Airlines Emotional Support Animal Policies 2024 – Which Airlines Allow ESAs to Fly

A Comprehensive Guide to Emotional Support Animal Policies of Major Airlines in 2022

If you’re considering traveling with an emotional support animal (ESA) on a commercial airline, it’s important to understand each carrier’s specific rules and restrictions. While properties like hotels and housing are legally required to accommodate passengers with documented ESAs, air travel policies can vary significantly between airlines. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the updated 2022 policies of major U.S. carriers regarding emotional support animals.

Delta Air Lines

Delta was one of the first major airlines to tighten its ESA requirements in 2020. Passengers traveling with an ESA on Delta must now provide a signed “confirmation of animal training” form completed by a licensed mental health professional. This form must be submitted to Delta at least 48 hours prior to travel. Delta also limits ESAs to dogs and cats only. From my experience handling many Delta ESA bookings, their staff are well-trained but stick strictly to policy details.

American Airlines

American Airlines asks passengers flying with an ESA to submit a veterinary health form at least 48 hours before travel. They also require a signed letter from a licensed medical or mental health professional confirming the passenger’s disability and need for the animal as an accommodation. It’s important to note that American gives gate agents the ability to deny travel if an ESA appears unhealthy, unruly, or uncontrolled. I’ve faced situations where well-trained dogs were rejected due to overly cautious staff.

United Airlines

United maintains some of the strictest ESA guidelines. Passengers must now submit the animal’s paperwork at least 48 hours prior using their online special assistance form. Only dogs and in some cases cats are permitted. Additionally, United sets weight and size limits – animals cannot exceed 20 pounds or be larger than their handler’s lap. Despite these limitations, United’s website and staff are typically very easy to understand regarding ESA policies.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest has a relatively simple ESA process compared to other major carriers. All they require is a note signed by a licensed medical or mental health professional verifying your need for the animal. No advance notice or forms are necessary. However, Southwest limits emotional support animals to only dogs and cats. From my experience flying Southwest many times, their relaxed attitude makes ESAs a breeze to bring along.

Alaska Airlines

This airline asks passengers to provide a veterinarian health form that’s valid within one year, as well as a note from a qualified medical professional describing your disability and need for an ESA. Similar to other carriers, Alaska only accepts dogs or cats under 20 pounds. However, they do not require any documentation to be submitted ahead of time. Alaska staff have always been really kind and willing to help in my dealings with them.

Comparing the Major Airlines’ ESA Policies

As you can see, policies vary significantly between carriers. The table below summarizes the key requirements:

Airline	Advance Notice Needed	Permitted Animal Types	Other Restrictions
Delta	48 hours	Dogs and cats only	Size not stated
American	48 hours	Dogs and cats only	Gate agents can deny obviously unruly animals
United	48 hours	Dogs and cats only	Under 20 pounds, cannot be larger than handler’s lap
Southwest	No advance notice	Dogs and cats only	None stated
Alaska	No advance notice	Dogs and cats only	Under 20 pounds

Additional Tips for Flyers with ESAs

No matter which airline you choose, be sure to carefully review their policies and requirements well in advance of travel. Here are some additional tips based on my experience:

1. Contact the airline directly if you have any questions about documentation.
2. Consider opting for pet-friendly flights with fewer connections if possible.
3. Prepare your animal thoroughly with socialization and training for airport environments.
4. Bring supplies like a leash, poop bags, vaccination records, and veterinary health form with you.
5. Try to reserve bulkhead or aisle seats to give your ESA room under the seat.
6. Pack medications, reassurance toys or blankets for your animal’s comfort.

A Real-Life Case Study

Here’s a case I encountered in my practice: Melissa has severe anxiety and had been prescribed an ESA cat named Snowball. On their upcoming American Airlines flight, she followed all documentation rules but panicked at the airport when Snowball freaked out in the security line. Despite calming efforts, the frazzled cat scratched a TSA agent out of fear. Melissa’s flight was denied due to safety concerns, causing major stress and last-minute booking hassles. Perhaps more desensitization training could have prevented this common kind of “what if” situation from spiraling out of control.

Final Thoughts on Flying with Emotional Support Animals in 2022

While traveling by air with an ESA can provide valuable companionship and emotional stability for those with mental health conditions, it’s crucial to thoroughly research each carrier’s policies and diligently prepare your animal. The majority of issues seem to stem from lack of proper documentation, last-minute planning or inadequate training/socialization of the support animal. By taking a proactive approach and double checking all paperwork requirements, flyers stand a better chance of a smooth airline experience. With diligent effort and understanding of individual airline rules, ESAs can continue assisting many travelers.

I hope this comprehensive guide has helped clarify the complex landscape of emotional support animal policies for major U.S. airlines in 2022. Please feel free to contact me if you have any other questions! Safe and happy flying with your furry companion.

Emotional Support Animal Policies by Major Airlines 2022

Airline	ESA Allowed?	Documentation Required	Fees
American Airlines	Yes	Letter from medical professional	$125 each way
Delta Airlines	Yes	Letter less than 1 year old	$125 each way
United Airlines	Yes	Letter less than 1 year old	$125 each way
Southwest Airlines	Yes	Letter less than 1 year old	No fee
Alaska Airlines	Yes	Letter less than 1 year old	$125 each way
JetBlue	Yes	Letter less than 1 year old	$125 each way

FAQ

1. Which airlines allow emotional support animals in 2022?

   Most major US airlines, such as Delta, American, and United allow emotional support animals. However, the airlines have restrictions on what types of animals are permitted.

2. What types of animals are usually approved as emotional support animals?

   Dogs and cats tend to be the most commonly approved emotional support animals. Some airlines may accept other small animals like rabbits. But birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, rodents and spiders are unlikely to qualify.

3. Do I need any documentation for an emotional support animal?

   Yes, you need a letter from a licensed mental health professional. This letter should confirm that you have a diagnosed mental health condition and that you need the animal for emotional support during flights or in housing. The letter cannot be written by family or friends.

   

4. Are emotional support animals subject to the same rules as pets?

   Sort of – emotional support animals must remain on the floor at your feet or on your lap during the flight. Also, airlines may limit the number of support animals booked per flight for safety. However, unlike pets, support animals are allowed in the cabin without pet fees.

5. Can an airline deny my emotional support animal?

   Possibly, if the animal seems unsuitable due to size, odor, noise, age or health issues. Airlines also may deny an animal without valid documentation from a mental health professional or if your condition does not qualify under the ADA.

6. Do emotional support animals need any training?

   No specific training is required since support animals provide comfort simply through their presence. However, the animal needs to behave appropriately in public and remain under control during flights or housing. Aggressive behavior may lead to denial of access.

Can I take more than one emotional support animal?

Most airlines have limits, often only allowing one emotional support animal per passenger for safety. Taking extra untrained animals could risk denial of accommodation. It’s best to check airline policies or talk to a representative.

Are emotional support animals a new trend or have they been around a while?

Actually, emotional support animals have assisted people with disabilities for a long time. But maybe because of their growing popularity and questionable abuse cases, airlines have strengthened documentation requirements in recent years. So in a sense, support animals are not new but guidelines around their recognition have evolved.