related jobs. Still, air carriers are required to allow ESAs that meet requirements on flights.