Airlines That Accept Emotional Support Animals
If you have an emotional support animal (ESA) that provides comfort and assistance for your mental health condition, traveling can get tricky. Not all airlines are onboard with allowing non-service animals in the cabin. In this article, we’ll outline the major US airlines and their policies regarding emotional support animals (ESAs).
Delta Air Lines
Delta was one of the first carriers to clarify their ESA policy in recent years. From my experience working with clients who fly Delta, they require proper documentation for your ESA – usually a letter from your mental health professional dated within one year of your travel date. The letter must confirm your disability and need for the animal as an accommodation. Delta may also limit the number of pets per flight for safety and space reasons.
They do not accept certain breeds either for size or safety concerns, like pit bulls. Overall, Delta seems reasonably accommodating of passengers needing to travel with their qualified ESAs. Just be sure to check any size or weight restrictions, as larger dogs may need to purchase an extra seat.
United Airlines
United has a similar policy to Delta in terms of documentation requirements. You’ll need a letter from your licensed mental health professional to bring your ESA into the cabin with you. They also restrict certain large dog breeds for space issues. A potential downside is that United charges $125 each way for traveling with an ESA.
However, from my experience, this is relatively low compared to other options for traveling long distances with your pet. United seems focused on keeping their cabins a safe, hygienic environment for all travelers. So having the required paperwork is crucial to ensure a smooth process at check-in with them.
American Airlines
American Airlines allows properly documented ESAs to accompany passengers in-cabin at no charge beyond the regular ticket cost. This can save passengers a good chunk of money versus other carriers. They require the same info as other major airlines – documentation from a licensed mental health professional stating your need for the animal.
However, I’ve personally found American to be less consistent than other airlines in terms of staff properly understanding ESA guidelines. It may be wise to arrive extra early and get the process sorted at check-in to avoid potential confusion. Overall, American seems to aim to comply with the law while maintaining a orderly cabin environment.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest has a basic ESA policy similar to the other big airlines. Two key differences from my experience are that they do not assign seats, so request a bulkhead row to keep your pet near your feet. And Southwest does not have international flights which means no extremely long hauls that can stress pets out.
They also don’t charge passengers extra to be accompanied by their documented ESA. So for shorter domestic trips around the US, Southwest can be a budget-friendly option. Just be prepared to check-in early and potentially move seats once onboard if traveling with your emotional support pet.
Other National Carriers
Alaska Airlines
Alaska follows thesame type of documentation requirements as the major airlines for passengers bringing ESAs on flights. They even provide a special form to help expedite the process. Alaska seems fairly accommodating as long as paperwork and safety guidelinesare properlymet.
JetBlue
JetBlue tends to be one of the more flexible carriers when it comes to ESAs. They don’t restrict certain breeds either. The documentation process is straightforward with a letter. And they don’t charge extra fees like some other airlines do. Overall, JetBlue strives to make the travel experience easy and hassle-free for those needing emotional support.
Low-Cost Carriers
Frontier Airlines
Being a low-cost airline, Frontier keeps costs down by charging a fee of $100 each way to bring an ESA on board. However, in my experience they are pretty straightforward about paperwork needed – the standard letter from a licensed mental health professional. Frontier seems focused on affordability for travelers rather than Extra amenities.
Spirit Airlines
Like Frontier, budget-minded Spirit charges fees of $110 each way for ESAs. But they follow the documentation guidelines set forth under the ACAA. One potential drawback is lack of amenities like assigned seating – something to consider if traveling long-distance with an ESA. Still, Spirit aims to offer affordable fares even if bringing pets along costs a bit extra.
International Carriers Serving The US
British Airways
British Airways allows properly documented ESAs on both domestic US and international flights departing from/arriving in America. They require a veterinary form, carriers, and paperwork showing immunization history in addition to the usual mental health professional’s letter. It seems like they take pet health very seriously to avoid possible import/export issues.
Lufthansa
Lufthansa is generally accommodating towards ESAs flying within the US or as part of an international trip. You’ll need the documentation letter from a qualified medical professional in addition to vaccinations and other standard import papers if going abroad. Their requirements help ensure a stress-free process through customs with your emotional support animal in tow.
In summary, most major US airlines and many international carriers serving America allow emotional support animals on flights. The key is having the proper documentation from a licensed mental health professional stating your need for an ESA. Also check each airline’s individual size/breed/cleanliness policies. With the right paperwork sorted in advance, you and your emotional support pet should experience smooth traveling together.
Airline Policies for Service and Emotional Support Animals
| Airline | ESA & Service Animal Policy | Documentation Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Delta | Allow ESAs and psychiatric service animals in cabin with owner at no charge. | ESA requires letter from licensed mental health professional; Service animals require vest/harness and demonstration of trained tasks. |
| American | Allow ESAs and service animals in cabin with owner at no charge. | ESA requires note from medical professional; Service animals require vest/harness and demonstration of trained tasks. |
| United | Allow ESAs and service animals in cabin with owner at no charge. | ESA requires note from licensed mental health professional dated within 1 year; Service animals require demonstration of trained tasks. |
| Alaska | Allow ESAs and service animals in cabin with owner at no charge. | ESA requires note from licensed health professional; Service animals require demonstration of trained tasks. |
| Southwest | Allow ESAs and service animals in cabin with owner at no charge. | ESA requires note from licensed mental health professional; Service animals require demonstration of trained tasks. |
FAQ
-
Which airlines allow ESAs? Basically, most major airlines in the US permit ESAs. However, regulations and policies can differ for every carrier. It’s recommended to check directly with the airline before traveling with an ESA.
-
Do I need paperwork for my ESA? Airlines may request documentation from a medical professional stating your need for an ESA. This is commonly called an “ESA letter.” On the other hand, ESAs are not required to be professionally trained like service animals.
-
Are there fees for ESAs? Generally speaking, airlines cannot charge pet fees or special cargo charges for legitimate ESAs. Yet certain airlines may have other rates for ESAs like baggage charges that typically don’t apply to service animals. Basically, know your airline’s policies in advance.
-
Where can my ESA sit on the plane? Kinda like people, some ESAs are well behaved and others act up. Most airlines allow ESAs to remain at your feet or on your lap during the flight. However, if the animal seems stressed or disruptive, you may be asked to put them in a carrier under the seat in front of you.
-
Can I travel internationally with an ESA? Taking Fido abroad can be tricky. Foreign countries have different rules. You’ll have to check regulations for ESAs with the government of any nation you visit. Maybe leave Fido at home if lots of red tape is involved in other countries.
-
What types of animals can qualify as ESAs? While dogs and cats tend to be the most popular ESAs, any type of animal can potentially qualify providing emotional support. As the old saying goes: “there’s no one-size-fits-all for emotional support.” Ultimately, it depends on whether the animal meets your needs and the specific airline policies.
-
Are ESA regulations the same as service animal rules? As the old saying goes: “there’s no one-size-fits-all for emotional support.” Ultimately, it depends on whether the animal meets your needs and the specific airline policies.
-
Can my friends or family travel with my ESA? Generally, only the person listed on the ESA documentation can travel with and be responsible for the animal. After all, ESAs are prescribed to benefit a specific individual. So unless your loved ones also have a diagnosed disability, the ESA likely won’t be approved for them to bring along.