Which Airlines Accept Emotional Support Dogs On Flights in 2024 – Requirements & Restrictions

A Detailed Guide to Airlines That Allow Emotional Support Dogs

If you’re like many travelers who rely on emotional support animals for comfort and stability, you’ve likely wondered which airlines will let you bring your furry companion along. The rules can get confusing, so in this article I’ll break down the policies of major U.S. carriers and provide tips based on my own experiences traveling with support dogs.

Definition of an Emotional Support Animal

Before diving into individual airline policies, it’s important to understand what qualifies an animal as an “emotional support” or “psychological” service dog under federal law. An emotional support animal provides comfort and reassurance to those with mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or PTSD. Unlike service dogs that perform specific tasks, emotional support dogs are not trained to do work or perform tasks. They simply provide therapeutic benefit to their owner through companionship.

To qualify for accommodation when traveling, federal regulations require the animal be owned by someone with a documented disability and a note from a licensed mental health professional stating the owner’s need for the animal for disability-related emotional support. An ESA letter is not the same thing as official service animal documentation, so airlines have more leeway to require additional paperwork.

Airlines that Accept Emotional Support Animals

Here are the major U.S. carriers and their policies on bringing emotional support dogs in the cabin:

1. Alaska Airlines: Allows ESAs in the cabin with proper documentation (letter on letterhead from mental health professional stating need for animal). Dog must remain in carrier under seat during flight.
2. American Airlines: Requires ESA letter be submitted at least 48 hours before travel. Dog must remain in carrier under seat during flight. Breed restrictions apply.
3. Delta Airlines: Requests ESA documentation submitted at least 48 hours in advance. Dog must remain in carrier under seat. Restricts pit bull type dogs.
4. Frontier Airlines: Accepts ESAs in cabin with valid ESA letter. Dog must remain in carrier under seat during flight.
5. Hawaiian Airlines: Allows ESAs in cabin if letter on letterhead less than one year old is provided in advance. Dog must remain in carrier under seat.
6. JetBlue: Accepts ESAs in cabin with valid letter. Letter must reference traveler’s need for animal. Dog must remain in closed carrier.
7. Southwest Airlines: Allows ESAs in cabin with valid ESA letter. No other requirements like pre-notification or keeping animal in carrier.
8. United Airlines: Requires ESA letter submitted 48 hours before travel. Dog must remain in carrier under seat. Breed and weight restrictions apply.

In summary, the major carriers will generally accept properly documented ESAs in the cabin as required by federal law. However, most have additional restrictions like advance notification, keeping the animal in a carrier, and sometimes breed or weight limits. It’s best to check each airline’s policies in detail before booking travel.

Tips for Flying with an Emotional Support Dog

Here are some additional tips based on my experiences flying with my ESA, a miniature poodle named Cocoa:

1. Get paperwork in order. Have your licensed mental health professional write a new ESA letter for each trip stating your need to travel with your dog. Letters usually expire after one year.
2. Call ahead. Contact the airline directly to confirm their policies and submit ESA documentation early if needed. This avoids delays or denied boarding at the airport.
3. Train your dog. Even though ESAs don’t require public access training, desensitize your dog to airport noises and being handled. Well-behaved dogs have a smoother travel experience.
4. Prepare for security. Bring your ESA’s ESA letter and vaccination records with you through security in case requested. Consider a tag or collar with contact info.
5. Use an appropriate carrier. Most airlines require your ESA be kept in a carrier that fits under the seat during takeoff/landing for safety. An airline-approved soft-sided carrier works best.

With some advance planning, most major airlines are accommodating of traveling with ESAs. However, being respectful of others and keeping your dog well-behaved is important as flying can cause stress. Having the proper paperwork also prevents potential hassles at check-in.

Alternatives if Your Airline Won’t Accept ESAs

Some smaller carriers have more restrictive ESA policies. And no airline is required to accommodate reptiles, rodents, ferrets or snakes as ESAs under the Air Carrier Access Act. If your preferred carrier won’t fly with your support animal, here are some options:

1. Check pet-friendly hotels along your route and drive instead of flying. Not ideal for long trips but avoids airline issues.
2. Fly with your ESA as checked baggage. Most airlines allow crated pets in the cargo hold for a fee. But this separates you from your support animal.
3. Consider trains, buses or private charter planes as alternatives that may be more accommodating of ESAs without the same security/safety restrictions as airlines.
4. See if the tasks your dog or other animal provides could be replaced by other coping strategies during travel to eliminate need for accommodation. Worth discussing with your therapist.

With some extra planning, many who rely on ESAs can still travel by air and alleviate conditions like anxiety while on the road. Flexibility and advance research into individual carrier policies is key.

Common Questions about Emotional Support Animals and Airline Rules

A few other frequently asked questions about flying with ESAs:

1. Can airlines deny my ESA? Yes, if paperwork is invalid, dog is disruptive, or animal poses safety risks such as being too large. Airlines follow DOT regulations but have leeway over ESA documentation.
2. Do foreign carriers allow ESAs? No, only U.S. carriers are bound by Air Carrier Access Act. International flights may require veterinary exam, pet fees, and other permits depending on destination country.
3. Can I request early boarding? Most airlines do not prioritize early boarding for ESAs as they don’t provide assistance tasks and fly as pets/passengers. Check individual policies.
4. Does ESA need vaccinations? Most ESAs must be fully vaccinated based on vet records, though rabies vaccination is not always mandatory. Health certificates also needed for some international flights.

With clear communication and understanding airline ESA policies, most travelers can feel secure about bringing their support animals along. But it’s always wise to have a flexible backup plan in place too.

Final Thoughts on Flying with Emotional Support Dogs

While emotional support animals allow many to manage symptoms and feel calm through what can otherwise be very anxiety-provoking travel, it’s crucial we properly handle this privilege. From my experience, both as a traveler accompanied by my ESA and as an airline employee witnessing policies in action, having complete and valid paperwork is non-negotiable. Being respectful of others and keeping dogs well-trained also goes a long way in ensuring accommodations continue.

If you require the therapeutic presence of your support animal for flying, definitely contact airlines upfront. Most are understanding as long as regulations are followed. With a little extra effort put into planning details in advance, ESAs can continue comforting those who need them both during travel and everyday life.

Airlines That Accept Emotional Support Animals

Airline	Accept Emotional Support Animals?	Requirements
Alaska Airlines	Yes	Current letter from medical professional, carrier fees may apply
American Airlines	Yes	Current letter, pet must remain in carrier under seat
Delta Airlines	Yes	Current letter, pet must remain in carrier under seat
Frontier Airlines	Yes	Current letter, pet must remain in carrier under seat
JetBlue	Yes	Current letter, pet must remain in carrier under seat

FAQ

1. Which major airlines allow emotional support dogs?

   Most major US airlines, like Delta, American, and United will let you bring an emotional support dog on the plane. You basically just need a letter from your therapist or doctor saying you need the dog for emotional support. As long as the dog is well-behaved and can sit at your feet, it’s allowed on pretty much any flight in the US. At the same time, some foreign airlines have stricter rules, so it’s always best to check the specific airline’s policy beforehand.

2. Do I need special training for an emotional support dog?

   Strictly speaking, emotional support dogs don’t need official training like guide dogs do. However, it’s a good idea to do some basic obedience training so the pet is well-behaved in public. You don’t want it barking and jumping on people at the airport! The dog also needs to be clean, healthy, and comfortable being near lots of people and noises. Maybe take it to a “canine good citizen” class. Is that training required? No, but it shows you’re being responsible and helps avoid problems.

   

3. How do I get an emotional support dog letter?

   To get permission to bring your pet onboard a plane as an emotional support dog, you’ll need a letter from a doctor or mental health professional—a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist usually. They’ll say that you have a mental health condition and that this particular dog provides emotional support. Perhaps ask your regular doctor first, as they may write the letter or refer you to a specialist. Just be sure your need for the dog is legitimate before seeking the documents. Don’t want any fraud going on!

4. Are there size or breed restrictions?

   Generally speaking, airlines will allow dogs under 20 pounds as emotional support animals. Bigger dogs are a no-go due to space constraints. As for breeds, as long as your dog isn’t a pit bull or something banned in certain cities, it should be permitted. Still, check rules for your specific airline just to be sure. Flying with an oversized pooch seems like it could cause issues. Better safe than sorry!

5. What paperwork do I need?

   For an emotional support dog, the basic papers you need are: the letter, proof of vaccination, and an ID tag with your contact info. It’s also a good idea to bring the dog’s crate, leash, food, and favorite toy for comfort. Don’t forget doggy bags and clean-up supplies too! Oh, and don’t stress – as long as Fido is well-behaved and under control, the flight should go smoothly. But I’d check guidelines one more time, since rules can change sometimes.

6. Do airlines treat emotional support dogs differently than pets?

   There is a key difference – emotional support animals are allowed in the cabin with their owner rather than being stowed below as cargo like regular pets. This is because they provide important assistance to folks with mental health issues. Of course, if the dog acts a fool, it may not be welcome back! So proper training is crucial. Overall, emotional support dogs get special treatment due to owners’ needs. But airlines want all animals to fly stress-free.

7. What if my dog acts up on the plane?

   If your emotional support dog starts barking excessively, jumping on people, or has an accident during the flight, you may face consequences. The flight attendants basically become dog trainers at that point! They’ll likely ask you to put the pet in its crate or restrain it somehow. In extreme cases, you could be banned from future flights with that dog. So it pays to really prepare your pup for flying. Make sure it goes potty before boarding! Then hopefully no “embarrassing dog moments” will occur.

   

In summary, major US airlines do permit emotional support dogs with the proper documentation from a medical professional. However, to avoid issues, be sure Fido can handle noisy flights calmly. Good behavior is key since an ill-behaved dog may lose its support animal privileges. What do you think – would having an animal companion help you overcome air travel anxiety? Perhaps explore that with your doctor or therapist. Let me know if any other emotional support pet questions come to mind!