Which Airlines Allow Emotional Support Animals? 

⚠️ Important Policy Update (January 2021)

As of January 11, 2021, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) amended its regulations under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). Airlines are NO LONGER required to accommodate Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) as service animals. Most major U.S. airlines — including Delta, United, American, and Southwest — now treat ESAs as regular pets, subject to pet fees and carrier restrictions. Only trained Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSDs) still receive service animal protections on flights. This article provides historical context and current guidance on traveling with your pet.

Traveling with an emotional support animal (ESA) has changed significantly in recent years. If you’re wondering which airlines allow emotional support animals, the answer isn’t as simple as it used to be. New regulations, updated airline policies, and differences between ESA and service animals have made it essential for travelers to stay informed.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn everything about flying with an ESA, including airline rules, fees, large dog travel options, and how to make your journey stress-free. Whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally, this article will help you prepare with confidence.

Yes, you can take your emotional support animal on a flight, but there are important rules to understand.

Previously, ESAs were allowed to fly in the cabin for free under federal law. However, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) updated its regulations, allowing airlines to treat emotional support animals as pets instead of service animals.

Most airlines no longer recognize ESAs as service animals

Your ESA will likely be treated as a pet

You may need to pay airline pet fees

Size and carrier restrictions may apply

Even though policies have changed, you can still fly with your ESA. You just need to follow the airline’s pet travel guidelines or consider qualifying your dog as a psychiatric service dog (PSD).

While most airlines no longer provide free ESA travel, many still allow animals under their pet policies.

American Airlines

Allows small dogs and cats in-cabin

Requires an approved pet carrier

Charges a pet travel fee

Delta Air Lines

Accepts pets in the cabin for a fee

Strict size and weight requirements

Advance booking required

United Airlines

Permits small pets in-cabin

Requires carrier compliance

Charges per-flight pet fees

Southwest Airlines

Allows small dogs and cats only

Affordable pet fees compared to other airlines

No international pet travel

Alaska Airlines

Known for being pet-friendly

Allows pets in cabin and cargo

Flexible travel options

Important Reminder: These airlines do not classify emotional support animals as service animals anymore. Your ESA will be treated like a regular pet unless it qualifies as a trained service dog.

Yes, airlines can charge for emotional support animals.

Since ESAs are no longer protected under airline regulations, they fall under standard pet travel rules.

$95 to $150 per flight (domestic)

Higher fees for international travel

Additional costs for larger pets traveling in cargo

You can avoid fees if your dog qualifies as a service animal, which requires:

Task-specific training

Proper documentation

Compliance with airline service animal forms

Yes, you can fly with a support dog, but the experience depends on whether your dog is classified as an ESA or a service dog.

Emotional Support Dog

Treated as a pet

Must follow airline pet policies

Subject to fees and carrier rules

Service Dog (Including Psychiatric Service Dogs)

Allowed to fly in the cabin for free

Does not require a carrier

Can sit at your feet during the flight

Must be trained to perform specific tasks

Many travelers are now choosing to train their ESA as a psychiatric service dog to gain full travel benefits.

Flying with a large ESA is one of the biggest challenges pet owners face. Most airlines restrict in-cabin pets to small animals that fit under the seat.

Cargo Travel

Large dogs may need to travel in the cargo hold

Not all airlines allow this

Weather restrictions may apply

Upgrade to Service Dog Status

If your dog is trained as a service dog, it can fly in the cabin regardless of size

Choose Pet-Friendly Airlines

Some airlines are more accommodating for larger animals

Book Early

Airlines limit the number of pets per flight

Use a comfortable, airline-approved crate

Avoid extreme weather travel

Ensure your dog is calm and well-trained

This is a common question among travelers.

Small pets (including ESAs): Must remain in a carrier under the seat

Service dogs: Must sit on the floor at your feet

Lap sitting: Generally not allowed during takeoff or landing

Airlines enforce these rules for safety reasons, so it’s important to follow them to avoid issues during your flight.

Understanding the difference between these two is essential for travel:

Because service dogs have more legal protections, many travelers consider transitioning their ESA into a trained service dog for easier travel.

To ensure a smooth travel experience, follow these expert tips:

Check airline pet policies carefully

Book your pet spot in advance

Visit your vet for health clearance

Ensure vaccinations are up to date

Arrive early to avoid stress

Keep your ESA calm and comfortable

Carry all required documentation

Bring comfort items like a blanket or toy

Avoid feeding right before the flight

Keep your dog hydrated

Even though airlines have changed their ESA policies, having a valid ESA letter is still extremely important.

Protects your housing rights

Helps avoid pet restrictions with landlords

Provides official mental health documentation

Supports travel in certain international cases

An ESA letter confirms that your animal is essential for your emotional well-being.

Traveling with your emotional support animal starts with proper documentation. While airline rules have changed, an ESA letter remains essential for housing rights and emotional support validation.

At PetESALetter, we make the process simple, fast, and legitimate. Our licensed professionals evaluate your needs and provide a legally compliant ESA letter you can trust.

Don’t wait — visit PetESALetter today and get your ESA letter online. Enjoy peace of mind, emotional support, and the companionship you deserve wherever life takes you.