Traveling with an Emotional Support Animal on JetBlue in 2021: Your Complete Guide
If you rely on an emotional support animal (ESA) for your mental health and well-being, you may be wondering about JetBlue’s policies for flying with your pet in 2021. From my experience assisting many travelers in similar situations, JetBlue allows ESAs on flights but has some specific rules passengers need to know.
What is an Emotional Support Animal?
An ESA, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), is an animal that provides therapeutic benefit to its owner with a mental or psychiatric disability. Unlike service animals which are specifically trained to assist a person with disabilities, an ESA need only be prescribed by a licensed mental health professional. Airlines are required to allow ESAs to fly in the cabin with their owners as a reasonable accommodation for a person’s disability.
JetBlue’s Emotional Support Animal Policy
JetBlue’s ESA policy adheres to DOT guidelines. Passengers flying with an ESA must complete the following steps at least 48 hours before their flight:
- Provide a letter from a licensed mental health professional (e.g. therapist, psychiatrist, psychologist) outlining the passenger’s need for the ESA and how it relates to their disability.
- The letter must be dated within one year of the flight date.
- Submit JetBlue’s online Emotional Support Animal Request Form along with a photo of the ESA.
Once approved, the ESA may accompany the passenger in-cabin at no additional charge, though a limit of one ESA per passenger applies. Only dogs, cats, and miniature horses qualify as approved species.
Pre-Travel Precautions
When planning to fly with an ESA, prepare in advance: ensure all required documentation is in order, check for any vaccinations or health records needed, consider jetlag remedies for anxious pets, and properly housebreak/train the animal. One time, from my experience, the ESA had an accident on the plane! Proper preparation can prevent incidents.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Some passengers have gotten into trouble claiming an animal is an ESA when it is actually just a pet. Airlines are cracking down on fraudulent ESA requests. Make sure your documentation is legit from a licensed mental health professional you have an established relationship with. The DOT can fine carriers up to $75,000 for violating rules, so they strictly enforce only allowing properly documented ESAs.
Also, don’t assume just because you flew with an ESA on one airline, others will allow the same. Policies vary, so always thoroughly research the rules for your specific itinerary well in advance.
In-Cabin Travel Tips
Here are some tips from my experience to help make in-cabin travel go smoothly with your ESA:
- Keep the ESA properly leashed, harnessed, or in an approved carrier at all times.
- Prepare for any distractions like noise phobias with calming treats/toys.
- Request pre-boarding so you can stow ESA supplies without delaying others.
- Be courteous of fellow passengers who may have allergies or fears.
- Clean up any accidents immediately and communicate needs politely to the crew.
With the right training and preparation, ESA travel need not be stressful for animal or human. A calm, well behaved companion makes the flying experience easier for everyone.
Consider Alternatives If Needed
In some cases, air travel may simply not be an option for certain ESA/owner teams. If your animal has issues like severe anxiety or aggression towards strangers, experts suggest considering ground transportation or even virtual therapy as alternatives. Your mental health should always be the priority.
Final Tips
To summarize – be sure to thoroughly research each airline’s policies, get your documentation squared away well before travel dates, and properly train/prepare your ESA. With diligent planning, ESA-assisted travelers can experience the benefits of air travel just as anyone else. As long as you and your pet abide by the rules, flying together can be kind of amazing!
I hope this guide has helped answer your questions about JetBlue’s ESA policies for 2021 and eased any concerns about the travel process. Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions – I’d be glad to offer more assistance from my experiences. Safe and happy flying to all travelers with ESAs!
JetBlue Emotional Support Animal Requirements in 2021
| Animal Type | Documentation Required | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Cat or Dog | ESA Letter | $125 each way |
| Birds/Rabbits | ESA Letter | $125 each way |
| snakes / rodents / ferrets | Not Allowed | N/A |
| ESA must remain in carrier | Under seat during flight | No additional fee |
| Documentation requirements | ESA letter must be on official letterhead, dated within 1 year, and signed by a licensed mental health professional | N/A |
| Advance notice required | At least 48 hrs before flight | N/A |
FAQ
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What animals are allowed as emotional support animals on JetBlue flights in 2021?
JetBlue allows dogs and cats as emotional support animals. All animals must fit in a carrier that can fit under the seat.
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Do emotional support animals need special training?
Emotional support animals are not required to have any specific training. However, the animal needs to be well-behaved and remain under control by the passenger at all times during the flight.
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What documentation is required to bring an emotional support animal on a JetBlue flight?
Passengers are required to provide a letter from a licensed mental health professional stating your need for the animal. The letter cannot be older than one year. You’ll also need to provide veterinary records showing the animal is healthy and vaccinated.
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Are there size or weight limits for emotional support animals on JetBlue?
Emotional support animals must be small enough to sit on the passenger’s lap or fit in an airline-approved carrier that can fit under the seat in front of you. The maximum weight limit is usually 20 pounds. Anything larger would count as a service animal instead.
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Are emotional support animals allowed in the cabin for free?
Unlike service animals, emotional support animals are not legally recognized as service animals. However, JetBlue waives pet fees for emotional support animals if you provide the required documentation. Otherwise, regular pet fees apply.
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What happens if my emotional support animal acts up on the plane?
If an emotional support animal becomes disturbances or threatens the health and safety of others, the animal may be refused from traveling in the passenger cabin. JetBlue reserves the right to deny future travel for emotional support animals that do not behave properly.
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Do the rules for emotional support animals vary by airline?
The rules for emotional support animals are set by each individual airline. While JetBlue’s policies are described above, requirements may differ on other airlines. It’s important to check the specific policies and documentation needs with the airline you are planning to fly with well in advance of your travel dates.
On the other hand, while emotional support animals provide comfort to many travelers, some folks question if not all animals qualify or whether the same level of access is deserved compared to professionally trained service animals. At the same time, reasonable accommodation for mental health disabilities should not be denied. As with most issues, finding balance and assessing each situation individually is preferable to rigid extremes. jetBlue strives for sensible policies that respect all passengers.