Flying with an Emotional Support Animal

Flying with an Emotional Support Animal in 2025: What You Need to Know

✈️ Thinking about flying with your Emotional Support Animal (ESA)? Let's talk: Airlines have new rules, and your pup isn't getting a first-class ticket just because they're adorable. Here’s what you really need to know before heading to the airport.

A Quick Recap: What Changed?

As of 2024 updates to the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), and continuing into 2025, emotional support animals are no longer considered service animals under federal airline regulations. That means airlines are no longer required to treat your ESA any differently than a regular pet.

Translation? Airlines treat emotional support animals like pets when it comes to fees, cabin travel, and carrier requirements.

Some key points:

• You pay a pet fee.
• Your dog must fit in an approved carrier under the seat in front of you.
• You must follow the airline’s specific pet policies.

Thinking About Training Your ESA as a Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD)?

If you have a mental health disability and your pet can be trained to perform a specific task (like interrupting a panic attack or grounding you during anxiety episodes), they may qualify as a Psychiatric Service Dog.

Psychiatric Service Dogs have full protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the ACAA, allowing them to fly free in-cabin and accompany you in public spaces.

✨ Learn more about Psychiatric Service Dog Training here: LEARN MORE

Service Dogs vs. Emotional Support Animals: What You Need to Know

Before we dive into airline pet policies, let’s clear up a common mix-up: service dogs and emotional support animals (ESAs) are not the same thing — and the law treats them very differently.

Service Dogs:
Trained to perform specific tasks that assist a person with a disability (think: guiding the blind, detecting seizures, interrupting panic attacks).

• Protections: Covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), meaning they can go almost anywhere with their handler — including flying in-cabin for free.
  

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs):
Offer comfort and emotional support simply by being there — no special training required.

• Legal Limits: ESAs do not have ADA public access rights. Under the 2024 ACAA updates, airlines now treat ESAs like regular pets, meaning pet fees, carrier requirements, and stricter rules apply.
  

Bottom Line:
If your animal isn’t trained to perform a task tied to your disability, they’re considered a pet when you travel — and the airlines will treat them like one.

Top 3 Tips for Flying with Your ESA Like a Pro

🛫 Reserve Early: Pet slots on flights fill up faster than overhead bin space. Book as soon as you confirm your travel plans.

🛫 Check the Size Rules: Make sure your pet carrier meet your airline’s size and weight requirements. Soft-sided carriers that fit under the seat are typically required.

🛫 Plan for Extra Time: Pet check-ins take longer than you'd think. Add at least 30-45 minutes to your airport arrival time to avoid feeling rushed.

Major Airline Pet Policies (for Emotional Support Animals)

Since ESAs are now treated like pets, here’s a quick snapshot of what to expect with major airlines:

Alaska Airlines

Pet Fee: $100 each way
Carrier Size: Max 17” x 11” x 9.5”
Tip: Space is limited (first-come, first-served).
View Full Policy ➔

Southwest Airlines

Pet Fee: $125 each way ($35 within Hawaiian Islands)
Carrier Size: Max 18.5” x 13.5” x 9.5”
Tip: Only six pet carriers allowed per flight — call ahead.
View Full Policy ➔

American Airlines

Pet Fee: $150 each way
Carrier Size: Soft-sided, around 18” x 11” x 11”
Tip: Limited number of pet spots per flight — reserve early!
View Full Policy ➔

Delta Airlines

Pet Fee: $150 each way
Carrier Size: About 18” x 11” x 11” (check aircraft specifics)
Tip: Must check in at the Special Service Counter.
View Full Policy ➔

United Airlines

Pet Fee: $150 each way
Carrier Size: Recommended soft-sided 18” x 11” x 11”
View Full Policy ➔
 
Bonus Tip:
🐾 Pet fees, kennel size requirements, and booking rules can change fast — always double-check the latest policy directly with your airline before you book.

Quick Note on International Travel

If you’re flying internationally, remember: each destination country has its own rules about bringing animals across borders. They require health certificates, microchips, or even quarantines.

Pro Tip: Always call the airline and review the destination country's import rules at least 4–6 weeks before traveling.

Final Thoughts

While flying with an ESA isn’t as "all-access" as it once was, it’s absolutely doable with good planning and the right expectations. Pet-friendly travel is alive and well — you just need to navigate the new rules like a pro.

And if you're thinking about leveling up your travel partner to a trained Psychiatric Service Dog... well, you're definitely barking up the right tree. Contact us for a free consult call.

Safe travels and happy tails!