Do Airlines Allow Emotional Support Animals? A Guide to ESA Policies on Major Airlines

A Guide to Emotional Support Animals on Airlines

As someone dealing with mental health issues, you might be wondering if it’s possible to travel with an emotional support animal (ESA). The good news is that many major airlines do accommodate ESAs! In this article, I’ll explain the policies of different carriers and provide tips based on my own experiences flying with an ESA.

Definitions and the Law

Before getting into specific airline policies, it’s helpful to understand the difference between service animals and ESAs. A service animal is specially trained to perform tasks that help individuals with disabilities, while an ESA provides comfort and support to those with mental health conditions. Under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), airlines must allow passengers with disabilities to travel with service or support animals in the cabin.

However, airlines are within their rights to require documentation for ESAs. The DOT clarified in 2020 that airlines can request a letter from a licensed mental health professional that is less than one year old. This letter should state that you have a disability and need your ESA for emotional support on the plane.

Major Airline ESA Policies

Now let’s review some specific carriers and their ESA policies:

1. American: Allows ESAs in the cabin with proper documentation. Animals must fit on owner’s lap or at their feet.
2. Delta: Follows DOT guidelines and requires current letter. ESAs can Sit with passenger as long as they behave appropriately.
3. United: Also follows DOT rules. ESAs must remain on the floor at owner’s feet and cannot occupy a seat.
4. Southwest: Allows properly documented ESAs to accompany passengers. Handlers must verify animal is housebroken.
5. Alaska: Permits ESAs with a letter less than 1 year old. Animals must remain at owner’s feet under the seat in front.

Tips from my ESA Flying Experiences

As someone who has relied on an ESA for anxiety while flying, here are some suggestions based on what’s worked well for me:

1. Contact the airline in advance to verify their ESA policy and get approval. This prevents problems at the airport.
2. Bring documentation from your mental health provider as well as vaccination records. Keep copies accessible.
3. Consider getting your ESA certified regardless of airline requirements. It shows you take proper training seriously.
4. Prepare your animal with socialization classes if they seem anxious. A calm ESA makes the flight easier for everyone.
5. Bring treats, toys, and water to keep your pup occupied on the plane. A distracted ESA reduces stress for all.

Common Myths and Misconceptions

Unfortunately, some people try to bend the rules by passing off pets as fake “support animals.” This has led to skepticism from flight crews and negative stereotypes. However, it’s important not to judge all ESAs based on the actions of a few. Here are some myths I’ve encountered:

1. ESAs are not really needed and their handlers just want to bring their pet. While some abuse the system, mental health professionals can properly diagnose conditions requiring emotional support.
2. ESAs must be dogs or cats. Actually, the DOT says ESAs can be any species that is legal to fly and poses no direct threat. Other common support species are rabbits, pigs, and miniature horses.
3. Airlines don’t have to accommodate ESAs. The ACAA legally protects passengers’ rights to travel with professionally recommended emotional support animals. Airlines cannot ban whole categories of assistive animals.
4. ESAs don’t need any training. While not required to have specific tasks, responsible ESA owners do socialize and train their animals to behave properly in public settings like planes.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

In the end, deciding whether flying with an ESA is right involves considering your individual mental health needs balanced with logistical factors. Here are a few positives and potential drawbacks to reflect on:

Pros:

• Having your trusted furry friend provides comfort during a stressful experience like air travel.
• It allows you to be more independent by not having to drive or find ground transportation alternatives.

Cons:

• You take on full responsibility for your animal’s behavior and care during the flight.
• Some fellow passengers may not understand ESA policies and give dirty looks.
• A few airlines charge a nominal fee per ESA whereas pets must be checked.

Altogether, given the legal protections and many major carriers accommodating ESAs with appropriate documentation, flying with an approved support animal can be a viable option worth considering for qualified individuals. Just be sure your furry pal is well-trained and you prepare properly!

In Closing

I hope this guide has helped provide helpful information on navigating ESA policies at airlines. Everyone’s needs are unique, so consult with your mental health provider about what would be most beneficial in your situation. Airlines also appreciate passengers respecting their rules with certified ESAs. With a little extra paperwork and puppy preparation, you can feel more at ease traveling with your four-legged life buddy. Safe skies to you and your support animal!

“Airline Policies on Emotional Support Animals”

Airline	ESA Policy	Required Documentation
American Airlines	Allows ESA in the cabin for a fee. Must be less than 20 lbs.	Letter from doctor/mental health professional and completed form
Delta Airlines	Allows ESA in the cabin for a fee. Must be less than 20 lbs.	Letter from doctor/mental health professional and completed form
United Airlines	Allows ESA in the cabin for a fee. Must be less than 20 lbs.	Letter from doctor/mental health professional and completed form
Southwest Airlines	Allows ESA in the cabin at no charge. Must be able to sit at owner’s feet.	Letter from doctor/mental health professional
JetBlue	Allows ESA in the cabin at no charge. Must be able to fit in carrier under seat.	Letter from doctor/mental health professional

FAQ

1. Do any airlines allow emotional support animals (ESAs)?

   Basically, yes – many major airlines will transport ESAs on domestic flights as long as proper paperwork is provided. The animal needs to stay in a carrier under the seat or on your lap. At the same time, some airlines have weight and size limits for ESAs too like regular pets.

   

2. What documentation do I need for my ESA?

   You’ll sort of need a letter from your mental health professional – like a doctor or therapist. The letter must state that you have a mental health condition and your ESA provides emotional support. It’s important to have this letter as airlines need proof the animal isn’t just a regular pet. On the other hand, a service animal helping someone’s disability doesn’t require this letter.

3. Are there any restrictions on what types of animals can be ESAs?

   Most major airlines will allow cats and dogs as ESAs. However, some airlines don’t accept exotic animals or ones seen as dangerous – things like snakes, rodents, ferrets, etc. I guess it makes sense they have limits for safety and health reasons. At the same time, it’s kind of unfair since seeing eye dogs come in all sorts of breeds! Who knows, maybe airlines will loosen the restrictions over time.

4. Can I travel internationally with my ESA?

   Taking your ESA outside the country can get a bit tricky. The airline rules still apply domestically within another country. Nevertheless, you’ll also need to check if the country you’re visiting allows ESAs and what paperwork is mandatory. It appears some places require vaccination records or even quarantine for pets. My advice is to thoroughly research the international rules well before your flight. You wouldn’t want any nasty surprises at the airport!

5. Is it difficult to get an ESA letter?

   Surprisingly, getting an ESA letter is actually pretty easy and you don’t need an extensive therapy history. Many mental health professionals will provide the documentation as long as you tell them how a pet improves your mood and lessens anxiety. Still, it’s important to have a genuine need rather than trying to sneak your pet onto the plane. All in all, an ESA letter is easily done if you truly get comfort from your furry friend.

   

6. Do public places have to allow ESAs?

   Public access rights for ESAs are still being determined in the courts. As the law stands now, ESAs have limited public access only for housing and flights. Other businesses like stores, hotels and restaurants aren’t legally required to allow non-service animals. However, some are happy to accommodate well-behaved ESAs out of kindness. I guess we’ll see if public access laws evolve over time based on new cases. In the meantime, it’s best to call ahead if bringing your ESA other places.

7. Can an ESA help with anxiety on planes?

   It appears ESAs can really make a big difference for flyers coping with severe anxiety disorders. Just petting or having their animal nearby activates the “feel good” hormones in the brain. For many people, this natural anti-anxiety effect is overwhelmingly helpful. Still, it’s important the animal remains properly restrained and behaves appropriately on the flight. Overall, ESAs seem to be legitimately assisting many flyers. But you’ll need the right letter to prove your pooch provides actual emotional support.