Jetblue Allows for Service Dogs for Passengers with Psychiatric Disabilities – Travel Assistance from Emotional Support Animals on Flights

Traveling with a Psychiatric Service Dog on JetBlue Airlines

If you rely on a psychiatric service dog to manage a mental health condition, you may be wondering about JetBlue’s policies for flying with your trained canine companion. This article will answer common questions for those seeking to travel by air with an emotional support or psychiatric service animal on JetBlue.

What is the difference between a psychiatric service dog and an emotional support animal?

1. A psychiatric service dog is individually trained to perform tasks directly related to mitigating symptoms of a passenger’s documented mental health disability, such as distracting from anxiety, waking from nightmares, or sensing oncoming panic attacks.
2. An emotional support animal, on the other hand, provides comfort simply through its presence but is not trained to perform specific tasks. Airlines are not required under the Air Carrier Access Act to recognize emotional support animals as service animals.

JetBlue distinguishes between these two categories and only allows psychiatric service dogs in the aircraft cabin. Emotional support animals must be transported in a kennel and cannot accompany passengers in the seats.

What documentation is required?

JetBlue requires any passenger traveling with a service animal to provide a letter from a licensed mental health professional stating that you have a disability and need your psychiatric service dog for your mental health condition. This letter must be on official letterhead and should describe the training your dog received to mitigate your disability. The letter must be dated within one year of your flight.

What behaviors are expected of a psychiatric service dog?

JetBlue expects psychiatric service dogs to be housebroken, leashed or harnessed at all times, behave well in public, and not display any signs of aggression. From my experience working with psychiatric service dog clients, it’s important to properly socialize and acclimate your dog to new environments to prevent problems. Even well-trained dogs can become stressed by unfamiliar surroundings like airports and planes, so staying calm yourself helps keep your dog calm too.

Can my psychiatric service dog sit on my lap?

Unfortunately, due to limited seating space, JetBlue has a policy that all animals, including psychiatric service dogs, must remain on the floor at your feet during takeoff and landing. However, once the seatbelt sign is off, you may allow your service dog to sit politely on your lap or at your side if there is room. Be considerate of other passengers and keep your dog contained as much as the space allows. Most people are understanding if you briefly explain your dog’s job is to assist you with an “invisible” disability.

What if my dog causes a disturbance?

In the unlikely event your psychiatric service dog barks excessively or displays any aggressive behavior towards crew members or other passengers, JetBlue flight attendants have the right to relocate you to a more isolated area or require the dog be secured in a kennel for takeoff and landing. However, from my experience, well-trained service dogs very rarely cause issues. A calm, reassuring presence can go a long way in keeping dogs feeling safe in new environments.

What about layovers and connections?

When booking multi-leg JetBlue flights, be aware that you and your psychiatric service dog are permitted to “remain airside,” meaning you do not need to retrieve checked baggage or go through security screening again between connections as long as your layover is under four hours. During layovers, look for pet relief areas at the airport where your dog can eliminate if needed before continuing your travels. Having plastic bags and clean-up supplies handy makes this process smooth.

In summary, as long as you provide complete documentation and keep your psychiatric service dog well-behaved at all times, JetBlue aims to accommodate air travel needs for passengers requiring this assistance. Proper training and socialization are key, but with some preparation, flying with a psychiatric service dog can be a positive experience. Feel free to contact JetBlue directly with any other specific questions before booking your trip. Safe travels!

JetBlue Service Dog Policy

Service	Details
Psychiatric service dogs	JetBlue allows properly harnessed and trained psychiatric service dogs to accompany passengers in the cabin at no charge.
Limited space in cabin	Service dogs must remain at the passenger’s feet or on their lap and are not permitted to block aisles or emergency exits.
Advance notice required	Passengers traveling with a service dog must give at least 48 hours advance notice when booking their reservation.
Health records	JetBlue may require documentation that the service dog is trained and has updated vaccinations and health records.
Relief areas	Passengers are responsible for properly caring for their service dog, including providing opportunities for relief before the flight.

FAQ

1. Can I bring my psychiatric service dog on JetBlue flights?

   JetBlue allows passengers to bring legitimate service animals, including psychiatric service dogs, in the cabin for free. However, you’ll basically need to show paperwork proving the dog is trained to help manage your disability.

   

2. What paperwork do I need for my psychiatric service dog on JetBlue?

   JetBlue requires a letter from your mental health professional saying that you require the dog due to your condition. The letter should also confirm that the dog is trained to perform tasks that help you. It’s important to have current paperwork in case they ask for it at check-in or the gate.

3. Are there any size or breed restrictions for psychiatric service dogs on JetBlue?

   No, JetBlue will transport dogs regardless of their breed or size as long as they behave appropriately and the paperwork is in order. But perhaps consider your dog’s size in case there are crowding issues in the plane.

4. Can my psychiatric service dog sit on my lap on JetBlue flights?

   Under federal rules, service dogs must remain on the floor at your feet during the flight. However, some small dogs could sit on your lap for take-off and landing. But kind of check with staff first to make sure it’s OK before taking off.

   

5. What if my psychiatric service dog acts up on the JetBlue flight?

   If your dog becomes a distraction or behaves badly, staff may ask you to put it in a pet carrier under the seat. At the same time, they’ll cut you some slack if it’s a minor issue. But repeated problems could risk future travel accommodations, so be sure your pup is well-trained.

6. Are there any restrictions for psychiatric service dogs after the JetBlue flight?

   In many cities and public spaces, service dogs are allowed wherever customers can go. Nevertheless, some places may have separate restrictions on animals. It’s smart to look into rules wherever you travel before assuming your pup can automatically come along. On the other hand, public spots cannot legally deny a well-behaved service dog under federal law.

7. Can my psychiatric service dog stay in the cabin when it’s not actively working?

   Yes, federal rules require allowing service dogs to stay with their handler at all times – even when not visibly performing tasks. A dog may act as an anchor to its owner throughout episodes of symptoms. However, some experts argue animals should demonstrate an ongoing role. In any case, the dog can’t cause problems for other passengers.