Many people consider their pets as part of their family, and for some, emotional support animals (ESAs) provide crucial comfort and assistance during air travel. However, airline policies have significantly changed in recent years, making it essential for travelers to understand current ESA regulations before flying.
If you’re planning to travel with an ESA, here’s everything you need to know to enjoy a smooth journey.
Are Emotional Support Animals Allowed on Flights?
As of 2021, airlines are no longer required to recognize ESAs as service animals. This means most U.S. airlines now classify ESAs as regular pets, subjecting them to standard pet travel fees and restrictions.
While emotional support animals once flew in the cabin for no additional fee, travelers must now follow pet policies, which include:
✔ Paying a pet travel fee (typically $100–$150 per flight)
✔ Ensuring the animal fits in an approved carrier under the seat
✔ Booking in advance to secure an in-cabin pet space
The good news? Service animals, including Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSDs), are still allowed to fly without fees provided you can show proper documentation.
Which Airlines No Longer Accept ESAs?
Most major U.S. airlines have eliminated ESA privileges and now require travelers to follow pet travel policies. These airlines include:
✔ American Airlines
✔ Delta Air Lines
✔ United Airlines
✔ Southwest Airlines
✔ Alaska Airlines
✔ JetBlue
✔ Spirit Airlines
✔ Frontier Airlines
If you’re flying with an ESA, you must now pay a pet fee and transport your animal in an airline-approved carrier.
💡 Tip: Some international airlines may still recognize ESAs. If you’re flying internationally, check the airline’s policy before booking.
Can Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSDs) Fly Without a Fee?
Yes. Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSDs) are still recognized under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), meaning they can fly in the cabin without additional fees.
To qualify, your PSDs must be trained to perform specific tasks related to a psychiatric disability, such as:
✔ Detecting and responding to anxiety attacks
✔ Providing comfort through deep pressure therapy
✔ Assisting individuals with PTSD
Requirements to Fly with a PSD
✔ DOT Service Animal Transportation Form completed at least 48 hours before departure
✔ Well-behaved, trained behavior (aggressive or disruptive animals may be denied boarding)
✔ Proper identification, such as a vest or harness (though not legally required)
Flying with a Pet: Key Rules to Follow
If you’re traveling with a pet (including an ESA now classified as a pet), follow these rules to avoid last-minute issues at the airport:
✈ Book early – Airlines limit the number of in-cabin pets per flight
✈ Use an airline-approved carrier – Your pet must fit under the seat in front of you
✈ Pay the pet travel fee – Fees range from $100 to $150 per flight
✈ Ensure your pet is well-behaved – Aggressive or noisy pets may be denied boarding
💡 Note: Larger animals that do not fit in an under-seat carrier must travel as cargo, which may have additional restrictions and costs.
International Travel & ESA Restrictions
Planning to fly internationally? Check the country’s pet policies before booking. Some destinations have strict entry rules, including:
✔ Quarantine periods (e.g., Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand)
✔ Banned animal entries (e.g., Jamaica does not allow dogs)
✔ Health certificate requirements (some countries require recent veterinary check-ups)
💡 Tip: Always research your destination’s pet travel policies well in advance to avoid unexpected delays or quarantines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Can I still fly with my Emotional Support Animal?
Ans. Yes, but ESAs are now classified as pets and must follow pet travel policies, including carrier size restrictions and travel fees.
Q. What’s the difference between an ESA and a Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD)?
Ans. An ESA provides emotional comfort but is not trained to perform specific tasks. A PSD is trained to assist with psychiatric disabilities (e.g., PTSD, anxiety disorders) and can fly without additional feed provided there is proper documentation.
Q. Do any airlines still allow ESAs to fly for without a fee?
Ans. Most U.S. airlines no longer recognize ESAs as service animals. However, some international airlines may still accept them. Always check with the airline before booking.
Q. What documents do I need to fly with a Psychiatric Service Dog?
✔ DOT Service Animal Transportation Form
✔ Proof of training and behavior compliance
✔ Up-to-date vaccination records
Q. Can my ESA or pet sit on my lap during the flight?
Ans. No. Most airlines require pets to remain in an approved carrier under the seat during the flight. The only exception is for fully trained service animals (PSDs).
Final Thoughts: Navigating ESA Travel in 2025
If you rely on an emotional support animal, be prepared for new airline rules. While ESAs no longer fly without additional feed, you can still bring your pet along by following airline pet policies.
✔ Flying with a pet? Book early, pay the pet fee, and bring an airline-approved carrier.
✔ Traveling with a PSD? Ensure you have proper documentation to fly without paying an additional fee.
✔ Going international? Research quarantine rules and country-specific regulations.
Understanding these updated ESA travel guidelines will help provide you and your animal companion with a smooth journey.
Happy travels! 🐾✈️
