Airlines That Accept Emotional Support Animals: Your Complete Guide
If you rely on an emotional support animal for mental health reasons, air travel can present challenges. But never fear – there are still options for you and your furry companion to fly together. In this article, I’ll breakdown the policies of major US airlines regarding emotional support dogs and the documentation you need. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which carriers accept ESAs and how to prepare for your upcoming trip.
What is an Emotional Support Animal?
Let’s start with some basic definitions. An emotional support animal (ESA) is a companion animal that provides therapeutic benefit to its owner through its presence. ESAs are prescribed by a mental health professional to help treat a diagnosed disability, like depression, anxiety, or PTSD. They are not considered service animals, which are trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities.
While emotional support animals don’t have the extensive training of service animals, they still provide crucial moral support for their owners. Studies show pet ownership can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, ease loneliness, and even boost mood. For many people struggling with mental illness, an ESA provides comfort and stability. That’s why federal law protects your right to travel with an ESA as a reasonable accommodation for your disability.
Required Documentation for Emotional Support Animals
To fly with an ESA, airlines require a letter from your licensed mental health professional – usually a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist. This letter must:
- Be on official letterhead
- Be dated and signed within the last year
- Identify your diagnosis that requires an ESA
- Confirm the ESA provides emotional support to help treat your disability
Remember, the letter must indicate that you have an ongoing need for the animal, not just want to avoid pet fees. Without this ESA verification letter, airlines can deny your companion from flying in the cabin with you.
Major Airlines and Emotional Support Animal Policies
Now let’s dive into individual airline policies regarding ESAs:
American Airlines
American accepts properly documented ESAs in the passenger cabin for a 5 non-refundable fee each way. The animal must remain on the floor at your feet or on your lap, and you are responsible for any disruption or damage it causes. They limit ESA species to dogs or cats only. Check their website for full details and restrictions.
Delta Airlines
Delta also charges $125 each way for ESAs, but beware – they have started tightening documentation requirements in response to abuse. Your letter must specifically address your need for the ESA on the date of travel. They also accept dogs or cats only. Learn more at their site.
United Airlines
United lets ESAs fly for free in the cabin. But like Delta, they closely scrutinize letters to prevent false claims. Owners are responsible for animals that exhibit aggressive or disruptive behavior. United’s policy page gives all the specifics.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest has one of the most lenient ESA policies – no fees required. Animals must fit on your lap or at your feet. Their website sums it all up concisely if you’re considering this low-cost carrier.
JetBlue Airways
Similar to Southwest, JetBlue waives all pet fees for properly documented ESAs. The animal needs to remain at your seat with you. Double check all rules and guidelines ahead of time.
Alaska Airlines
Last but not least, Alaska charges $125 each way for ESAs. Other standard practices apply like only dogs/cats and keeping them under control. Their policy page is thorough and helpful for planning your trip.
Tips for Flying With an Emotional Support Animal
Here are some extras tips to help make flying with your ESA go smoothly:
- Prepare your documentation well in advance – don’t wait until the last minute!
- Contact the airline directly to discuss any specific needs or concerns you have
- Consider a checked carrier or comfort bag as your animal may need to be secured under the seat during takeoff/landing
- Bring supplies, food and water in sealable bags in case of flight delays
- Check if your destination has any pet restrictions, like size/breed limits
- Clearly mark your ESA – but avoid commercial gear that tricks people into thinking it’s a pet
With preparation and the right paperwork, traveling by air with your emotional support animal is absolutely possible on major domestic carriers. Don’t get discouraged – there are options out there. With diligent planning using the strategies above, you and your furry friend can hit the friendly skies together.
Hope this big picture perspective helped outline your airline choices when flying with an ESA. Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions as you arrange your travels. Wishing you smooth sailing on your next adventure!
Airlines Accepting Emotional Support Dogs
| Airline | Fees | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Delta | $125 | Vet letter, Rabies vaccine, Carrier |
| American | $125 | Vet letter, Current vaccinations |
| United | $125 | Vet letter, Rabies vaccine |
| Alaska | No fee | Vet letter, Current vaccinations |
| Southwest | No fee | Vet letter, Carrier if not housebroken |
| JetBlue | $100 | Vet letter, Rabies vaccine |
FAQ
- What kinds of dogs can I bring as an emotional support animal on an airline?
Most major airlines will allow you to bring cats and dogs as emotional support animals. The animal needs to fit comfortably in a carrier that can go under the seat in front of you. Basically any dogs that are not too big to fit in the carrier are OK. Just be sure to check the specific rules for the airline as they can vary a little. - Do I need any paperwork for an emotional support dog on a plane?
Yes, you’ll need a letter from your doctor or mental health professional stating that you have a disability and need the animal for emotional support. The letter has to be dated within one year of your flight. Airlines may have other paperwork as well, so check their website to see what exact documents you need. Don’t forget to bring copies with you in case they’re requested at the airport. - What kinds of behaviors are unacceptable for emotional support dogs on planes?
Any behavior that could hurt someone or disrupt other passengers is not allowed. That means dogs who bark a lot, jump on people, or have accidents in the cabin need to be well trained. At the same time, exceptionally shy dogs who seem stressed by the noise and crowds probably shouldn’t fly either. Basically, if Fido acts like most well-behaved pets at home, he’ll probably do just fine on the plane. - Are airlines required to accept emotional support animals?
Yes, under the Air Carrier Access Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, airlines have to allow emotional support animals in the cabin for passengers with disabilities. However, airlines are allowed to require advance notice and documentation from a medical professional. On the other hand, airlines do not have to accept certain exotic or unusual pets as ESAs. - What if my dog starts bothering other passengers?
If your dog causes any problems like barking loudly or being obviously distressed during the flight, the crew may ask you to put your pet in a carrier for the remainder of the flight. In extreme cases when the dog just won’t calm down, you could be asked to get off the plane with your pet. Most airlines will try to work with you to get the animal under control before resorting to that, fortunately. But it’s best to bring a well-trained, chill pup to avoid any embarrassing situations and keep the cabin peaceful for everyone. - Do I have to pay a fee to bring my ESA?
While most airlines don’t charge an extra fee for service animals on domestic flights, some may collect a pet fee for an ESA since they fly as cargo not as service animals. However, this fee is usually waved with documentation of your disability need. But fees can apply on international flights so check in advance. Perhaps the chance to comfort you makes it worth flying Fido anyway! Just be sure to research fees, if any, for your specific airline so no surprises hit your wallet. - What other things should I know about flying with an emotional support dog?
Be prepared for airport security to give your dog a pat down. Bring plenty of water, have your pooch potty right before the flight, clean up any accidents right away, and update your dog’s vaccinations. Consider anxiety medication from your vet for dogs stressed by travel. Most airlines have size and breed limits, so measure cages carefully. And arrive extra early since ESA screening adds time. But bringing a buddy could make your flight easier if you feel nervous, so maybe it’s worth the effort. Overall, with preparation, emotional support dogs smoothly share the journey millions of times each year.