Airlines That Accept Emotional Support Dogs – How To Fly With Your Comfort Pet

Airlines That Permit Emotional Support Animals: Your Complete Guide

Traveling with an emotional support animal can provide important benefits for those struggling with certain conditions. However, rules governing which airlines accept ESAs and how to fly with them can seem confusing. This article provides a comprehensive overview of major U.S. carriers’ policies on emotional support dogs, cats, and other approved species.

Understanding Emotional Support Animals

An emotional support animal (ESA) is prescribed to a patient by a licensed mental health professional as part of the treatment for disabilities like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and more. Unlike service animals, ESAs are not trained to perform specific tasks. Their role is to provide comfort and support through companionship. Airlines are required under the Air Carrier Access Act to allow ESAs in the cabin for passengers with documented mental or emotional disabilities.

Top Airlines Accepting ESAs

Most major carriers have policies enabling passengers to travel with emotional support dogs or cats in-cabin. Here are the basic rules for the largest U.S. airlines:

1. American Airlines: Accepts dogs and cats as ESAs in-cabin with proper documentation. No fee, but animal must remain in carrier under seat.
2. Delta: Follows the same rules as American – emotional support dogs and cats only. Documentation required in advance.
3. United: Allows emotional support dogs, cats and miniature horses. Paperwork must be submitted at least 48 hours before travel. No pre-approval needed for dogs and cats.
4. Southwest: Welcomes emotional support dogs and cats on flights. Certificate from medical professional needed at check-in. Maximum of one ESA per passenger.
5. Alaska Airlines: Accepts properly documented emotional support dogs or cats at no extra fee. Does not accept miniature horses or other species.

In general, ESAs do not incur pet fees. Only dogs, cats and occasionally miniature horses are approved for cabin travel. Most airlines require documentation to be submitted in advance online or presented upon check-in.

Tips for Flying With an Emotional Support Animal

While airlines must allow ESAs, there are guidelines owners should follow to ensure a smooth trip:

1. Obtain a formal note from your mental health provider stating your disability and need for an ESA at least one month before travel. Letters are only valid for one year.
2. Contact the airline in advance to verify their ESA policies and get your documentation approved. Major carriers like pre-approval for certain species.
3. Book nonstop flights if possible to reduce chance of connecting problems. Most airlines limit ESAs to one per passenger.
4. Make sure your animal is well-behaved, house-trained, and remains leashed or in an approved carrier at all times in the airport and plane.
5. Be prepared to show ESA documents and ID at check-in, screening and boarding. Carry supplies in an easily accessible bag.

Proper preparation and following airline rules will help ensure your ESA gets where he or she needs to go safely and smoothly.

Common Issues and FAQs

Despite regulations allowing ESAs, some difficulties can arise. Being informed helps avoid potential problems:

1. Fake ESA letters or improper documentation:

   Airlines may refuse to accept certificates that appear fraudulent or lack the required details like your disability diagnosis and doctors’ contact info.

2. Last minute reservations or lack of pre-approval:

   Airlines prefer emotional support reservations made early due to aircraft and seating constraints. Without proper pre-clearance, you could get denied boarding.

3. Unruly or poorly trained animals:

   ESAs that bark, jump on others or have accidents may not be accepted for safety and will likely be denied boarding or future flights.

4. Connecting flights or delays:

   Make sure your animal has food, water, medications and proper ID if separated from you due to long layovers or mechanical issues. Consider shipping instead of multi-leg trips.

With honest paperwork, polite behavior and respecting airline policies, traveling with an ESA is generally smooth. The key is doing your part to prepare adequately.

Alternatives to Flying with an ESA

If difficulties seem likely due to animal temperament or a complex itinerary, other options exist:

1. Road trip or train travel where your ESA is welcome
2. Fly solo and get support from loved ones at your destination instead of relying on an animal
3. Temporary pet boarding rather than subjecting your animal to airport stresses
4. Consider medication or therapy as treatment alternatives – ESAs are not always necessary

For many, a companion animal is crucial to mental wellness. But in some cases, other approaches may lead to less travel complications.

Final Thoughts

Flying with an emotional support animal affords important psychological benefits to those with disabilities affecting their mental health. Airlines are required to accommodate properly documented ESAs for passengers who rely on companion animals. Being well-prepared and following carrier guidelines helps ensure smooth sailing during air travel.

Whether considering an ESA or exploring alternatives, communicate openly with your doctor about appropriate treatment options. With planning and cooperation, flying anxiety disorders need not prevent enjoying life’s journeys.

Airlines That Allow Emotional Support Animals

Airline	Document Requirement	Animal Limit	Animal Type	Fee
American Airlines	ESA letter required	2 animals per passenger	Dogs and cats only	$125 each way
Delta Airlines	ESA letter and veterinary health form required	1 animal per passenger	Dogs and cats only	$125 each way
United Airlines	ESA letter required	2 animals per passenger	Dogs, cats, and miniature horses	$125 each way
Alaska Airlines	ESA letter required	2 animals per passenger	Dogs and cats only	No fee
Southwest Airlines	ESA letter required	2 animals per passenger	Dogs and cats only	No fee

FAQ

1. Which airlines let me fly with an emotional support dog?

   Basically, the major airlines in the US that allow emotional support dogs are American, Delta, United and Alaska. However, there are some rules you need to follow like providing documentation from a doctor or mental health provider.

   

2. Do I need special paperwork for an emotional support dog?

   Yes, you need documentation from a licensed mental health professional stating that you have a disability and need your emotional support dog for air travel. This letter needs to be recent, within one year. Wonder what the therapist has to say about your need for fluffy?

3. Can an emotional support animal fly in the cabin with me?

   As far as I know, yes – emotional support animals can fly in the cabin with their owner. Nevertheless, they must remain at your feet or on your lap during the flight for safety reasons and so as not to disturb others. Bring some really yummy treats to keep your furry friend occupied!

4. How old does my dog need to be to fly as support?

   Most airlines require emotional support dogs to be at least 4 months old. Any younger and they may not be fully vaccinated or trained. You want to make sure your pup is comfortable in new environments before subjecting them to the perhaps stressful experience of air travel.

5. Is there a size limit for support dogs?

   The size limit varies by airline, but as a general rule emotional support dogs should be small enough to fit comfortably in your feet area without blocking the aisle or other passengers. Perhaps check each airline’s specific policies on weight and dimensions. A cocker spaniel may fly unter the size restrictions better than a Great Dane!

6. How do I prepare my dog for their first flight?

   It’s a good idea to get your dog accustomed to their carrier or try test trips to the airport in a taxi or shuttle bus. Bring favorite toys/blankets and familiar scents. Maybe see if there are doggie “frequent flyer” classes to help your pup feel calm and chill on board. Above all, be prepared with patience, treats and praise!

7. Do support animals need any special training?

   While emotional support animals don’t need formal “service animal” training, it’s a good idea to do basic obedience drills to reinforce polite public behavior. The goal is for them to be as harmless and well-behaved as a lapdog so they don’t disturb others. A little secret… even regular dogs can use confidence-boosting training!

   

8. What if my dog acts up on the plane?

   If all your preparation fails and your furry friend gets anxious or won’t be still, you can be asked to remove them from the cabin. Being a disruption poses a safety issue, so you basically want to ensure they can handle the unique airplane environment before taking them along. Have a backup plan just in case!