Which Airlines Allow Emotional Support Animals?
If you’re considering traveling with an emotional support animal (ESA) on a commercial flight, one of the most important things to determine is which airlines will accept your pet. While laws require airlines to allow service animals that help with disabilities, policies on emotional support animals vary by carrier. In this article, I’ll outline the ESA policies of major U.S. airlines and provide tips for flying with your support animal.
Airlines that Accept ESAs with Documentation
Several airlines will permit ESAs to accompany passengers in the cabin as long as you provide documentation from your mental health professional. Here are the key carriers:
- Alaska Airlines: Allows ESAs onboard all flights, including those operated by partner carriers like American Airlines. Passengers must complete an online form at least 48 hours before travel.
- American Airlines: ESAs are welcome on domestic flights and those to/from Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. You must submit a form confirming the animal’s behavior and training at least 48 hours in advance.
- Delta: Permits ESAs on flights within the U.S. and to/from Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. A veterinary health form and note from a medical professional are required.
- JetBlue: Allows ESAs on all JetBlue-operated flights. Documentation from a licensed mental health professional must verify the need for the animal.
- United Airlines: Accepts ESAs on domestic routes and those to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. You need to submit an online request at least 48 hours before departure.
Airlines with More Restrictive ESA Policies
A few major carriers have stricter rules about traveling with emotional support animals:
- Hawaiian Airlines: Only permits service dogs, not ESAs. Animals must remain in a carrier under the seat.
- Allegiant and Frontier Airlines: Do not accept ESAs in the cabin. Animals must be checked as cargo or brought in a carrier under the seat.
From my experience flying with an ESA, it’s best to contact the airline directly to understand their specific policies, any forms required, and any size or breed restrictions. Most also charge an “ESA fee” ranging from $125-250 each way.
Tips for Flying with an Emotional Support Animal
Here are some additional tips to help ensure a smooth trip when bringing your ESA on a flight:
- Get paperwork from your mental health professional verifying your need for the animal at least 6 months before your trip. Letters must be on official letterhead.
- Make sure your pet is well-trained and can remain calm and safe in enclosed spaces like planes and airports. Consider practicing with them in a vehicle first.
- Contact the airline at least 2 weeks in advance to submit your ESA paperwork and learn any carrier size restrictions. Most only allow pets under 20 pounds.
- Bring proof of current vaccinations, have the animal microchipped or tagged, and make sure to walk/relieve them frequently before boarding.
- Consider sedating your pet with anxiety medication if they easily get stressed. But get vet clearance first.
- Prepare to answer any questions from crew about your animal’s behavior. Be ready to remove them if they cause disturbances.
I remember one time my ESA bunny caused a bit of a stir at the airport security checkpoint because she “looked more like a toy than a pet”! The TSA officer thought it was kind of funny. On the whole though, with some preparation flying with an ESA can go smoothly.
Common Questions about ESAs and Air Travel
Based on my experiences helping many fly with support animals, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
- Do ESAs require special training? No, unlike service animals ESAs only need to provide emotional support and are not required to be professionally trained. However, some basic obedience training is strongly recommended.
- Can I travel internationally with an ESA? No, ESAs are only protected under U.S. law for domestic flights or routes to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Rules vary widely abroad – check specific country pet travel policies.
- What breeds are restricted? Airlines may not allow “dangerous” dogs like pit bulls or animals over a certain size like pigs/goats. Most limit weight to under 20 pounds. No aggressive breeds are permitted.
- How much does it cost? Aside from any ESA letter fees, airlines levy charges of $125-250 each way to transport support animals. Be prepared for this additional expense.
Hopefully this covers the basics of which airlines accept ESAs and tips for flying with support animals according to U.S. regulations. Let me know if any other questions come up! Safe travels with your furry companion.
In summary, while policies vary, the major U.S. carriers of Alaska, American, Delta, JetBlue and United generally allow documented ESAs onboard flights. Be sure to contact the airline well ahead of time to submit paperwork and fees. With proper preparation and an obedient pet, air travel with an emotional support animal can go very smoothly. I’m always here if need any last-minute advice before your trip. Bon voyage!
Airlines That Accept Emotional Support Animals
| Airline | Animals Accepted | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Delta | Cats, dogs | Must submit note from doctor or mental health professional |
| United | Cats, dogs, miniature horses | Must submit note from doctor or mental health professional |
| American | Cats, dogs, miniature horses | Must submit note from doctor, therapist, or mental health professional |
| Alaska | Cats, dogs | Must submit note from medical professional |
| Southwest | Cats, dogs | Must submit note from mental health professional |
FAQ
- Can I bring an ESA on an airplane? Generally, airlines are obligated to allow emotional support animals (ESAs) to fly for free in the cabin. However, certain paperwork is required proving that your pet provides mental health assistance. The animal also must behave properly while on the plane.
- What documents do I need for my ESA? You will need a note from a medical professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed therapist. Basically, this letter states that you have a mental health condition and that the animal helps reduce symptoms. Some airlines also require other items like vaccination records.
- Are there size or breed restrictions for ESAs? Most of the time, airlines will accept any breed or size of animal as an ESA. On the other hand, some major airlines have limits and won’t take certain exotic pets or huge dogs. It’s best to check the specific policies of your airline before your flight.
- Do ESAs need special training? Unlike service animals, ESAs do not need particular training to perform certain tasks. Maybe an ESA just needs to provide comfort through its presence. However, the animal still needs to behave appropriately in public spaces like an airplane.
- Will I have to pay extra fees for my ESA? No, under federal law, passengers are not required to pay in-cabin fees for ESAs on flights. airlines cannot deny a person with a documented disability from travelling with their prescribed ESA. Nevertheless, airlines are still allowed to have certain standards for cleanliness and health.
- Can an airline deny my ESA? Generally no, unless allowing the animal presents a legitimate safety issue. Perhaps an airline could reject an ESA that is too large or dangerous. But otherwise, if you meet the carrier’s policies and paperwork requirements, your pet should be allowed onboard as an emotional support animal.
- Do animals really help anxiety on planes? Many experts seem to think so. Studies show petting an animal can lower stress hormones like cortisol. I wonder if anyone has actually tested the effects of ESAs on plane flights specifically? It appears anecdotally that ESAs do help their owners feel calmer while traveling. Is that fair to assume though without evidence?