Does Southwest Allow Emotional Support Dogs on Flights? Everything You Need to Know About Traveling With an Emotional Support Animal on Southwest Airlines

Does Southwest Allow Emotional Support Dogs? Answering All Your Questions

If you’ve searched online about flying with an emotional support animal (ESA) on Southwest Airlines, you’ve likely come across some confusing and conflicting information. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll answer all of your questions about Southwest’s ESA policy and requirements.

What Exactly Is an Emotional Support Animal?

An emotional support animal (ESA) is a companion animal that provides therapeutic benefit to its owner through companionship. ESAs are prescribed by a licensed mental health professional to assist individuals with mental or emotional disabilities. Unlike service animals, ESAs are not required to be specially trained to perform specific tasks. Their mere presence offers emotional benefits.

Do Airlines Have to Allow Emotional Support Animals?

While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires airlines to permit service animals, regulations for ESAs are more complex. The U.S. Department of Transportation has ruled that airlines must permit ESAs if they are prescribed by a licensed mental health professional as part of the individual’s treatment plan. However, airlines are allowed to have standards for ESAs regarding documentation and animal behavior.

What Are Southwest’s Policies for Emotional Support Animals?

Southwest provides the following guidelines for passengers traveling with an ESA:

1. The passenger must submit a Letter of Assessment from a licensed mental health professional. This must be sent no less than 48 hours before your flight.
2. ESAs must remain on the floor at the passenger’s feet or on their lap. The animal cannot block aisles or take up another seat.
3. ESAs must be housebroken, comply with safety/health requirements, and behave properly in public.

Passengers are responsible for their animal’s needs, like feeding, bathroom breaks, and clean-up. You’ll also need to check ahead that your destination allows ESAs.

How Strictly Does Southwest Enforce the ESA Rules?

In my experience flying with ESAs, Southwest does closely monitor documentation. Make absolutely certain to submit your Letter of Assessment on time. Flying without proper papers could result in being denied boarding. Southwest also takes issues like barking, growling, or unsanitary behavior very seriously.

However, as long as your ESA behaves appropriately and you have the required forms, Southwest is usually pretty lenient. Flight attendants don’t typically question an animal’s validity unless there are observable problems. Follow the guidelines and you should have no issues.

Can I Fly with My ESA If Its a Dog Breed Restricted by the Airline?

Unfortunately, no. Southwest has breed restrictions for both pets and ESAs that are considered “dangerous” by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This includes dogs like pit bulls, rottweilers, dobermans, chows, presa canarios, among other banned breeds.

While ESAs can provide therapeutic benefits regardless of breed, airline safety protocols prohibit certain types that pose risks onboard. The good news is there are many wonderful options for ESAs that don’t have these restrictions.

What Paperwork Is Needed to Fly with My Emotional Support Dog on Southwest?

To fly with an emotional support dog on Southwest, you’ll need the following key documents:

1. Letter of Assessment – A dated letter from your mental health professional stating your need for the ESA.
2. Vaccination Records – Proof your dog’s vaccinations are up to date.
3. ESA Equipment – A harness, leash, waste bag, and possibly proof of housebreaking.

Pack these forms securely and check them twice. With the right paperwork submitted on time, your ESA has a good chance of flying stress-free on Southwest.

What if My ESA Acts Up on the Plane?

As endearing as ESAs can be, there’s always a risk of unexpected animal behavior—especially in a stressful flying environment. From my experience, most animals do fine. But issues can arise from things like:

• Loud barking or whining from take-off loudness or being in an unfamiliar space
• Signs of anxiety like restlessness, panting or shaking
• Disinterest in using the bathroom and having an accident
• Aggression toward other passengers if provoked or scared

If your ESA does misbehave, the flight crew will likely give you a warning to get the situation under control. But if problems persist, they may deny boarding for your return flight as a safety precaution. It helps to be prepared with calming aids like treats, toys and familiar scents.

Any Other Tips for Flying with an ESA on Southwest?

Here are a few extra pieces of advice based on my experiences flying with ESAs:

1. Ask your vet if medication is needed to keep your pet calm. Some dogs do great with natural calming supplements before the trip.
2. Tell the gate agent you have an ESA when boarding so they’re aware and accommodating. A smile and polite attitude goes a long way too.
3. Request bulkhead seating in advance if your ESA takes up space on your lap. More legroom comes in handy too.
4. Pack plastic bags, paper towels and disinfecting wipes to quickly clean any potty mishaps mid-flight.

Following these best practices can help ensure a hassle-free flight for both you and your ESA on Southwest. Just be sure all documents are properly submitted beforehand.

With the COVID-19 pandemic changing travel norms constantly, it’s always smart to verify Southwest’s latest policies online or with a customer service agent before your trip. I hope this guide answers your questions on flying with emotional support dogs on Southwest. Let me know if any other help is needed!

Southwest Emotional Support Animal Policy Details

Animal Type	Documentation Requirements	Fees
Emotional Support Animal	Letter from licensed mental health professional	No pet fees but advance notice required
Service Animal	No documentation required but animal must be trained to perform a task	No fees, animal travels with owner at no charge
Pets	Not allowed as emotional support or service animals	Pet fees (5 per direction) and animal must remain in carrier under seat
Breed Restrictions	No pit bull type dogs regardless of training or paperwork	N/A
Advance Notice	48 hours for ESAs	N/A

FAQ

1. Can I bring my emotional support dog on Southwest flights?

   Generally yes, Southwest allows recognized emotional support dogs to accompany passengers in the cabin on flights. However, certain requirements must be met and paperwork submitted ahead of time.

2. What paperwork is required for an emotional support dog?

   A passenger must provide a valid letter from a licensed medical or mental health professional attesting that you have a diagnosed mental health condition and stating your need for the emotional support animal. The letter must be less than one year old.

3. Are there size or weight limits for support dogs?

   While emotional support animals do not have to be professionally trained, Southwest does restrict them to pets that can sit comfortably on their owner’s lap or at their feet, kind of like a “lap dog.” They cannot block the aisle or cause disturbances to other passengers.

4. What if my dog misbehaves on the plane?

   If an support animal appears ill, seems aggressive, or causes problems like barking, the crew may require the pet be secured in a carrier for safety. In extreme cases where it cannot be controlled, it might have to remain in the cargo hold instead of the cabin. Having proper training is basically a good idea anyway, right?

   

5. Are emotional support dogs treated the same as service dogs?

   Despite an emotional support dog not undergoing the same extensive training as a certified service animal, Southwest still allows them in the cabin to help manage anxiety and other issues. However, passengers may need to explain the animal’s purpose if asked by employees.

6. Do I have to pay a fee for my support dog?

   No, Southwest does not charge any pet fees for recognized emotional support or psychiatric service animals. They want flying to be as stress-free as possible for people who need this kind of assistance. Isn’t that amazing?

7. What other airlines accept support dogs?

   Major carriers like American, Delta and United also permit emotional support animals on flights subject to similar policies as Southwest. You’d need to check each airline’s specific rules, as they can vary a little. But most appear pretty accommodating of certified assistance pets these days – thankfully!