Best Airlines to Fly with a Service Dog
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Service Dog Friendly Airlines: Your Guide to Hassle-Free Travel
Flying with a service dog can feel like a complex process, but choosing the right airline makes all the difference. In the United States, we recommend flying with one of the top five airlines for service dog travel: United, Delta, American, Alaska, or Southwest.
Key Considerations for Traveling with a Service Dog
One of the most critical aspects of traveling with a service dog is minimizing the overall travel time. Opting for direct flights or routes with minimal layovers can help make the journey smoother for both you and your service dog. Flight length, layover times, and prices can change based on where you are and if there are airline hubs nearby. So, careful planning is important for a comfortable trip.
Tip: When booking, use the filter for direct flights or short layovers. Direct flights can be especially helpful for dogs new to air travel, as the streamlined travel process is often easier for them to adjust to.
Why Choosing the Right Airline Matters for Service Dog Handlers
When traveling with a service dog, picking an airline is more than just looking at price or perks. Choosing one that has clear policies and resources for service dogs is important. Each airline has its own set of rules, and selecting the right one can positively impact your travel experience. United, Delta, Alaska, Southwest and American Airlines are known for their strong customer service, clear policies, and accommodations that make travel more accessible for people with disabilities and their service animals.
Service Dogs In-Training: Which Airlines Waive Pet Fees?
For handlers with service dogs in-training, finding an airline that waives pet fees can save money and simplify travel. Among the top five airlines, United Airlines, Delta Airlines, and Alaska Airlines recognize service dogs in-training and do not charge pet fees. This recognition allows passengers traveling with service dog in-training to fly for free. This is helpful for getting service dogs comfortable with first time flying.
Difference Between Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) and Trained Service Dogs When Traveling
The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) establishes clear distinctions between service dogs and Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) for air travel. Understanding these differences is crucial, as airlines enforce specific guidelines for each.
Service Dogs
Service dogs are trained to perform tasks directly related to a disability, and under both the ACAA and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), they are recognized as working animals with important roles. Trained service animals may travel in the cabin with their handlers at no additional charge, provided they behave appropriately and remain under control.
Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)
Emotional Support Animals, by contrast, provide comfort through companionship rather than task-based assistance. Due to changes in airline policies, ESAs are no longer afforded the same protections as service dogs under the ACAA. ESAs are subject to pet fees and other restrictions, including breed and size limitations. If you’re traveling with an ESA, check with your airline’s pet policies as they may vary.
What Airline Staff Can Legally Ask About Your Service Dog
When flying with a service dog, it’s helpful to know what airline staff are legally permitted to ask to confirm your dog’s role as a service animal. Under the ADA, staff are limited to questions that respect your privacy while ensuring that the animal’s role as a service dog is verified.
1. Staff Can Ask:
- Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? This question clarifies that the dog is needed for disability-related tasks.
- What tasks or work is the dog trained to perform? Staff may ask what specific tasks your dog performs, but they cannot ask for a demonstration.
These questions help confirm the dog’s role while respecting handler privacy. If staff request documentation, certification, or a demonstration, you have the right to decline, as these are not requirements under the ADA.
2. Staff Cannot Ask:
- About the nature of your disability: It’s against ADA guidelines to inquire about specific disabilities or health conditions.
- For service dog certification, there is no official certification for service dogs. Handlers do not need to show any ID or documents.
- To see a demonstration of tasks: The ADA does not require showing tasks.
Additional Documentation:
While not required under ADA law, airlines may ask for two Department of Transportation (DOT) Service Animal Air forms, particularly for flights over eight hours:
- U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form
- U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Relief Attestation Form
- (for flights longer than 8 hours)
- Bringing a digital copy of your dog’s vaccination records
- (especially for rabies) is also recommended, though not required
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Airline for Your Needs
For service dog handlers, the best U.S. airlines are United, Delta, American, Alaska, and Southwest. These airlines have helpful policies that improve the travel experience.
Paws on Planes founder Alison often flies with her service dog, Luciano. They usually travel on United and Delta Airlines. They sit in the bulkhead seat, which is the seat in front to allow more legroom. She is based in Red Oak, IA, and often travels to San Diego, CA, and Salt Lake City, UT. She finds that these airlines offer direct and affordable flights. This makes each trip easier and more predictable.
Ultimately, the best choice of airline depends on your travel route, budget, and individual needs. By selecting a service dog-friendly airline and planning carefully, air travel can become a manageable, experience for you and your service dog.
Learn More
If you’re preparing for a trip with your service dog and need more guidance, visit our "Traveling with Your Service Dog" page for detailed ADA and ACAA information, as well as practical tips for smoother air travel. For information on pet travel, visit our blog post on "flying with an emotional support animal".