Flying with an Emotional Support Animal

Traveling with an Emotional Support Animal

It’s important to recognize that Emotional Support Animals (ESA) do not have the same legal protections in the United States under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) as service dogs. This distinction means that ESAs must follow the individual pet policies of airlines, which often involve fees, size restrictions, and kennel regulations. Understanding these rules will help you plan your journey more effectively and avoid surprises at the airport.

Service Dog vs. Emotional Support Animal: Understanding the Differences

Before we discuss airline pet policies, let's first understand the differences between service dogs and Emotional Support Animals (ESAs). They each serve distinct purposes and have different legal protections.

What Is a Service Dog?

A Service Dog is specifically trained to perform tasks that directly assist a person with a disability. These disabilities can be physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or mental. The work a service dog performs is directly related to the handler’s disability, such as:

• Guiding a person who is blind.
• Alerting a person who is deaf to sounds.
• Providing physical support for balance.
• Detecting and interrupting panic attacks or other psychiatric episodes (Psychiatric Service Dog).
  

Legal Protections for Service Dogs:

• Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service dogs are allowed to accompany their handlers in public places and on public transportation, ensuring equal access and non-discrimination.
• The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) permits service dogs to travel with their owners in the cabin of an aircraft, free of charge.

What Is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA)?

An ESA gives comfort and emotional support to its owner. Unlike service dogs, ESAs are not required to have specialized training to perform specific tasks. Their primary role is to offer emotional support simply through their presence.

Legal Limitations for Emotional Support Animals:

• Public Access: ESAs do not have the same public access rights as service dogs. Restaurants, stores, and other public venues can deny them entry.
• Air Travel: As of recent changes in the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), ESAs must travel under the airline's pet policy, which may include fees and kennel requirements.

Understanding Airline Pet Policies

Traveling by air with your Emotional Support Animal (ESA) can be tricky. Airlines often have their own rules and fees. Staying informed about each airline’s regulations is important to ensure a stress-free journey for both you and your pet. Here, we outline the latest pet policies from major airlines, so you know exactly what to expect before you book your flight.

American Airlines Pet Policies

American Airlines has clear guidelines for traveling with pets, including ESAs. Please note that service dogs in-training, cats, therapy animals, emotional support animals, and comfort animals must fly as pets, incurring a fee. Here are the key details:

• Pet Fee: $150 per kennel, each way, for tickets purchased on or after February 20, 2024.
• Kennel Dimensions: The maximum allowable dimensions depend on the aircraft, but a soft-sided kennel measuring 18” x 11” x 11” generally fits most aircraft types.
• Limitations: There are only seven carry-on kennels allowed per flight (excluding service dogs).
• Rules: Pets must remain inside the kennel with the door secured while in the boarding area, during boarding, and throughout the flight. Only one additional item, like a purse or carry-on bag, is allowed on board alongside your pet. Certain breeds, especially brachycephalic or snub-nosed ones, may face restrictions when traveling as checked pets.

American Airlines Full Pet Policy: Pet Policy 

Delta Airlines Pet Policies

Delta Airlines requires cats, therapy animals and emotional support animals fly as pets (includes a pet fee) and must fit in a carrier. Here are the key details:

• Pet Fee: $95 each way for tickets purchased on or after February 28, 2022.
• Kennel Dimensions: A soft-sided kennel measuring 18” x 11” x 11” fits most aircraft types, but dimensions may vary.
  
• Check-In Process: You must check in at the Special Service Counter, where a Delta agent will ensure all pet and kennel requirements are met. Make sure to arrive early to allow extra time for the check-in process.
  
• Rules: Pets must remain in their kennel with the door securely closed at all times. Only one additional item, like a purse or carry-on bag, is allowed on board alongside your pet.

Delta Airlines Full Pet Policy: Pet Policy

Southwest Airlines Pet Policies

Southwest Airlines requires service dogs in-training, cats, therapy animals and emotional support animals fly as pets (includes a pet fee) and must fit in a carrier. Here are the key details:

• Pet Fee: $125 each way, or $35 each way when traveling between the Hawaiian Islands.
• Kennel Dimensions: the under-seat space varies by aircraft. The maximum pet carrier dimensions are 18.5” (L) x 13.5” (W) x 9.5” (H). Southwest Airlines sells a pet carrier with dimensions of 17” (L) x 10” (W) x 9.5” (H) online.
• Limitations:
• Eligible Pets: Only domestic cats and dogs, at least eight weeks old.
• Limitations: there will be no more than six (6) scheduled pet carriers per scheduled flight. Space is limited, so call Southwest in advance to add your pet to your reservation
• Restrictions: one pet carrier per ticketed customer. Each pet carrier can contain no more than two of the same species of small cat or dog.
• Rules: Pets must remain in their kennel with the door securely closed at all times. Only one additional item, like a purse or carry-on bag, is allowed on board alongside your pet.

Southwest Airlines Full Pet Policy: Pet Policy

Alaska Airlines Pet Policies

Alaska Airlines requires cats, therapy animals and emotional support animals fly at pets (includes a pet fee) and must fit in a carrier.

• Pet Fee: $100 each way.
• Kennel Dimensions: A soft-sided kennel with maximum dimensions of 17” x 11” x 9.5” fits most aircraft types.
• Kennel Limitations: Three pet carriers in First Class and eight in the Main Cabin per flight. Reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • • Call Alaska at 1-800-252-7522 to reserve space for your pet. 
• Rules: Pets must remain in their kennel with the door securely closed at all times. Only one additional item, like a purse or carry-on bag, is allowed on board alongside your pet.

Alaska Airlines Full Pet Policy: Pet Policy

United Airlines Pet Policies

United Airlines requires cats, therapy animals and emotional support animals fly at pets (includes a pet fee) and must fit in a carrier.

• Pet Fee: $150 each way for tickets purchased on or after April 26, 2024.
• Kennel Dimensions: A soft-sided kennel of 18” x 11” x 11” is recommended for most aircraft.
• Rules: Pets must remain in their kennel with the door securely closed at all times. Only one additional item, like a purse or carry-on bag, is allowed on board alongside your pet.

United Airlines Full Pet Policy: Pet Policy

Final Tips for Stress-Free Travel

Traveling with your pet requires preparation and planning. Review the airline's pet policy before booking, reserve space for your pet in advance, and arrive early to accommodate any necessary check-in procedures. Safe travels!