Home » Spirit Airlines PSD & ESA Policy Guide

Spirit Airlines PSD and ESA Policy Guide: What You Need to Know.

Spirit Airlines permits trained psychiatric service dogs to accompany passengers in the cabin at no additional charge, provided the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Service Animal Air Transportation Form. Emotional support animals are no longer recognized as service animals and must travel under the airline’s pet policy, which includes applicable fees and carrier requirements.

Medically Reviewed by Robert Clendenin, MD

In This Blog

Comfort in Every Moment

PSD Letter opens doors to housing, travel, and public spaces

Get Your Official PSD Letter

If you’re planning to fly with your psychiatric service dog (PSD) or emotional support animal (ESA) on Spirit Airlines, it’s important to understand their policies to avoid travel mishaps. Imagine arriving at the airport and finding out that your beloved companion cannot board the plane due to missing paperwork or an unsuitable carrier, resulting in a missed flight. To prevent this, our guide covers everything you need to ensure you and your service or support animal are prepared for a smooth journey, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip without any surprises.

Key Points

Psychiatric service dogs are allowed on Spirit Airlines without any additional fee.
You must submit the U.S. DOT form at least 48 hours prior to your flight.
You may also need a PSD letter from a licensed healthcare professional confirming that your disability requires the assistance of a psychiatric service dog.
Contact Fast ESA Letter to obtain your PSD letter from home.
Emotional support animals are treated as pets and are subject to a Spirit Airlines pet fee.
All pets must remain in a Spirit Airlines-approved pet carrier for the entire flight and be able to stand and move comfortably inside.

1. Spirit Airlines’ Service Animal Policy

Can a Psychiatric Service Dog Fly?

Psychiatric service dogs can travel on Spirit Airlines as long as your PSD is properly trained to perform tasks related to your psychiatric condition. PSDs can accompany you in the cabin at no extra charge, provided all necessary documentation is submitted and approved. Spirit Airlines allows only two dogs per traveler. If traveling with more than two, the third dog will be considered a pet and subject to the pet policy.

What Documentation Is Required?

DOT Form: You must submit the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Service Animal Air Transportation Form to travel with a service dog. The form must be dated on or after the date you purchased your ticket. One DOT form must be submitted for each dog if traveling with two.
PSD Letter: Although not legally required, having one can help verify your need for an animal for mental health support. Airline officials may ask you to confirm your need for an animal. Consult with a licensed healthcare professional or Fast ESA Letter to obtain a legitimate PSD letter.

Note: A service animal vest, harness, ID card, or registration alone is not sufficient proof of a trained service dog.

Dog with boarding pass and suitcase at airport terminal

Where Can I Submit These Documents?

Submit the DOT form through the Spirit Airlines service animal portal at least 48 hours before your flight. If you are unable to submit your form online or prior to your flight, bring your completed form to the ticket counter or gate on the day of travel for review and approval. Arriving early will give you ample time to complete the verification process.

2. Emotional Support Animals on Spirit Airlines

Can Emotional Support Animals Travel?

Per Spirit Airlines’ emotional support animal policy, ESAs are no longer allowed to travel in the cabin. This change aligns with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s updated regulations, which no longer recognize ESAs as service animals. If you wish to travel with your ESA on Spirit Airlines, it will be treated as a pet and will incur a pet fee.

Which Types of Pets are Allowed to Travel?

Spirit Airlines allows specific pets on their aircraft, including:

Domestic dogs
Domestic cats
Small household birds (excluding flights to/from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands)
Small domestic rabbits (excluding flights to/from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands)

Pets must be at least eight weeks old and fully weaned. Brachycephalic breeds (snub-nosed dogs) may face increased health risks during air travel. Consult your veterinarian for advice on special precautions for these breeds.

Pet Fee: Spirit Airlines charges $110 each way for a pet. The pet charges are non-refundable, even if you cancel your reservation.

4. Pet Carrier and Seating Requirements

Pet Carrier Guidelines

The pet carrier must fit under the seat in front of you and allow the pet to stand and turn around comfortably.
The best pet carrier for Spirit Airlines is a soft container with dimensions not exceeding 18L x 14W x 9H inches (45.72 cm x 35.56 cm x 22.86 cm).
The pet must always remain in the carrier and be subject to inspection by Spirit Airlines officials.
A maximum of 2 pets per kennel is permitted, but only one container per guest is allowed.

Seating Requirements

You can choose your seat from most available options on the plane, but you cannot select seats in the first row or emergency exit rows.
Only service dogs are allowed on your lap. The dog cannot be larger than a 2-year-old child.

5. Spirit Airlines Pet Policy for International Travel

Spirit Airlines only accepts service animals on international flights. Depending on the destination, specific documentation regarding the service animal may be required. Contact Spirit Airlines at (1-855-728-3555) for additional documentation or requirements for your destination. If traveling to the U.S. from another country, review the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for additional travel restrictions and requirements, especially if coming from a high-rabies-rate country. The CDC provides crucial information on vaccination requirements, quarantine procedures, and other regulations that may apply.

6. Behavior Requirements

Whether it’s a service dog or an emotional support animal, it must be:

Harmless
Inoffensive
Odorless
Require no attention during the flight

Disruptive or aggressive behavior, such as growling, lunging, barking, biting, or jumping on other guests, may prevent your animal from boarding. Your animal will also not be allowed to board if it:

Relieves itself on the aircraft or in the airport outside of designated areas
Emits a strong odor
Is ill, aggressive, or in physical distress

7. Fast ESA Letter Tips for Traveling with an Animal on Spirit Airlines

Book in Advance: Reserve your pet’s spot early to ensure availability on your desired flight.
Check Documentation Requirements: Verify all required documents well before your travel date.
Keep Your Pet Comfortable: Bring familiar items like a favorite toy or blanket, and avoid feeding your pet right before the flight to prevent motion sickness.
Stay Informed: Review Spirit Airlines’ pet policy regularly to avoid surprises on travel day.
Consult Your Vet: Seek advice from your vet if your pet has any health concerns to ensure a safe and comfortable trip.

Bottom Line

Spirit Airlines permits PSDs to travel in the cabin at no extra charge, provided the dog is trained to assist with a mental health or psychiatric condition. ESAs are no longer recognized as service animals and must travel as pets, subject to Spirit Airlines’ pet policy. Ensure you’re aware of and comply with all relevant policies for a smooth travel experience for you and your animal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Strict Is Spirit Airlines With Pet Carriers?

Your carrier will be thoroughly inspected and must meet Spirit Airlines’ specific requirements to be approved. It should be well-ventilated, secure, and fit comfortably under the seat in front of you.

Does Spirit Allow a Free Carry-On?

No, Spirit Airlines does not allow a free carry-on. If traveling with a pet, it will count as one of your carry-on items, meaning you will need to pay for any additional carry-on or personal items.

Does Spirit Airlines Require a Health Certificate for Pets Traveling in the Cabin?

No, Spirit Airlines does not require a health certificate for pets traveling in the cabin, except for guests traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Is a Rabies Vaccination Certificate Required for Pets Flying to Puerto Rico?

Yes, Spirit Airlines requires a rabies vaccination certificate for pets traveling to Puerto Rico.

Are Exotic Pets Allowed on Spirit Airlines?

No, Spirit Airlines does not accept exotic pets such as snakes, spiders, rodents, and similar animals for travel in the cabin.

Post Author

Live and Fly Free with Your PSD!

A PSD Letter Unlocks Freedom!

Get Your PSD Letter Now