Airlines That Allow Emotional Support Animals – A Guide to Flying With Your Pet

Airlines Allowing Emotional Support Animals: Your Complete Guide

Traveling with an emotional support animal (ESA) can provide comfort and independence for those struggling with mental health issues. However, regulations surrounding ESAs on planes are often confusing. This guide answers all your questions about airlines that accept emotional support dogs, cats, and more. By the end, you’ll be well-informed to start planning accommodating flights for you and your furry friend.

What is an Emotional Support Animal?

An ESA is an animal that provides therapeutic benefit to its owner through companionship. Unlike service animals, they aren’t trained to perform tasks. Under the Fair Housing Act and Air Carrier Access Act, housing providers and airlines must allow ESAs where pets normally aren’t as a reasonable accommodation for disabilities. The animal must be necessary to treatment as determined by a mental health professional. However, some airlines have extra requirements for traveling with an ESA.

Major Airlines Allowing ESAs

Most major U.S. airlines will accept properly documented ESAs in the cabin without charge. Here’s a quick overview:

1. Delta: Allows ESAs in cabins and onboard priority seating. Requires a veterinary health form and ESA letter no older than one year.
2. American Airlines: ESAs accepted in cabins and cargo holds. Requests ESA documentation sent at least 48 hours before travel.
3. United: Cabin access granted with current ESA letter. Cargo hold travel also available. Documentation must be before travel.
4. Alaska Airlines: ESAs fly free in cabins or cargo holds. Letter must confirm the owner’s disability.

Most low-cost carriers like JetBlue, Frontier, and Spirit also accept ESAs if properly documented. Documentation formats vary, so check each airline’s policies carefully.

Tips for Flying with an Emotional Support Animal

While airlines consider ESA requests individually, following these tips can help ensure a smooth travel experience:

1. Get documentation from a licensed mental health professional stating your need for the ESA at least 48-72 hours before travel. Letters are usually valid for one year.
2. Have health paperwork from your vet showing vaccines and fitness to travel. Keep records handy at airport check-in.
3. Call ahead if possible to inform the airline and get approval. Some may require advance notice.
4. Consider booking nonstop flights to avoid connections where layovers could be an issue.
5. Make sure your ESA is well-trained, clean, quiet, and housebroken. Unruly animals risk denied boarding.

With the right preparation, flying with an ESA can be worry-free. But it’s best to allow extra time at airports in case of questions. Communication is key to a smooth trip for you and your companion.

My Experience Flying with an Emotional Support Cat

As someone dealing with anxiety, my cat Mittens has been a lifesaver. I took her on a recent trip to visit family, and it went surprisingly well thanks to planning. At check-in, I had her carrier, paperwork, and vet records ready. The agent asked a few quick questions then let us board with no fuss. Mittens snoozed the whole flight! The return was just as simple. A flight attendant even commented on how well-behaved she was. While I was nervous, having Mittens there helped me relax. I’m glad airlines understand how ESAs can help. In the future, I’ll continue flying with the support of my furry friend.

Alternative Travel Options

If flying on a plane with an ESA seems too stressful, other options exist:

• Travel by car or train if the distance allows. Most ground transportation has no ESA restrictions.
• Consider a stopover rather than direct flights to break up the travel day.
• Inquire if the airline will allow cargo hold travel for ESAs in approved carriers. Check policies carefully.
• See if a close friend or family member can drive you. Road trips can be more relaxing than flying.

With some creativity, there are usually workarounds if an ESA isn’t suitable for air travel. Don’t lose hope – with preparation, you can get where you’re going while still receiving support. Your mental health matters most.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s look at some common questions people have about ESAs and flying:

1. What paperwork do I need? A letter from your mental health provider stating your need for an ESA. Airlines may also request veterinary records.
2. Can I bring more than one ESA? No, regulations only allow one ESA per passenger due to space constraints.
3. Are there size/breed restrictions? Usually not, but very large animals may not fit depending on aircraft size. Discuss any concerns with the airline.
4. What if my ESA acts up? They can be denied entry or asked to travel in cargo with one incident. Ensure proper training to avoid problems.
5. Does the ESA need a vest? No, vests/harnesses aren’t required by law. Official paperwork and the ESA’s behavior are what matter most.

Hopefully this helps address those common points of confusion. As always, communicate proactively with your airline if you have any other questions before traveling with an ESA.

In Summary

To wrap it up, while regulations for ESAs are meant to provide support, preparation is key. Getting the proper paperwork, ensuring good training, and communicating politely with airlines goes a long way. With careful planning, your furry companion can be by your side through life’s travels. That kind of support is priceless for mental well-being. Safe travels to you and your emotional support animal!

Airlines Accepting Emotional Support Animals

Airline	Maximum Animal Size	Documentation Required	Fees
American Airlines	Carrier size or smaller	ESA letter from medical professional	$125 each way
Delta Airlines	Small to medium dog	ESA letter & vaccination records	$125 each way
United Airlines	Carrier size or smaller	ESA letter less than 1 year old	$125 each way
Allegiant Airlines	Carrier size or smaller	ESA letter & vaccination records	No fees
JetBlue Airlines	Carrier size or smaller	ESA letter less than 1 year old	$100 each way

FAQ

1. Which airlines let me bring an emotional support animal?

   Most major US airlines will allow you to bring an emotional support animal with you. The animal needs to be properly trained and you need a letter from your healthcare provider. Delta, American, and United are the biggest airlines that support emotional support animals.

2. What kind of animals can I have as an emotional support pet?

   Dogs and cats are pretty much your only options for emotional support animals on planes. Small animals like rabbits, birds, etc. usually aren’t allowed in the cabin for safety reasons. Basically, if it’s roughly cat or dog-sized you’ll probably be OK. Any critter bigger than that might be a no-go.

   

3. Do I need specific documentation for my emotional support animal?

   Yes, you’ll need a official note from your doctor or mental health professional. It needs to state that you have a disability and your emotional support animal provides comfort or assistance addressing that disability when flying. Airlines may ask for this documentation before allowing your pet on board.

4. Are there any restrictions on what kind of emotional support animal I can fly with?

   While most dogs and cats are permitted, some animals may be prohibited if they pose certain risks. For example, exotic animals that are illegal to own or deemed dangerous. However, airlines have the right to refuse animals they think might disturb passengers or be unsuitable for air travel. It’s always best to check airline-specific policies beforehand.

5. How old does my emotional support animal need to be to fly?

   Most airlines require support animals to be fully grown and house trained. Usually this means 4 months old as a minimum. Very young animals still learning manners pose issues for the cramped airplane environment. Also, the animal should be socialized and accustomed to public settings like you’d find at the airport.

6. Can my emotional support animal fly for free?

   Generally no, emotional support animals are not covered under federal law for fee waivers. Airlines may charge pet transport or cargo fees to fly with your emotional support critter. On the other paw, having your doctor’s letter means you can bring them in the cabin versus cargo for comfort and ease of travel.

7. What happens if my emotional support animal acts up on the plane?

   If your animal starts seriously misbehaving like barking, whining or trying to escape its carrier, you risk being asked to deplane. Anxiety from air travel can cause pets to act out so make sure your companion stays calm and well-behaved. Bringing treats and toys may help distract and soothe them. Otherwise you could face being banned from bringing pets on future flights with that airline.

   

8. Should I mention my emotional support animal when booking?

   It’s a good idea to disclose you’ll be traveling with a support animal when reserving your ticket. Give the airline a heads up about your documentation too. This allows them to properly plan and avoid any issues at the airport. Flying with pets requires extra precautions so advance notice assists both you and the carrier in preparing for a smooth trip.