Esad: Are Emotional Support Animals Allowed In Airports?

Emotional support animals (ESAs) are no longer accepted on US airlines as of March 1, 2021. However, psychiatric service dogs (PSDs) are still allowed to fly in the cabin free of charge. ESAs are now considered pets and are subject to the same rules and fees as other animals. This change was implemented by the Department of Transportation (DOT), which issued new guidelines in December 2020 that define a service animal as a dog trained to assist individuals with disabilities. While this ruling has made it more difficult for those with mental or emotional disabilities to travel with their ESAs, some international and private airlines still accept ESAs on specific routes or flights.

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are not considered service animals

ESAs, on the other hand, are not granted the same privileges as they are not considered service animals under the ADA. They are often used as part of a medical treatment plan and provide emotional support and comfort to individuals with mental health issues. However, they are not specially trained to perform specific tasks related to an individual's disability.

While ESAs used to be allowed on flights, particularly in the US, this is no longer the case as of March 1, 2021. Now, emotional support animals are treated as regular pets and are subject to fees and airline policies on size, weight, and breed restrictions. However, psychiatric service dogs (PSDs) are still recognised and allowed to board flights for free as they are considered service animals.

To be recognised as a service animal, a dog must be individually trained to perform tasks related to the handler's disability. This could include retrieving medication, providing pressure therapy during moments of crisis, or assisting with stability or balance. ESAs, on the other hand, are not required to have any specific training and provide support simply through their presence.

It is important to note that while ESAs are not considered service animals, they may still be allowed in certain places or granted certain accommodations under other laws or policies. For example, under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), emotional support animals may be allowed in housing as a reasonable accommodation.

Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSDs) are allowed on flights

If you are a person with a mental health disability, you may benefit from having a Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD). PSDs are allowed on flights and are protected by the Air Carrier Access Act and regulations from the U.S. Department of Transportation. PSDs are considered service animals and perform specific tasks that their owners need to function.

To fly with a PSD, you must submit the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Service Animal Air Transportation Form to the airline before boarding. This form requires you to self-certify that your dog has been trained to perform tasks related to your disability. It's important to note that lying on this form can have legal consequences. While the form requires the name of the PSD's trainer, third-party training is not a requirement, and owners can train their own dogs. Airlines may have different processes for accepting the DOT form, so it's recommended to check with your specific airline.

PSDs must be well-behaved and under the control of their handler at all times. They should be harnessed, leashed, or tethered and must be able to fit at your feet, under your seat, or on your lap. If your PSD exhibits aggressive behaviour or relieves itself in inappropriate areas, it may be removed from the airport or airplane.

While PSDs are allowed on flights, emotional support animals (ESAs) are no longer accepted as service animals on U.S. airlines as of March 1, 2021. ESAs may still be accepted on some international airlines, but they will be subject to fees and restrictions.

ESAs may be allowed on some international airlines

While US airlines no longer accept Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) in the cabin free of charge, some international airlines are still ESA-friendly. However, specific requirements must be met, and these vary by airline.

Emotional Support Animals

Emotional Support Animals are typically prescribed to individuals dealing with mental or emotional disabilities such as anxiety, panic attacks, sleep difficulties, depressive episodes, and phobias. Their presence helps to mitigate the symptoms of such conditions.

ESA Travel Policies

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued new guidelines that define a service animal as a dog trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities. This means that airlines can now choose to recognise ESAs as pets rather than service animals.

International Airlines that Accept ESAs

• LATAM Airlines accepts ESAs on flights to/from Mexico and Colombia, as well as on domestic flights within Colombia. They require a certificate from a licensed healthcare professional.
• Volaris accepts ESAs on flights between Mexico and Central and South America, as well as within Central and South America. They require an ESA letter from a licensed healthcare professional.
• AeroMexico accepts ESAs with a certificate signed by a psychiatrist.
• Air Canada and WestJet accept ESAs with a recommendation from a licensed health professional.

General Requirements for Flying with an ESA

Most airlines require that ESA documents be submitted 48-96 hours before departure. It is recommended to call the airline or check their website for their current assistance animal procedures. Additionally, some airlines may require an ESA to be under a certain weight and ride in a carrier.

ESAs may be allowed on some private and South American airlines

While most airlines are no longer required to allow emotional support animals (ESAs) to fly free in the cabin, a few private airlines and some South American airlines still allow ESAs to travel free of charge, but only on specific flights. These include LATAM, JSX, Lufthansa, and Volaris.

Based in Santiago, Chile, LATAM Airlines is the largest air carrier in Latin America. The airline group is pet-friendly and welcoming of both service dogs and emotional support dogs or cats, at least on flights to or from Colombia and Mexico, and domestic flights within Colombia. ESAs travel free on LATAM, but this is generally limited to dogs and cats that can fit in a carrier placed in the seat in front of you. Potentially dangerous breeds or aggressive dogs are prohibited in the cabin, and there is a limit of six support dogs per flight.

Volaris is a leading low-cost airline in Mexico, travelling across the Americas. Assistance animals, limited to cats and dogs, travel with Volaris for free on flights within Mexico, Central America, and South America. To travel with your support animal, you’ll need an official ESA letter signed by a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) within the last year. The animal must be no more than 26 pounds, but your ESA isn’t required to ride in a carrier; a leash or harness will do just fine as your furry friend rides on your lap.

Headquartered in Mexico City, Aeroméxico is the flag carrier of Mexico, with destinations across the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia. The airline welcomes both dogs and cats as ESAs, as long as they are smaller, weighing no more than 26 pounds. They are permitted to ride either on your lap or in an approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of yours. These accommodations are subject to the needs of other travellers, so you may need to change seats in cases of allergic guests. The animal must also be on its best behaviour throughout the flight, as well as boarding and de-boarding.

To fly with an emotional support animal on participating airlines, you typically need an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional. The LMHP will also need to fill out forms provided by the airline. Most airlines require that ESA documents be submitted at least 48–96 hours before departure. Before booking any flight with your ESA, you should always call your airline or check their website to confirm their current assistance animal procedures.

ESAs may be allowed on some Central American airlines

Emotional support animals (ESAs) are no longer recognised as service animals in the US, and are therefore not protected by the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). This means that ESAs are subject to the same rules as pets, and airlines are not required to allow them on their flights. However, some international airlines are still ESA-friendly.

Some Central American airlines that may allow ESAs include:

• Volaris: This airline accepts emotional support animals on flights between Mexico and Central America, between Mexico and South America, within Central America, within South America, and between Central America and South America. You will need an ESA letter from a licensed healthcare professional.
• AeroMexico: This airline accepts emotional support animals if you submit a certificate signed by your psychiatrist.
• LATAM Airlines: This airline accepts emotional support animals on flights from or to Mexico and Colombia, and on domestic flights within Colombia. You will need a certificate from a licensed healthcare professional.

Please note that each airline has its own set of policies regarding ESAs, and these policies are subject to change. Therefore, it is important to contact the airline directly to confirm their current ESA procedures before booking your flight.

Frequently asked questions