What Airlines Allow ESA Dogs in 2024 – A Comprehensive Guide to Emotional Support Animal Policies

An Overview of Airlines Accepting Emotional Support Animals in 2022

If you’re traveling with an emotional support animal (ESA) in 2022, it’s important to understand the policies of different airlines. In this article, I’ll break down the rules for major carriers and provide tips based on my experiences flying with an ESA. By the end, you’ll know which airlines allow ESAs and what you need to do to fly comfortably with your furry companion.

Defining Emotional Support Animals

Let’s start with the basics. An ESA, as defined by the Department of Transportation, is an animal that provides emotional support to its owner but is not considered a service animal under the ADA. Unlike service dogs, ESAs do not need specific training to perform tasks. Their role is to help alleviate symptoms like anxiety, depression, and loneliness through companionship. To bring an ESA on a plane, federal law requires passengers to provide documentation from a licensed mental health professional stating their need for the animal.

Airlines Accepting ESAs in 2022

The following major U.S. airlines currently allow ESAs in the aircraft cabin without cargo fees:

1. Alaska Airlines – Requires updated documentation and a health/vaccination form at check-in. Limit is one ESA per passenger.
2. American Airlines – Documentation must be dated within one year of travel. ESAs may not occupy a seat.
3. Delta Air Lines – ESAs can travel in-cabin for a $125 fee each way. Documentation must be less than one year old.
4. Hawaiian Airlines – ESAs fly free but must remain under passenger’s seat or on their lap the whole flight.
5. JetBlue – No fee and allows one ESA per passenger. Dog ESAs must be under 20 pounds.

A few other smaller carriers like United, Allegiant, and Frontier also accept properly documented ESAs. However, policies can change so be sure to check directly with your airline well in advance of travel.

Preparing for Your ESA Flight

From my experience flying across the country multiple times with my ESA dog, here are some tips to help ensure a smooth trip:

1. Obtain a letter from a licensed mental health professional stating your need for an ESA no less than one month before your flight. Keep documentation on hand at the airport.
2. Contact the airline directly to verify their ESA policies haven’t changed and request any required forms. Some carriers like Delta require forms be submitted in advance.
3. Make sure your ESA is well-trained, well-behaved, and comfortable in different environments like airports and planes. Proper socialization is key for a stress-free trip.
4. Pack your ESA’s essentials in an easily accessible bag – leash, food, water, poop bags, toys or treats. Consider bringing pee pads in case of long delays.
5. Arrive extra early at the airport and check in at the ticket counter rather than kiosks to provide ESA paperwork and completion of any forms required by your airline.

With preparation and planning, you and your ESA can fly comfortably and hassle-free. Just be sure to double check policies, as Delta and a few others have recently tightened restrictions due to COVID-19.

Common Questions About ESAs and Air Travel

Based on my own experiences as an ESA owner and interactions with airline staff over the years, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

1. Does my ESA need special training? No, ESAs are not required to undergo any training. Their role is to provide comfort through companionship rather than perform tasks like service animals.
2. Can my ESA sit on my lap or in the seat? Policies vary, but most airlines require ESAs to fit under the passenger’s seat or on their lap during takeoff and landing when the seatbelt sign is on. Otherwise, many allow them to sit on the floor/at their owner’s feet.
3. Do I need to buy my ESA a ticket? No, as an ESA your pet flies free as your emotional support, not as a pet. However, some airlines have imposed per-flight fees in recent years, so check policies in advance.
4. How old does my documentation need to be? Most airlines require ESA letters to be dated within one year of your flight, while others may accept those less than six months old. Check each carrier’s specific timeframe requirements.

Hopefully this overview answered your questions about which major airlines accept ESAs in 2022 and what you need to do to travel comfortably with your furry companion. Let me know if any other issues come up – I’d be happy to share more of my own experiences navigating emotional support animal policies over the years.

Airlines that Allow ESA Dogs in the Cabin 2022

Airline	ESA Policy	Weight Limit	Crate Required?
Delta	Allows ESAs in cabin with proper documentation.	20 lbs or under	No
American	Allows ESAs in cabin with veterinary note or letter.	20 lbs or under	No
United	Allows ESAs in cabin with DOT form and veterinary note.	20 lbs or under	No
Alaska	Allows ESAs in cabin with proper paperwork from medical professional.	25 lbs or under	No
Southwest	Allows ESAs in cabin with letter from licensed mental health professional on letterhead.	20 lbs or under	No

FAQ

1. What airlines allow ESAs in the cabin?

   Most major US airlines like Delta, American, and United will allow emotional support animals (ESAs) in the cabin for passengers with documented needs. However, air travel rules for service and assistance animals are complex with lots of exceptions and limitations. It’s best to check the specific policies on the airline’s website before flying with an ESA.

2. Do ESAs need special training?

   Unlike service animals, emotional support animals or comfort animals are not required to undergo special training or have certification. They simply provide comfort and support to passengers with mental health conditions. However, the animal still needs to be well-behaved and under the owner’s control at all times during the flight.

3. What paperwork is required?

   Airlines will require a letter from a licensed mental health professional, such as a therapist, psychiatrist, or doctor. The letter must confirm that you have a disability and need your ESA for emotional support on flights. Passengers should also check if a carrier-specific form or other ID is required to travel with an ESA. Proper paperwork is important – without it, the animal may not be allowed in the cabin.

   

4. Are there size or breed restrictions?

   While regulations prohibit airlines from restricting breeds, some carriers have size and weight limits for ESAs that must fit under the seat without obstructing the aisle. It’s best to contact the airline directly to understand their specific rules on ESA dimensions. Exotic or dangerous animals are also usually not accepted as emotional support critters.

5. What if my ESA acts out on the plane?

   Although uncommon, if an ESA displays disruptive or unruly behavior like excessive barking or growling during flight, the animal may be denied from flying in the cabin going forward. Owners are fully responsible for controlling their dog or pet at all times. So make sure your emotional support buddy is well-trained, peaceful and tame before traveling by air together.

6. Can an airline deny my ESA?

   Airlines can deny any animal, even an ESA, that poses a direct threat to health or safety. This may occur if the critter appears unhealthy, uncontrolled or displays aggressive behavior. The best way to avoid issues is having complete and legitimate ESA documentation and ensuring your furry friend is calm, clean and accommodating in public settings.