Roberta Aguirre
Emotional support animals (ESAs) are no longer recognised as service animals by most airlines. This is due to changes in Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines, which came into effect in March 2021. As a result, ESAs are typically treated as pets and are subject to the same fees and restrictions as other animals. However, some international airlines still accept ESAs, and each airline has its own set of policies regarding emotional support animals. Therefore, it is important to check with the specific airline before assuming your ESA can travel with you. While ESAs may not have the same privileges as service animals, their owners can still take them on flights by following the relevant procedures and ensuring their animals meet the requirements in terms of size, weight, breed, health and behaviour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airlines that accept emotional support animals | LATAM Airlines, Volaris, AeroMexico, Air Canada, WestJet, some South American airlines |
| Requirements | ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional, vaccination records, health certificate, import permit |
| Restrictions | Size, weight, breed |
| Treatment | Emotional support animals are treated as pets and are subject to fees and restrictions |
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What You'll Learn
- Emotional support animals are not recognised as service animals
- Airlines have their own policies on emotional support animals
- Emotional support animals may be subject to fees and restrictions
- Some airlines still accept emotional support animals
- Emotional support animals may need to travel in the cargo hold
Emotional support animals are not recognised as service animals
Emotional support animals (ESAs) are no longer recognised as service animals by most airlines. This is due to changes in Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines. As of March 1, 2021, airlines are no longer required to accept emotional support animals and can treat them as pets instead of service animals. This means that ESAs are no longer protected under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) for air travel. Airlines are not legally bound to accommodate ESAs for free or allow them to travel in the cabin.
While some international airlines are still ESA-friendly, each has its own set of policies regarding how they treat pets and ESAs. For example, LATAM Airlines accepts emotional support animals on flights to and from Mexico and Colombia, as well as domestic flights within Colombia, with a certificate from a licensed healthcare professional. Air Canada accepts emotional support animals with a recommendation from a licensed health professional. However, British Airways does not accept emotional support animals on any of its flights.
To fly with an emotional support animal on participating airlines, you typically need an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional. Most airlines require that these documents be submitted at least 48-96 hours before departure. In addition, documentation such as vaccination records and health certificates may be required. Airlines typically impose size and weight restrictions for pets in the cabin, meaning larger ESAs may need to travel in the cargo hold.
It is important to understand the specific airline's rules before travelling with an emotional support animal. For example, Delta Airlines does not offer walk-in reservations for cargo, so it is best to book for pets in advance (3 to 14 days before departure). United Airlines requires that your pet must be in a carrier that can fit under the seat in front of you. American Airlines recommends submitting the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Service Animal Air Transportation Form at least 48 hours before your flight.
While emotional support animals are not recognised as service animals, trained service animals are still protected under the ACAA for air travel. Service animals are required to meet the standard of training laid out by the ADA and DOT before travelling on a flight. Service animals do not count against your carry-on allowance, and airlines do not charge fees for transporting trained service animals or their assistive devices.
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Airlines have their own policies on emotional support animals
As of March 1, 2021, U.S.-based airlines no longer accept emotional support animals. Airlines that no longer recognize emotional support animals will treat them as normal pets, subject to fees and the airline's size, weight, and breed restrictions. However, owners of psychiatric service dogs still retain the right to board flights free of charge as these animals are considered service animals and perform specific tasks for their owners.
Although airlines are not required to permit emotional support animals, some may still allow it. Each airline has its own rules about whether emotional support animals are allowed onboard. For example, LATAM Airlines, Volaris, AeroMexico, Air Canada, and WestJet are some airlines that accept emotional support animals. However, they require documentation from a licensed healthcare professional. Other airlines that permit emotional support animals include Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, Asiana, and Singapore Air, but these are generally restricted to emotional support dogs, and proper documentation is required.
American Airlines also allows service animals in training, emotional support animals, and comfort animals to travel as pets, not as service animals, with applicable fees. They recommend submitting the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Service Animal Air Transportation Form at least 48 hours before the flight to verify the animal's health, training, and behavior. For flights to London Heathrow Airport (LHR), animals need approval from the Heathrow Animal Reception Center (HARC), which charges a fee for animals that do not meet the criteria for assistance animals.
It is important to check with the airline about their current policies and regulations on traveling with emotional support animals, as well as any required documentation, to ensure a smooth travel experience.
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Emotional support animals may be subject to fees and restrictions
As of March 1, 2021, emotional support animals (ESAs) are no longer recognised as service animals by many airlines. This is due to changes in Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines. While some international and private airlines still accept ESAs, they are now subject to fees and restrictions.
ESAs may be subject to the same fees and restrictions as pets, including size, weight, and breed restrictions. Some airlines may require vaccination records and health certificates for ESAs. Larger ESAs may need to travel in the cargo hold, and some airlines may restrict certain breeds for safety reasons.
It is important to understand the specific policies of the airline you are travelling with. Most airlines require that ESA documents, including health certificates and vaccination records, be submitted at least 48-96 hours before departure. Some airlines may also require an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional or a recommendation from a licensed healthcare professional.
In addition to fees and restrictions, ESA owners should be aware of other challenges when travelling with their animals. For example, some airlines may not offer walk-in reservations for cargo, and it may be necessary to book in advance. Extreme weather conditions may also restrict pet travel in the cargo hold, and it is important to check the airline's temperature guidelines.
While ESAs may be subject to fees and restrictions, service animals, including psychiatric service dogs, are still protected under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) and can fly for free. Service animals must meet the standard of training laid out by the ADA and DOT and may need to complete the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form.
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Some airlines still accept emotional support animals
As of March 1, 2021, U.S. airlines are no longer required to accept emotional support animals in the cabin free of charge. This is due to a Department of Transportation rule change. However, some international and private airlines still accept emotional support animals on a discretionary basis. These airlines include LATAM Airlines, Volaris, AeroMexico, Air Canada, and WestJet. Each of these airlines has its own specific requirements for accepting emotional support animals, such as a recommendation or certificate from a licensed healthcare or mental health professional.
While some airlines still accept emotional support animals, others have chosen not to. For example, British Airways and American Airlines do not accept emotional support animals on any of their flights. Instead, these airlines may require emotional support animals to travel as pets, subject to applicable fees and the airline's size, weight, and breed restrictions.
It is important to note that service animals, including psychiatric service dogs, are still protected and allowed to fly for free on airlines. Service animals are typically defined as dogs that have been individually trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities.
When travelling with an emotional support animal, it is essential to contact the airline beforehand to understand their specific policies and requirements. This may include submitting the necessary documentation within the required timeframe, which is typically 48-96 hours before departure.
Emotional support animals provide valuable assistance to individuals with disabilities, and while the landscape of airline policies is changing, some options are still available for those who require their emotional support animal to accompany them on flights.
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Emotional support animals may need to travel in the cargo hold
Emotional support animals are no longer recognised as service animals and are not protected under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) for air travel. Airlines are no longer legally bound to accommodate ESAs for free or allow them to travel in the cabin. This is due to changes in Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines.
Emotional support animals can now fly under airlines' standard pet policies, meaning they may need to travel in the cargo hold. Airlines typically impose size and weight restrictions for pets in the cabin, and larger ESAs may need to be transported in the hold. This is subject to the airline's usual pet fees and policies.
Each airline has its specific policies on ESAs, and emotional support animal owners should be aware of these policies. Some airlines require that ESA documents be submitted at least 48-96 hours before departure. Some airlines may not offer walk-in reservations for cargo, so it is best to book in advance. The air carrier can also restrict pet travel in extreme weather conditions to ensure pet safety.
Emotional support animal owners should also be aware that some airlines do not accept emotional support animals at all. For example, British Airways does not accept emotional support animals on any of its flights.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, since emotional support animals are now considered pets, you will have to pay the airline's standard pet fees.
Yes, you should always notify the airline at least 48 hours before your flight and check their specific requirements.
Airlines are not required to allow any type of emotional support animal, but some may permit it. Unusual species are likely to be refused. Only dogs are accepted as service animals.
You will need an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional, vaccination records, and a health certificate.
Emotional support animals are typically required to remain in a carrier, but airport staff may be able to assist you in finding a designated animal relief area.
