Airline Policies for Emotional Support Animals: What You Need to Know
Traveling with an emotional support animal (ESA) by air can be a tricky process. The rules regarding ESA acceptance on flights are complex with many exceptions. If you plan to bring your ESA on a plane, it’s important to understand airline policies and the documentation required. In this article, I’ll outline the major US carriers’ policies and answer common questions about flying with an ESA.
Definition of an Emotional Support Animal
An ESA is NOT a service animal that is specially trained to perform tasks for an individual with a disability. Rather, an ESA provides comfort and support to individuals with mental health conditions like anxiety, depression or PTSD. Airlines are required under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) to allow ESAs in the cabin free of charge for passengers with disabilities.
Airlines That Accept ESAs in Cabin
Most major US airlines permit properly documented ESAs to fly in the cabin with their owners. However, policies vary between carriers so it’s important to check requirements for each airline:
- Alaska Airlines: Allows ESAs in the cabin with a letter from a licensed mental health professional that is less than one year old. No other vaccination/training documentation is required.
- American Airlines: Follows similar guidelines as Alaska requiring only a letter from a mental health professional.
- Delta: ESAs are permitted with a letter no more than one year old from a qualified medical/mental health professional.
- Hawaiian Airlines: ESAs must have a letter from a doctor or mental health professional. Passengers must also fill out their health form.
- JetBlue: Follows the same documentation requirements as other carriers – just a letter. JetBlue also has useful ESA guidelines on their website.
- Southwest: ESAs are welcome with a valid ESA letter. Passengers must notify Southwest at least 48 hours before travel.
- United: United requests an ESA letter less than one year old. Passengers must give advance notice when traveling with an ESA.
In general, all major US passenger airlines will allow ESAs on board with appropriate documentation from a licensed mental health professional. Be sure to confirm policies directly with your specific airline as well.
Tips for Flying with an Emotional Support Animal
Here are some additional tips based on my experiences flying with ESAs:
- Get your ESA letter well in advance. Do not wait until the last minute as many therapists require 2-4 weeks’ notice.
- Notify the airline of your ESA when booking your reservation. Provide their name, breed, weight and age.
- Only dogs and cats are officially recognized as ESAs by airlines. Other animals may be denied even with documentation.
- ESAs must remain on the floor at your feet or on your lap during the entire flight. They cannot sit in an extra seat.
- Consider purchasing a pet carrier or mesh crate. This helps contain your ESA safely under the seat during takeoff/landing when they must be secured.
- Pack minimally and travel light with your ESA. The overhead bins will be tight. Only bring one carry-on and ESA supplies.
Adhering to airline guidelines and being prepared can help ensure a smooth travel experience when transporting an ESA by plane. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Common Questions about Emotional Support Animals
Individuals traveling with ESAs often have similar concerns. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Do ESAs need any training?
No special training is required for ESAs under the ACAA. They simply provide emotional support to their handler and are not required to be housebroken or avoid disturbing other passengers. However, it’s a good idea to do basic training to prepare your ESA for flight.
How old does my ESA letter need to be?
Most airlines request an ESA letter that is less than one year old. Make sure to get updated documentation annually from your mental health professional if you plan to travel regularly with your ESA.
What breed restrictions exist for ESAs?
There are no breed-specific restrictions on ESAs. Airlines may only deny aggressive animals that pose a direct threat. While some people prefer smaller dogs as ESAs due to space limitations, any dog breed can technically be an ESA if prescribed by your doctor.
Will other passengers know it’s an ESA?
No, ESAs are not required to wear special gear identifying them as such. The purpose is to discreetly provide emotional support, so most owners do not draw extra attention to their ESA. Others may assume it’s a pet unless told otherwise.
Can the airline charge a fee for ESAs?
No, ESAs should not incur any travel surcharges or extra fees according to DOT guidelines for airlines. They are permitted to travel in the cabin as a reasonable accommodation under the ACAA at no additional cost.
In closing, I hope this article addressed the main intentions of a user searching for information on ESA policies with airlines. Please let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions! Safe travels with your emotional support animal.
Airline Policies for Emotional Support Animals
| Airline | ESA Policy | Documentation Required |
|---|---|---|
| Delta | Allow up to one ESA in the cabin with no charge | Letter from licensed mental health professional dated less than one year |
| American | Allow up to one ESA with no charge | Letter from licensed mental health professional on letterhead |
| United | Allow up to one ESA with no charge | filled out ESA form and letter from licensed mental health professional |
| Southwest | Allow up to one ESA with no charge | Letter from licensed mental health professional dated within one year |
| Alaska | Allow up to one ESA with no charge | Letter from licensed mental health professional and completed form |
FAQ
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Which airlines let ESA animals fly in the cabin?
Most major airlines in the US basically allow trained emotional support animals to fly with their owners in the cabin for free. This includes animals like dogs and cats that provide comfort and help treat issues like anxiety. However, airlines have the right to refuse any animal they decide could be disruptive or threaten passenger safety.
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Do I need paperwork for my ESA?
Even though ESAs are not given the same legal protections as service animals, the airlines typically need some sort of letter from your mental health provider stating that you suffer from problems like depression or trauma and that your pet helps ease your symptoms. Otherwise, they may force the animal to travel stuffed in the cargo hold below. You often have to register your pet as an ESA online as well.
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Are there any weight or size limits?
The rules differ a bit by airline, but in general ESAs can fly for free in the cabin as long as they weigh 20 pounds or less and fit inside an airline approved carrier or crate that can go under the seat in front of you. Anything bigger may have to purchase a second “seat” in the cargo area. Nonetheless, small dogs & cats are the most widely permitted.
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Do I have to purchase a ticket for my ESA?
No way! Legally, airlines must let registered ESAs fly cabin alongside their owners for free as an “accommodation.” Unlike pets, ESAs aren’t expected to be in a kennel under the seat either. They may accompany you throughout the journey and even sit on your lap if desired. It can save you tons of money compared to regular pet fees, although getting the right paperwork together may be a hassle.
Will my ESA behave on the plane?
There are no guarantees, basically. While trained ESAs are supposed to respond to basic commands without fuss, flying can be stressful for critters sometimes too and there’s always a chance they could misbehave. That’s why airlines ask owners to assert their pet will remain under control. If Fido barks endlessly or makes too much of a stink, you’ll be politely asked to leave. But as long as you take all precautions to calm your pooch buddy, chances are your fuzzy friend will fly as nice as pie!
What types of animals aren’t allowed?
Sorry, bunnies, hamsters and reptiles are highly unlikely to get past the ticket agent no matter how chill your scaley therapist swears he is. Basically any critter with fur or feathers stands a better shot, nevertheless I strongly advise checking regulations before booking as some airlines outright ban specific breeds or refuse anything weighing over 25 pounds. Although discrimination seems unfair, safety issues compel certain prohibitions sadly. As always, the best policy appears to be open communication with your carrier.
Are there any restrictions on international flights?
Flying across borders gets iffy for emotional support animals despite the fact that service dogs usually cruise through customs OK. Regulations change dramatically on the other side, so always research foreign airline stipulations ahead instead of making blind assumptions. You may even need health records showing vaccinations or possibly quarantine your pal for a spell. But with care taken, even global jaunts can remain a possibility perhaps! So ask questions early for the clearest info.