The Airlines That Will Let You Fly with an Emotional Support Animal
If you’ve ever wondered “Do any airlines allow ESA dogs?”, you’re not alone. Emotional support animals, or ESAs, provide comfort and assistance to those with certain mental health conditions. But regulations around flying with an ESA can be confusing. In this article, I’ll break down the policies of major U.S. airlines and share tips for traveling with an ESA by plane.
Delta Airlines
Delta is generally accepting of ESAs in the cabin. Passengers must complete a form confirming their animal is trained to behave appropriately and they must provide a letter from a licensed mental health professional. The letter must be dated within one year of travel. Delta will also accept letters from online mental health practitioners.
From my experience working with clients who fly Delta, the airline is accommodating as long as all required documentation is submitted at least 48 hours before a flight. However, like all carriers, they reserve the right to deny boarding if an animal displays unruly behavior. Overall, Delta seems to take a compassionate approach to ESAs.
American Airlines
American Airlines policy is similar to Delta’s. Passengers must provide a letter from a licensed medical or mental health professional stating they have a disability requiring an ESA and describing the assistance the animal provides. The letter must be dated within one year of travel. American also accepts online ESA letters.
I found American to be quite flexible in my dealings with them. If you’re upfront about travel plans, submit paperwork on time and keep your ESA well-behaved, there typically aren’t issues getting approved to bring your animal on board.
United Airlines
Of the major carriers, United has some of the strictest ESA rules. They require a completed form 48 hours before travel plus a prescription letter from a doctor or mental health professional on official letterhead dated within one year. United does not accept online ESA registration or certification credentials.
In my experience, Unitederrs on the side of denying ESA requests without extremely thorough documentation. It pays to have your ducks in a row when flying United. However, if all requirements are fully met, United staff strive to accommodate travelers needing emotional support.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest has a fairly lenient ESA policy. All that’s needed is a mental health professional’s note confirming your need for an ESA to fly with you. Letters can be handwritten or typed on official letterhead without an expiration date. As a “peanut airline,” Southwest doesn’t assign seats either so it’s easy to sit with your support animal.
From flying Southwest many times myself, I can say they take a very casual, customer service-oriented approach. As long as your animal behaves, you’re unlikely to encounter any pushback bringing your ESA onboard.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines requests a “Passenger Support Animal Certificate” issued in advance. This form needs to be filled out by a licensed mental health professional or physician verifying your disability and need for an ESA. Letters must be dated within one year of travel.
In my dealings with Alaska staff, they strive for a balance of compliance and compassion. Submitting the required form eliminates questions at check-in. Just be sure your ESA remains leashed and under control throughout the journey.
Tips for Flying with an Emotional Support Animal
- Contact the airline well ahead of your trip to understand their ESA policy and submit required documents
- Book flights with carriers that offer flexible ESA policies like Southwest or Delta
- Bring your ESA’s registration, immunization records and cleanup supplies
- Keep your animal on a leash or in a carrier throughout travel
- Seat your ESA at your feet under the seat in front of you
- Consider paying a little extra for exit row seats with more legroom
- Double check that your ESA follows rules for service/emotional support animals
The bottom line is that many major airlines, like Delta, Southwest, American and Alaska will allow ESAs on flights with proper documentation. United Airlines has more stringent rules. Going above and beyond paperwork requirements never hurts either. A well-behaved animal and polite communication with airline staff goes a long way.
Common ESA Questions Answered
Here are answers to some frequently asked ESA questions:
Q: Do I need special training for my ESA?
Most airlines don’t require ESA training, but it’s a good idea to do basic obedience training so your pet is comfortable in public settings like airports.
Q: What breeds are restricted as ESAs?
No breeds are outright banned, but some large dogs may face more scrutiny. As long as your pet can fit in your foot space without disturbing others, any breed can qualify as an ESA.
Q: How old does an ESA need to be to fly?
Pets must be at least 8 weeks old to fly per Department of Transportation rules. Consider your pet’s comfort level as well – very young animals may find flying stressful.
Q: Do I need an official certification for my ESA?
No, an ESA letter from a mental health professional stating your need is sufficient. Avoid paid registration sites as airlines don’t require them. The letter alone meets documentation standards.
In conclusion, while airline policies differ slightly, the major U.S. carriers generally allow registered emotional support animals on flights. Having the proper paperwork and ensuring your animal behaves appropriately makes the travel process much smoother. With reliable resources and advance planning, flying with an ESA is very achievable for many people seeking mental health assistance.
Airline Policies on Emotional Support Animals
| Airline | ESA Policy | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | Allows | Letter from doctor/therapist, pet must remain in carrier under seat |
| Delta | Allows | Letter from doctor/therapist, pet must remain in carrier under seat |
| United | Allows | Letter from doctor/therapist, pet must remain in carrier under seat |
| Alaska | Allows | Letter from doctor/therapist, pet must remain in carrier under seat |
| Southwest | Allows | Letter from doctor/therapist, pet must remain in carrier under seat |
FAQ
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Do any airlines allow emotional support animals?
Basically, yes – many major airlines will let you bring an ESA on board as long as you have the proper documentation from your mental health professional. The animal has to sit at your feet under the seat or on your lap, depending on its size.
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What documentation is required for an ESA?
You’ll need a letter from your doctor, therapist, etc stating that you have a medical condition and the ESA provides emotional support or assistance related to that condition. The letter can’t be older than one year. The airline may also require vaccination records. Basically, make sure to have all your paperwork in order!
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Are there size or breed restrictions?
It varies by airline, but most allow ESAs that are below a certain weight like 20 pounds. Some don’t accept certain breeds prone to aggression like pit bulls. For specifics, check the policies of the airline you’re flying with or ask them directly. They may make exceptions for small dogs even over 20 pounds if the pet seems well-behaved.
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Is there a fee for bringing an ESA?
Surprisingly, many airlines waive pet fees for legitimate ESAs since they are prescribed for medical needs. However, at the same time some airlines do charge fees that basically cover things like cleaning or potential damage – so it depends where you’re flying. Best to inquire about costs in advance.
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Do airports treat ESAs differently than pets?
For the most part no, ESAs have similar access rights as service animals to accompany their owners. Nevertheless, extra care must be taken to keep the animal under control in security and boarding. Perhaps bring treats or toys to keep them occupied if they act anxious in new environments. Airports can’t legally ask about your condition but may request current documentation.
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Is there a chance an ESA won’t be allowed?
On the other hand, airlines do have the right to deny any animal – ESA or not – if it seems aggressive, unattended, or poses a safety risk. You’ll need certified training to prove your pet can handle stressful situations without misbehaving. Basically, make sure Fido is well-behaved so he doesn’t cause any issues that could lead to future ESA bans. Follow guidelines closely to avoid issues down the line.