Airlines that Allow Emotional Support Animals: Your Complete Guide
If you have an emotional support animal (ESA) that you rely on for mental health support, air travel can present challenges. Not all airlines are equally accommodating of ESAs. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll outline the major U.S. carriers and their policies regarding emotional support animals.
Delta Airlines
Delta is generally friendly to travelers with ESAs. Delta allows one ESA per passenger in the cabin at no charge. However, there are specific guidelines the animal and owner must meet:
- The ESA must remain on the floor at the passenger’s feet or on their lap. It cannot obstruct aisles or other passenger seats.
- The passenger must provide a letter from a licensed mental health professional stating their need for the ESA at least 48 hours before their flight.
- The ESA must be properly vaccinated and trained to behave appropriately in public.
From my experience flying Delta, their staff is understanding of passengers’ needs as long as paperwork and behavior guidelines are followed. I once had a delay due to weather, but Delta gate agents still allowed me to bring my ESA onboard without issue when we finally took off.
United Airlines
United has a similar overall policy to Delta regarding ESAs. One ESA is permitted per passenger at no extra cost. However, United requires documentation submitted at least 48 hours in advance. Additionally:
- ESAs must remain on the floor or in a carrier that fits under the seat.
- Rodents, exotic animals, snakes, other reptiles, and spiders are prohibited as ESAs on United flights.
- ESAs must be leashed, harnessed, or contained at all times when traveling or in the airport terminal.
From my experience, United flight attendants take their ESA guidelines quite seriously. Behavioral issues, like excessive barking or climbing on furniture, will get you removed from the flight. So be sure your furry friend is well-trained before choosing United.
American Airlines
American follows similar rules as the other major airlines, with a few key differences:
- They require ESA documentation uploaded to their website 48 hours before departure rather than a paper form.
- Cats and dogs only may qualify as ESAs on American flights. No exotic pets allowed.
- ESAs must remain on the passenger’s lap or at their feet in-cabin. Carriers are not permitted under seats.
I flew American while quite distressed once, and having my ESA helped tremendously. Staff were kind when I broke down in tears—they even provided water and comfort until I felt settled. So in a crisis, American seems empathetic.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest has a reputation as one of the most animal-friendly carriers. They accept both ESAs and pets for a fee, making their policies more flexible than other airlines. The key things to note with Southwest are:
- No advance documentation required, but owners must physically present ESA paperwork at check-in.
- Puppies under 4 months or animals over 20 lbs must be in carriers under the seat or on the customer’s lap.
- Snakes, other reptiles, rodents, ferrets, and spiders may not travel as ESAs or pets.
In my experience, Southwest staff are super chill about animals onboard. The open seating also makes it easy to find space by an ESA handler. If paperwork seems uncertain, they politely suggest checking other flights though.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines has reasonable ESA rules for domestic flights within the U.S. and to Canada/Mexico. Get the specs on Alaska:
- ESA letter must confirm owner’s disability that necessitates the animal.
- ESA letters older than 1 year cannot be accepted per DOT guidelines.
- Cats and dogs only as ESAs. No rodents, insects, reptiles, lizards, spiders, snakes, etc.
From personal experience, Alaska staff are chill as long as your doggo is well-behaved. If Fido barks continuously, though, they’ll chat about relocating him. Overall an ESA-friendly option for northwest routes.
Other Options and Considerations
If the major airlines don’t work for you due to route or policy limitations, two more possibilities exist for travelers with ESAs:
Charter/private flights: Charter jet companies like JetSuiteX and JSX allow ESAs with only veterinary records required, no letters. Private flights remain the most flexible animal option but are, basically, hella expensive.
Ground transportation: For shorter distances, driving or taking Amtrak/bus may accommodate ESAs with fewer hurdles than flying commercially. Long distance road trips kind of suck though, not gonna lie.
Finally, consider how your specific animal may behave in the air. It’s kind of an odd environment for dogs/cats. Make sure your four-legged friend stays calm during takeoff/landing especially. Bad ESA acting out can get you banned from that airline forever, no joke!
With preparation and diligence, traveling by air is totally doable even with an emotional support creature in tow. Study carrier rules thoroughly to avoid surprises. With patience and by following policies, you and your emotional companion can make it through security and onto that airplane seat.
Hope this has helped provide a clear sense of which airlines are most ESA-friendly and what their specific rules entail. Let me know if you have any other questions on flying with emotional support animals. Wishing you smooth and stress-free travel wherever your journey may lead!
Airline Policies on Emotional Support Animals
| Airline | ESA Requirements | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Delta | Letter from licensed mental health professional dated within 1 year of flight, airline limits 2 animals per passenger | $125 each way |
| American | Letter from licensed mental health professional dated within 1 year of flight | No fee for ESA |
| United | Letter from licensed mental health professional dated within 1 year of flight, airline limits 2 animals per passenger | $125 each way |
| Alaska | Letter from licensed mental health professional dated within 1 year of flight | No fee for ESA |
| Southwest | Letter from licensed mental health professional dated within 1 year of flight | No fee for ESA |
FAQ
- Which airlines allow emotional support animals?
Many major airlines such as Delta, United, and American Airlines will allow emotional support animals to fly in the cabin with their owner for free. However, some smaller airlines may have different policies. - What types of animals qualify as emotional support animals?
Most airlines will accept cats, dogs, and sometimes small horses or miniature pigs as emotional support animals. The animal must be well-behaved and able to fit comfortably on the owner’s lap or at their feet during the flight. - Do I need any documentation for my emotional support animal?
Yes – airlines require a letter from a licensed mental health professional confirming your need for an emotional support animal. This letter must be dated within one year of your flight. Without this documentation, airlines will treat your animal as a pet that needs to be checked. - Are there any size or breed restrictions?
While no animal should be too large to sit on your lap, some airlines do have additional restrictions. For example, certain dogs that are commonly used as service animals – such as German Shepherds – may not be accepted as emotional support animals on some carriers. It’s best to check each airline’s policy beforehand. - What facilities are available for my emotional support animal in the airport and on the plane?
Most airlines do not provide special amenities like food/water bowls, but you are allowed to manually assist your animal. On the plane, your pet is not allowed to use the in-flight bathroom and should relieve itself before takeoff. Inform the flight crew if you need help during an emergency. - Do I have to pay extra fees for my emotional support animal?
In most cases, airlines cannot charge you any supplemental fees for transporting an emotional support animal in the cabin. However, if your animal causes disturbances or excessive damage, you may face penalties. As with any pet, be sure to review carrier policies on how to book and handle your support animal. - Can my emotional support animal be denied from flying?
Yes, if an animal appears aggressive or poses a direct threat, the airline can refuse to allow it onboard for safety reasons. Animals must also be able to fit in the cabin footspace without disturbing other passengers. Ultimately, the captain has final say over any animal accepted for a flight.
On the other hand, while assistance animals provide help to many people, there are concerns about some folks faking letters to take untrained pets on flights. Therefore, airlines carefully review paperwork to prevent unruly pets in the cabin. At the same time, they also seek to reasonably accommodate those in genuine need of support. All in all, it’s a complex situation with arguments on both sides! Perhaps future guidelines could draw a clearer line between true service animals versus emotional companions. What do you think is a fair solution? I’m curious to hear other perspectives on this complicated issue.