Which Airlines Allow Emotional Support Animals in 2024

ESAs play a crucial role in helping people deal with mental health issues. They provide comfort and companionship. It can help reduce symptoms associated with illnesses like depression and anxiety.

In the past, flying with an emotional support animal was easy. Airlines used to consider ESAs service animals, allowing them to fly in the cabin with their owners. However, stricter travel policies on ESAs were implemented. Most US airlines no longer treat an ESA as a service animal.

This is due to changes in Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines. Emotional support animals can now fly under airlines’ standard pet policies. So, if you plan to fly with your ESA, it is best to have an ESA Letter at hand and check individual airline policies, pet fees, and transport rules.

DOT Rule Changes for Emotional Support Animals (ESA)

In the past, most airlines treated emotional support animals as service animals. Emotional support dogs could fly with their owners in the cabin without any additional fees. However, recent changes in the DOT rule on ESAs allow airlines to treat ESAs as pets instead of service animals.

This means ESAs are no longer protected under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) for air travel. U.S. airlines are no longer legally bound to accommodate ESAs for free or allow them to travel in the cabin. However, trained service animals are still protected under the ACAA for air travel.

How Airlines Now Treat Emotional Support Animals

With the DOT rule changes, most airlines treat emotional support animals (ESAs) as pets. Each airline has its specific policies on ESAs. Emotional support animal owners should be aware of these policies.

These could include extra fees and requirements for emotional support animals to travel in carriers small enough to fit under the cabin seat. Airlines typically impose size and weight restrictions for pets in the cabin, meaning larger ESAs may need to travel in the cargo hold.

Documentation such as vaccination records and health certificates may also be required. These changes increase travel costs for ESA owners and can impact those who rely on their ESAs. Stricter airline policies may limit options for owners with certain types of ESAs.

• Charge additional fees for pets
• Require documentation, such as pet vaccinations and health certificates
• Require emotional support dogs or animals to travel in carriers that fit under the seat in the cabin
• May have restrictions on the size and weight of pets allowed in the cabin
• May require ESAs to be transported in the cargo hold if they are larger

• Travel costs have now increased for those who want to fly with their ESA. They have to pay extra fees for the ESA.
• Many people with mental health conditions rely on their ESA for comfort during travel. However, if someone cannot afford to pay extra travel fees for ESA, it can negatively affect their well-being.
• Airlines can implement stricter policies regarding which types of pets or ESAs are allowed to fly. This means if a certain type of ESA isn’t allowed, the owner will have fewer options for airlines to choose from.
• Each airline has its own pet policies for ESAs. This means ESA owners must understand the rules of the airline they plan to fly with. This can make the travel planning hectic.

What the DOT’s Changes Mean for Emotional Support Animals

Changes in the DOT’s rules mean emotional support animals are no longer treated as service animals under the ACAA. In other words, emotional support animals don’t have the same travel rights as trained service dogs; they are treated as pets.

Airlines are not required by law to allow emotional support animals to fly in the cabin without restrictions. They can implement their own pet policies.

List of Airline-Specific ESA Policies Post ACAA Changes

With the changes in DOT’s rule and ACAA, each airline now has its own set of policies for emotional support animals. If you’re planning to fly with your ESA, knowing about the policies of different airlines can help you choose the right airline. Here’s a list of airline-specific ESA policies:

American Airlines ESA Policy

American Airlines’ current ESA policy allows ESAs for an additional fee. The emotional support animal can travel as a carry-on or via American Airlines Cargo, depending on the animal’s size and breed. Only cats and dogs at least eight weeks old are allowed as carry-on pets.

Brachycephalic breeds are excluded from checked pet travel due to respiratory risks. Emotional support animals must remain in a carrier during the flight, with a combined weight limit of 20 pounds. The carrier should fit under the seat.

The airline restricts pets as checked baggage if temperatures exceed 85°F (29.4°C) or drop below 45°F (7.2°C). Fees are $150 per carry-on kennel for travel within the US, Mexico, Canada, Central America, and the Caribbean. For checked pets, it’s $200 per kennel.

Travel on American Airlines: Preparing Your Emotional Support Animal

Make sure your ESA is eligible for cabin travel. It must be small enough to fit in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. The airline only allows a limited number of pets in the cabin. You should inform the airline at least 48 hours in advance if you are traveling with a pet.

Delta Airlines ESA Policy

Delta Airlines makes it easier to travel with your emotional support animal. It’s essential to know Delta’s pet travel policy. Delta Airlines allows cats, small dogs, and household birds in the cabin. The pet should fit in a pet carrier under the seat in front of you throughout the flight.

The airline allows a limited number of pets per flight. It has a first-come, first-serve policy for pets traveling in the cabin. So, booking for pets 3 to 14 days before departure is best. If your emotional support animal is large and cannot fit in the Cabin, it can be shipped via Delta Cargo.

Delta Airlines also has age restrictions. The pet’s age requirement for domestic flights is eight weeks or above. For international flights, it is 16 weeks or above for cats and 6 months or above for other animals.

You need the documentation to travel with your emotional support animal if you have an international flight. This includes vaccinations and health certifications, depending on the destination’s regulations. Delta Airlines has varying pet fee structures.

It depends on the country you’re traveling to. The fee is $95 if you’re flying between the USA, Puerto Rico, Canada, and the Virgin Islands. Your pet can travel for a discounted fee of $75 on flights to and from Brazil. The fee is $200 for international travel to other countries.

Common ESA Tavel Challenges on Delta Airlines

Emotional support animal owners can face several challenges when traveling on Delta Airlines. The airline currently doesn’t offer walk-in reservations for cargo. It’s best to book for pets in advance (3 to 14 days before departure.)

The air can also restrict pet travel (especially in the cargo hold) in extreme weather conditions to ensure pet safety. Check the airline’s temperature guidelines before travel.

The airline doesn’t allow certain dog and cat breeds, such as brachycephalic or “snub-nosed” animals, to ensure their safety. Before booking, confirm that your emotional support animal is not a restricted breed.

United Airlines ESA Policy

If you’re flying with your emotional support animal with United Airlines, knowing United’s pet travel policy can make your journey smoother. Your pet must be in a carrier that can fit under the seat in front of you. The carrier can be hard-sided or soft-sided.

The required dimensions (in inches) for hard-sided carriers are H: 9, L: 17.5, and W: 12. For soft-sided carriers, the required dimensions (in inches) are H: 11, L: 18, and W: 11. The airline may restrict certain breeds or sizes due to health and safety reasons.

It doesn’t offer cargo travel for emotional support animals or pets. However, there is an exception for specific military or foreign service circumstances. Regarding fees, Delta Airlines charges $150 (each way) for pets.

Tips for a Smooth Experience with ESAs on United Airlines

Ensure your pet’s documentation, such as health certificates and vaccination records, is current. Make sure the pet carrier meets the airline’s size restrictions. Ensure your emotional support dog or animal is well-behaved and capable of handling public settings.

It’s best to check whether the destination country accepts emotional support dogs and reserve a spot for your emotional support dogs (ESDs) in advance.

Southwest Airlines ESA Policy

With the changes in the DOT’s rules for emotional support animals, Southwest Airlines has also changed its ESA policies. Like most airlines, it now treats emotional support animals as pets. Southwest Airlines allows only cats and dogs to travel in the cabin.

It is to be noted that the airline charges an extra fee of $125 per pet carrier (for travel within the U.S. Mainland). Your ESA must be placed in an appropriate carrier per the airline’s dimensions requirements.

Only a limited number of pets are allowed per flight, so it’s best to make a reservation in advance. Your ESA must also be vaccinated and at least 8 weeks old to be eligible for travel. The airline doesn’t allow pets on international flights or flights to and from Hawaii.

Carrier Requirements on Southwest Airlines

The pet carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. The maximum dimensions for the carrier are (inches) L: 18.5, W: 13.5, H: 9.5. The airline only allows one pet per carrier. However, two small cats or dogs may share one carrier if they fit comfortably.

Alaska Airlines ESA Policy

Alaska Airlines’ pet policy allows house cats, small dogs, domesticated rabbits, and household birds to travel in the cabin. Only cats and dogs are allowed in the cabin for international flights, and they must be eight weeks or older to travel.

The airline also requires your pets or emotional support animals to be placed in a pet carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. Both hard-sided and soft-sided carriers are allowed. The maximum dimensions of the carrier are 17″, W: 11″, and H: 7.5″.

Booking ESA Travel on Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines accepts pet travel reservations on a first-come, first-served basis. Since there is limited capacity for pets, making reservations in advance is recommended.

To travel with your pet in the cabin, you must pay an additional $100 USD (one way). The fee is $150 USD for travel in baggage and cargo compartments.

Airlines That Allow Emotional Support Animals for a Fee

Following updated regulations, several airlines still allow ESAs in the cabin for a fee. These airlines have specific policies and fees for ESAs. Fees and conditions vary by airline. ESA owners should review each airline’s guidelines before booking to ensure a smooth experience.

Spirit Airlines ESA Policy

The airline only allows small dogs, domestic cats, rabbits, and household birds in the cabin. There are no specified breed restrictions. However, there aren’t any cargo services for pets. Pets should remain a pet carrier throughout the flight.

The carrier should be small enough to fit comfortably under the seat in front of the owner. The airline only accepts a limited number of pets per flight, so it’s best to make a reservation for your pet when you book your flight.

Fee Structure for ESA Travel on Spirit Airlines

To travel with your pet on Spirit Airlines, you have to pay a fee of $125 per carrier (each way).

Frontier Airlines ESA Policy Overview

Per Frontier Airlines’ pet policy, you can travel with domesticated dogs, cats, hamsters, small birds, or guinea pigs on domestic flights within the US. However, only dogs and cats can travel internationally to Mexico and the Dominican Republic.

Your pet must be in a travel container or carrier throughout the flight. The maximum allowed dimensions for a pet container are L: 18″, W: 14″, H: 8″. The airline charges a fee of $99 per animal in the cabin and doesn’t allow pets to be checked as baggage.

Documentation for ESA Travel on Frontier Airlines

Since emotional support animals are now considered pets, you don’t need a specific ESA letter to travel with Frontier Airlines. However, your pets must be vaccinated, and the airline may ask for vaccination records or health certificates.

Flying with Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSD)

Unlike an ESA, a PSD is specially trained to assist people with mental illnesses. These can include depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental disorders. Psychiatric Service Dogs are trained to perform different tasks that help deal with psychiatric episodes.

Psychiatric Service Dogs are considered service animals. They have the same rights as service animals. This also includes flying with dogs in the cabin without any extra fee under DOT rules. They also have the same access rights in public places as service dogs under the ADA.

What Qualifies a Dog as a Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD)?

A dog must meet specific qualifications and criteria to be recognized as a PSD under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). A PSD must be well-trained to perform specific tasks directly to assist with the handler’s psychiatric disability. When it’s done, a licensed medical health professional (LMHP) must diagnose you with a qualifying disability for a PSD so you may acquire a PSD Letter.

This can include tasks like interrupting self-harm behaviors or alerting the handler to panic attacks. A PSD should also be trained to behave appropriately in public environments and situations.

What Disabilities Qualify for a Service Dog?

Several mental conditions can qualify an individual to register for a psychiatric service dog. These include PTSD, anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, panic disorders, and ADHD.

To qualify, the individual’s illness must be long-term as evaluated by a licensed mental health professional.

Legal Protections for Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSD)

PSDs have the same legal rights and protections as service animals. They are protected under the ACAA to travel in the cabin without any extra fee. The ADA grants public access rights to PSD. They are also protected from housing discrimination under the FHA.

Airlines Allowing PSDs to Fly Free of Charge

PSDs are recognized as service animals under the DOT’s rules and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). Thus, most airlines allow them to fly in the cabin without any additional fee. Here’s a list of popular airlines allowing PSDs to fly free of charge:

• American Airlines
• Delta Airlines
• United Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• Alaska Airlines
• Spirit Airlines

However, most airlines need you to submit a Service Animal Travel Form at least 48 hours before the flight. Your PSD must be well-behaved and shouldn’t have disruptive behavior. Airlines can deny transport if your PSD is too heavy or large to travel in the cabin.

Tips for Traveling with a PSD

Submit your Service Animal Form at least 48 hours before the flight. Ensure you have up-to-date vaccination records and a health certificate for your PSD. It’s also essential to ensure your dog is well-behaved and doesn’t cause any disruptions.

Required Documentation for Flying with Psychiatric Service Animals

Almost all US airlines need you to submit the DOT’s Service Animal Air Transportation Form if you want to travel with a PSD. This form serves as proof that you have a psychiatric service dog.

The form includes various sections requiring information about the owner and the animal. One important section requires verifying that your PSD is trained to assist with a psychiatric disability.

To get a PSD, you need to have a PSD letter from a licensed mental health professional. The letter confirms that a person has a psychiatric disability. Get Your PSD Letter

Comparing ESA and PSD Travel Rights

With the DOT’s regulations changes, most airlines now treat emotional support animals as pets. ESAs don’t have special rights. The individual airline’s pet travel policies apply to ESAs. This means you must pay an extra fee to travel with your ESA. Not all airlines allow pets or ESAs in the cabin.

PSDs are considered service animals. They have the same legal rights as service animals. This means PSDs can travel in the cabin under the ACAA. In other words, most airlines allow your PSD to travel with you in the cabin without any extra fee.

Key Differences Between ESA and PSD Travel

There are differences between ESAs and Psychiatric Service Dogs’ travel. Most airlines no longer recognize ESAs as service animals, and there are no standard travel forms for emotional support animals. Airlines treat them as pets.

Depending on the airline’s rules, you must pay an extra fee to travel with your ESA in the cabin. Airlines can also deny travel to emotional support animals if they don’t meet their travel requirements.

On the other hand, PSDs can travel in the cabin with their handler without any extra fee under the ACAA. Airlines cannot deny travel to PSD unless it doesn’t meet DOT’s service animal requirements.

Most airlines need you to submit the Department of Transportation’s Service Animal Air Transportation Form as proof that you have a PSD. Some airlines may also ask for a PSD letter.

Legal Definitions of ESAs vs. PSDs

An emotional support animal can be any domesticated animal that provides emotional support and comfort to their owners. These animals don’t need to be trained.

They provide comfort through their presence, companionship, and affection. However, emotional support animals are not protected under the ADA and ACAA because they are considered pets.

A PSD is a dog specially trained to assist people with psychiatric disabilities. They are recognized as service animals and have special legal rights and protections. They are allowed public access under the ADA and can fly in the cabin under the ACAA.

Fees and Costs for ESA and Pet Travel

Airline	Fee
	$150 per kennel for carry-on pets $200 per kennel for checked pets
	$95 (one way)
	$150 (each way)
	$125 per pet carrier for domestic flights
	$100 USD (one-way, in-cabin) $150 USD for cargo compartments
	$125 per carrier (each way)

Preparing an Emotional Support Animal for Travel

Start training your ESA for carrier or crate before your travel date. Ensure the crate is comfortable enough for your pet. For example, you can line the crate with familiar bedding or blankets and create to make your ESA comfortable.

It’s also recommended that you choose a ventilated crate for the comfort of the ESA. Moreover, ensuring your ESA gets plenty of exercise before your flight can make travel easier for it. You can also consider using calming aids designed specifically for pets.

Carrier Requirements for ESAs Across Airlines

Most airlines need you to use a carrier that can fit under the seat in front of you. However, different airlines have specific maximum allowed dimensions for pet carriers. Ensuring your pet’s carrier meets these requirements for hassle-free travel is important.

Comparing Carrier Requirements Across Major Airlines

Airline	Carrier Requirements
	Hard-sided: L:19, W: 13, H: 9 inches Soft-sided: L:18, W: 11, H: 11 inches
	Soft-sided: L:18, W: 11, H: 11 inches
	Soft-sided: L:18, W: 11, H: 11 inches
	L:18.5, W: 13.5, H: 9.5 inches
	L:17, W: 11, H: 7.5 inches

Practical Tips for Flying with an ESA or PSD

Flying with an ESA or PSD requires planning to ensure a smooth experience. Each airline has its own rules, fees, and documentation requirements. Knowing practical tips can make traveling with your support animal easier and more stress-free.

Here are some practical tips that can make your journey smoother if you’re traveling with an ESD or PSD:

• Each airline has different policies regarding emotional support animals. Make sure to understand the specific airline’s rules before traveling.
• For a PSD, submit your Service Animal documentation at least 48 hours before the flight.
• Keep up-to-date vaccination records and a health certificate for your ESD or PSD.
• Make sure your ESA or PSD is comfortable in the carrier.
• Give your animal enough exercise before the trip.

Communicating with Airline Staff About Your ESA or PSD

When you’re making a reservation for your ESA or PSD, it’s essential to communicate clearly with the airline staff if you have any confusion or queries. You can call the airline or ask the staff during check-in.

Managing Your ESA or PSD During the Flight

Take your animal for a long walk before the flight. This will give them enough exercise. Choose a well-ventilated and padded carrier to ensure your ESA is comfortable.

Use commands that your pet is familiar with. This will make them calm and help them feel secure and focused. You can also bring small treats to calm your ESA during the flight.

ESA Travel Laws and Protections

ESAs are no longer considered service animals under the ACAA. Instead, they are treated as pets. This means airlines aren’t legally bound to accept emotional support animals in the cabin without any fee. However, many airlines still allow ESAs as pets, but you have to pay an additional pet travel fee.

Federal ESA Travel Laws vs. State Regulations

Federal and state regulations may differ for ESAs. For example, the Code of Alabama (2023) law provides housing rights to emotional support animals.

Arkansas Code (1987, updated 2023) allows individuals to request reasonable accommodations for ESAs in housing and public spaces. Knowing the Federal and State laws regarding ESA can help you travel without any hassle.

Qualifying Conditions for Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSD)

Individuals with certain mental and emotional disabilities may qualify for a psychiatric service dog. Conditions that often qualify include PTSD, anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.

These disabilities can interfere with daily life. A PSD can help by performing specific tasks. These tasks can interrupt anxiety episodes or provide grounding support during stressful situations. They help the handler manage their condition.

Documentation for PSD Qualification

To get a PSD, you must get a legitimate PSD letter from a licensed mental health professional stating you are eligible for a PSD. This letter recognizes your dog as a PSD and is required for traveling with your PSD.

How to Obtain a PSD Letter for Airline Travel

If you’re planning to fly with a PSD, a legitimate PSD letter is essential for ensuring smooth travel. Obtaining this letter can be a straightforward process.

Obtaining a PSD letter can be challenging or time-consuming. However, with ESA Pet, you can get your PSD letter with a simple 3-step process.

Benefits of Getting a PSD Letter from ESA Pet

ESA Pet makes getting a PSD letter from a licensed mental health professional is easier. These professionals are highly skilled and can efficiently diagnose your illness.

ESA Pet has a simple 3-step process for obtaining a PSD letter. It offers affordable rates for obtaining a PSD or ESA letter.

Step-by-Step Process for Obtaining a PSD Letter

ESA Pet’s 3-step process starts with a 2-minute pre-screening questionnaire. It covers details about your disability and your dog’s behavior and training. It then connects you with a licensed mental health professional.

The mental health professional will assess your disability and determine if you need a PSD. If the healthcare provider finds you eligible for PSD, they will sign a PSD letter. Once approved, you will receive your letter within 24-48 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions About ESA and PSD Travel

Do Airlines Still Allow Emotional Support Animals?

Yes. Many airlines accept emotional support animals (ESAs). However, they treat ESAs as pets, and their pet travel policies apply to emotional support animals. For example, an extra pet fee is usually required to travel with an ESA.

Which Airlines Allow Emotional Support Animals?

Many airlines allow emotional support animals for an additional fee. Popular airlines that accept ESAs include American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines. Some animals may not allow pets at all.

Do I Need an ESA Letter to Fly With My Emotional Support Animal?

No. With DOT’s rules and ACAA changes, airlines now consider ESAs as pets. This means you don’t need an ESA letter to travel with your ESA unless specifically required by an airline. However, airlines may ask for ESA documentation, such as vaccination records.

What Documentation Is Required for Flying With an ESA?

It depends on individual airline’s policies. Many airlines need you to provide ESA documentation like up-to-date vaccination records and a health certificate.

Can an ESA Fly for Free?

No. With the changes in DOT’s rules regarding emotional support animals, most airlines require you to pay an additional fee to travel with an ESA. The fee depends on a specific airline’s fee structure.

Are There Breed or Size Restrictions for ESAs on Flights?

Yes. Different airlines have different breed and size restrictions for emotional support animals. For example, most airlines don’t allow Brachycephalic cats and dogs to travel as checked pets. Similarly, some airlines have restrictions for cabin travel.

Can a Psychiatric Service Dog Fly for Free?

Yes. A psychiatric service dog can fly for free with almost all US airlines. PSDs are considered service animals under the DOT’s regulations. This means they have the same legal rights as service animals.

Does Delta Allow ESA Animals?

Yes. Delta Airlines allows ESA. However, they treat ESAs as pets. This means you have to pay an extra fee to travel with your ESA in the cabin.

Do Emotional Support Animals Fly Free on Spirit Airlines?

No. Spirit Airlines does accept emotional support animals, but they don’t offer free travel for pets. They charge an extra $125 per carrier (each way). The airline doesn’t support cargo travel for assistance animals.

Conclusion: ESA and PSD Travel in 2024

ESAs provide emotional support to people with emotional or mental disability. Common emotional support animals include cats, dogs, birds, small mammals, and insects. In the past, ESA could fly with their owners in the cabin without any additional fee.

However, with the DOT’s rules and ACAA changes, most airlines now treat ESA as pets. They charge an additional fee if you want to travel with your ESA. Moreover, each airline has its own policies for traveling with pets.