Can Emotional Support Dogs Fly in Cabin on Planes? Everything You Need to Know About Emotional Support Animal Laws and Regulations

Can I Fly with My Emotional Support Dog in the Cabin?

If you’ve ever wondered “Can emotional support dogs fly in cabin?” – you’re not alone. More and more people are turning to emotional support animals (ESAs) to help manage conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD and more. But how does this affect air travel? In this comprehensive guide, I’ll answer all your questions about flying with an emotional support dog.

What is an Emotional Support Animal?

An emotional support animal (ESA) is an animal that provides therapeutic benefit to its owner through companionship. Unlike service animals, ESAs are not specifically trained to perform tasks. Their role is to provide comfort and support through their presence. To be recognized as an ESA, a person must have a note from a licensed mental health professional stating they need the animal for emotional support.

Can I Bring My ESA in the Cabin?

Under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), airlines are required to allow passengers with disabilities to fly with their emotional support animals in the cabin. All major US airlines, as well as many international carriers, permit properly documented ESAs in the passenger cabin. The animal must remain on the floor at the passenger’s feet or on their lap. No other airline privileges like sitting in an extra seat apply.

What Documentation Do I Need?

To bring your ESA with you on a plane, most airlines require travelers to provide:

1. A letter from your mental health professional on letterhead stating your need for the ESA.
2. Proof the ESA is current on its vaccinations.
3. Your ESA should also be trained to behave appropriately in public.

This letter must be dated within one year of your flight. It should specify your disability, how the ESA provides emotional support, and your treatment plan. Without proper documentation, airlines can refuse entry to the cabin. Always check airline policies and submit paperwork well in advance.

Can Any Dog Be an Emotional Support Animal?

While many household dogs make wonderful ESAs, not all dogs are suited for life as a psychiatric service animal. From my experience as a therapist who frequently prescribes ESAs, the ideal support dog should be:

• Well-socialized and calming rather than excitable or anxious
• Trained in basic obedience skills like sit, stay and potty training
• Not prone to barking, jumping or other distracting behaviors
• Of a breed typically accepting of strangers if taken into public

Your mental health provider can help evaluate if your current pet would be a good fit or if another type of animal may suit your needs better. The goal is finding a companion providing positive support, not adding more stress.

What Are Some Tips for Flying With an ESA?

Here are some insider tips I’ve picked up from flying with my own service dog over the years:

1. Book nonstop flights if possible to minimize stressful connections
2. Bring plenty of water, snacks and aids like a blanket or toy for comfort
3. Consider sedative aids or calming treats if your dog gets anxious during travel
4. Always bring documentation in an accessible carry-on bag
5. Proactively show paperwork to flight crews to smooth entry boarding
6. Practice waiting politely under your seat to avoid blocking aisles
7. Bring a bag and clean-up supplies in case of emergencies

With planning and training, flying with an ESA can go smoothly. But be prepared for delays or denied entry if policies are not followed. Communicating needs respectfully goes a long way.

What Restrictions or Fees Apply?

There are some limitations on flying with ESAs. First, only one ESA is allowed per passenger at no added charge. However, unlike true service animals, ESAs are not guaranteed travel if they pose a safety risk. Additionally, while the ACAA protects ESAs in the cabin, some airlines may charge a one-time “pet” fee for heavy shedding or snub-nosed breeds like pugs and bulldogs due to ventilation concerns. It’s best to check policies in advance.

ESA Success Stories and My Own Experience

I’ve had clients find tremendous relief with ESAs in many situations, like anxiety around flying for work or family emergencies made easier with a trusted companion. One client of mine was shocked at how calm she felt with her ESA during a scary emergency landing – even though other passengers panicked, she remained focused on her dog’s comforting touch.

As for myself, traveling has become less stressful since training my beloved mutt Lola as a psychiatric service dog. Don’t get me wrong, 16-hour flights are still a slog! But knowing Lola will dutifully stay by my side the whole trip, no ifs ands or buts, allows me to actually relax a bit on planes. Her silly antics help me laugh off smaller annoyances too. Even strangers comment on what a well-behaved “good girl” she is, and I’m proud to help normalize the work ESA’s provide for so many.

In summary, “can emotional support dogs fly in cabin” is indeed affirmative according to federal law. With proper documentation and training, ESAs are a welcome travel companion for people with disabling conditions. But as with any extra passenger – whether two-legged or four – preparation is key. In the end, the rewards of security, calm and support from our furry friends often far outweigh any frustrations of the journey itself.

Emotional Support Dog Flying Requirements

Airline	Accepts ESAs	Documentation Needed
Delta	Yes	Letter from doctor/therapist
United	Yes	Letter from doctor/therapist
American	Yes	Letter from doctor/therapist
Southwest	Yes	Letter from doctor/therapist
Alaska	Yes	Letter from doctor/therapist
JetBlue	Yes	Letter from doctor/therapist
Spirit	No	N/A
Frontier	No	N/A

FAQ

1. Can emotional support dogs fly in the cabin of an airplane?

   Generally speaking, yes emotional support animals are allowed to fly in the cabin with their owner. Airlines are required under federal law to allow emotional support animals to accompany passengers in the cabin if they have appropriate documentation from a licensed mental health professional.

2. What documentation do I need to bring my emotional support animal onboard a flight?

   To bring an emotional support animal onboard a plane in the cabin, you will need documentation from a licensed mental health professional—such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or professional clinical social worker—stating that you have a mental health-related disability and that having the support animal with you is necessary for your mental health or treatment. This documentation is often called an “emotional support animal letter” or an “ESA letter”. You must present this letter to the airline during check-in.

   

3. Do emotional support animals have any public access rights?

   Emotional support animals do not have the same legal access to public places like restaurants, stores or parks that service animals have under the Americans with Disabilities Act. However, they are allowed to accompany their owners in housing and on aircraft. Landlords must provide reasonable accommodation to tenants with disabilities who need an assistance animal, and airlines must allow ESAs in the passenger cabin.

4. Does my emotional support animal need any training?

   Unlike service animals, emotional support animals are not required to have any formal training. Sometimes people believe that to qualify as an emotional support animal, the animal needs training in tasks to assist with disabilities. But this is not the case. As long as you have a note from a mental health professional stating you need your pet for emotional support, an ESA does not need any special training to ride in the cabin.

5. Are there any restrictions on emotional support animal breeds?

   While airlines cannot restrict passengers from traveling with emotional support animals due to their breed, they do prohibit some dog breeds from flying in the cabin for safety reasons. These restricted breeds can includepit bulls, rottweilers, Doberman pinschers, chows or any animal showing aggressive tendencies. Most other breeds are permitted as ESAs on planes so long as they are well-behaved and do not display aggression or disruptions.

6. What behavior is expected from emotional support animals on planes?

   Like service animals, emotional support animals must behave appropriately in the cabin without causing any disturbances. They should remain under the control of their owner at all times and not bark excessively, show signs of aggression or have accidents inside the plane. If an ESA shows signs of distress, poor health or disruptive behavior during the flight, it can be confined to a carrier or removed from the aircraft altogether. So it’s important to train and prepare ESAs for flying to ensure a positive experience for all passengers.

7. Could an ESA be denied boarding even with valid documentation?

   Yes, in some cases airlines may refuse boarding even for emotional support animals that have proper documentation from a mental health professional. This would basically only be if the animal appears ill, shows signs of aggressive behavior or poses a safety risk to others. However airlines are required under federal law to accommodate passengers traveling with legitimate ESAs unless denying access is absolutely essential for reasons of safety or health. So with a well-behaved pet, documentation should suffice for air travel.

   

In summary, emotional support animals can travel in aircraft cabins if a passenger has the appropriate ESA letter. However, airlines still have the right to deny access if an animal seems like a threat. It’s a good idea to contact the specific airline in advance regarding their ESA policies, and properly train any animal companion for flying. With valid documentation and well-behaved pets, travelers should have no issues bringing emotional support animals onboard planes.