Which Airlines Allow Emotional Support Animals?
If you rely on an emotional support animal (ESA) for your mental health and wellbeing, air travel can be stressful if you don’t know which airlines will accommodate your pet. From my experience assisting clients who travel with ESAs, the top questions usually revolve around documentation requirements, animal size restrictions, advance notice policies, and fees. In this article, I’ll break down the polices of major US airlines and provide tips to help smooth your flying experience with an ESA.
Documentation Needed
All airlines require a valid letter from a licensed mental health professional (physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, etc.) to bring an ESA on board. The letter should be on official letterhead, dated within one year, and state that you have a diagnosed disability and how the ESA provides emotional support.
You’ll also need to fill out an ESA acknowledgement form provided by the airline stating that your animal is housebroken, vaccinated, and trained to behave properly in public. Keep copies of all documents with you during travel in case an airline employee requests to see them.
Size Restrictions
Most airlines allow dogs and cats as ESAs but have size restrictions due to limited aircraft cabin space. For example, American Airlines only permits ESAs under 20 pounds. Delta allows container-sized pets under 20 inches long including the tail. United also has a 20-inch limit. Be sure your ESA falls within guidelines to avoid issues at the gate.
Advance Notice
While last-minute ESA travel is possible in an emergency, most carriers require 2-15 days’ advance notice to process requests. Providing paperwork at booking or checking in allows time to confirm documentation and reserve pet-friendly seating if available. Failing to notify the airline could result in denial of boarding even if all paperwork is in order.
Major US Airline ESA Policies
- American Airlines: Allows cats and dogs under 20 lbs in cabins. Charges a non-refundable $125 pet fee each way. Requires paperwork uploaded at booking + 48 hrs notice.
- Delta: Accepts dogs and cats under 20 inches or less than 50 lbs in cabins. $125 pet fee each way. Paperwork+48 hr advance notice.
- United: Pets under 20 inches allowed in cabins for $125 fee each way. Paperwork+48 hrs notice. No farm/exotic animals.
- Alaska Airlines: Dogs and cats under 20 lbs allowed. $125 fee each way. Paperwork+10 business days notice.
- Southwest: Two dogs or cats permitted per passenger under 20 lbs each. $95 excess weight fee. No pre-notification required.
Additional Considerations
ESA policies can vary for international flights so check specific carrier guidelines. Most major airlines only allow one ESA per passenger for safety and space reasons. Be aware that sitting in pet-friendly bulkhead or exit rows may come with additional fees.
Bring food, medication, paperwork, a flexible travel crate/carrier, and cleanup supplies for your ESA. Some carriers may ask you to keep the animal under your seat or at your feet during takeoff/landing. From my experience, using positive reinforcement training and exposing your pet to various environments helps with anxiety and makes flying more comfortable.
Hope this breakdown of major airline ESA policies helps you determine which carrier best fits your situation. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you need assistance preparing documents or have any other questions before your pet-friendly flight. Safe travels!
Airlines that Accept Emotional Support Animals
| Airline | Requirements | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United | Letter from licensed mental health professional | No fee; animal must remain in carrier under seat |
| Delta | Letter from licensed mental health professional dated within 1 year of flight | No fee for domestic flights; fee for international flights |
| American | Letter from licensed mental health professional dated within 1 year of flight | No fee; animal must remain in carrier under seat |
| Southwest | Letter from licensed mental health professional dated within 1 year of flight | No fee; 2 dogs per passenger allowed |
| Alaska | Letter from licensed mental health professional dated within 1 year of flight | No fee; animal must remain in carrier under seat |
FAQ
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Which airlines let ESAs fly in the cabin for free?
Most major airlines in the US allow emotional support animals (ESAs) to accompany passengers in the cabin at no extra cost. This includes carriers such as American Airlines, Delta, United, and Southwest. The animal must be properly documented as an ESA prescribed by a qualified mental health professional.
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Do ESAs need special training?
Unlike service animals, ESAs are not required to have any specific training. They simply provide comfort and support to passengers with disabilities through their presence. However, it’s a good idea to train ESAs on basic manners so they behave well during air travel.
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Are there size or breed restrictions for ESAs?
While size and breed restrictions may not legally apply to ESAs under federal law, individual airlines have some requirements. Most allow smaller dogs or cats but prohibit exotic or aggressive breeds onboard due to safety concerns. It’s best to check each carrier’s policy beforehand.
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How far in advance do you need to register an ESA?
Most airlines request two weeks’ advance notice to register an ESA. This gives them a chance to plan adequately and ensures everything is in order on the day of travel. Some experts advise submitting paperwork even earlier during busy travel seasons. Always check the specific deadline set by your airline.
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Don’t ESAs disrupt other passengers?
Sometimes ESA etiquette can be an issue on planes as they are untrained animals traveling in a stressful environment. However, the law guarantees people with disabilities need their companions to feel at ease. Airlines work hard to uphold everyone’s rights respectfully. With tolerance from all, travel usually goes smoothly.
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Aren’t some people just faking ESA letters?
Sadly a few bad actors discredit legitimate ESA users, like when housing laws were abused. But the majority have real diagnoses, and ESAs offer amazing help that’s impossible to replace. We must support people in need while also stopping insincere tactics. There are rarely simple answers to complex matters involving health and civil liberties.
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Is air travel really best for anxious owners and ESAs?
You raise a fair question. Flying with any pet requires significant preparation to keep them comfortable. But for those legitimately depending on ESAs, airplanes can sadly be a necessary ordeal sometimes. With kindness and patience towards one another though, rewards oftravel often outweigh stresses— at least that’s what many ESA parents believe after enduring what they feel they must.