How to Fly With An Emotional Support Animal (ESA)?

Yes, but airline policies have changed. As of 2021, most U.S. airlines no longer allow Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) to fly for free or classify them as service animals under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). Now, ESAs are generally treated as pets, meaning you may need to pay a pet fee and ensure your animal meets size and carrier requirements.

Tips:

• Research Your Airline: Policies vary. Some international airlines still recognize ESAs as service animals, so check airline-specific rules before booking.
• Documents: Have an updated ESA letter and any health certificates the airline requires.

No, ESAs are no longer allowed to fly for free. Airlines like Delta, American, and United now charge pet fees for ESAs, which range from $100 to $200 depending on the flight. However, psychiatric service animals, if documented correctly, may still fly for free.

Quick Facts:

• Pet Fees: Expect fees between $100-$200 depending on the airline.
• Carrier Rules: Your ESA must fit in a carrier under your seat or travel in the cargo hold, depending on size.

Prepare these essential documents to ensure smooth travel:

• Valid ESA Letter: Issued by a licensed mental health professional, this letter should be current (within the last year).
• Vaccination Records: Ensure your ESA is up-to-date on vaccinations.

Being prepared with the right items can make your flight smoother. Here’s what you should carry when traveling with your ESA:

1. Airline-Specific Forms: Some airlines may require you to fill out additional forms confirming your ESA’s behavior and health.
2. Leash and Harness: While your ESA may not need to be in a carrier, it’s a good idea to have a leash and harness for safety and control during security checks.
3. ID Tags: Make sure your ESA is wearing proper identification with your contact details in case you get separated. However, this is not legally required but having an ID Tag on your ESA can help in easy identification.
4. Water and Food: Carry portable water bowls and a small supply of food, especially for long flights.

• Get Them Comfortable in Their Carrier: If your ESA needs to travel in a carrier, practice at home first.
• Exercise Beforehand: A tired pet is a calm pet.
• Visit the Vet: Ensure your ESA is healthy and fit for air travel.

• Water and Snacks: Long flights can make your pet restless.
• Comfort Items: A favorite blanket or toy can help your ESA feel secure.

Airline policies have shifted in recent years, and many U.S. airlines no longer recognize ESAs as service animals, instead treating them as pets. So, what should you do if your airline doesn’t allow ESAs?

1. Check Airline Policies: Before booking, review the airline’s ESA policy. Some may still allow ESAs in the cabin, while others have moved them to the pet category.
2. Pet Policy as Backup: If your ESA is small enough, you can usually bring it as a carry-on pet. Be aware of any fees associated with this.
3. Look for ESA-Friendly Airlines: Some airlines still allow ESAs in the cabin. Research your options and choose accordingly.

Training your ESA to handle the stresses of air travel is crucial. Here’s how to prepare:

1. De-sensitization: Introduce your ESA to loud noises, crowded spaces, and confined environments ahead of time. You can use recordings of airplane sounds to help familiarize your ESA.
2. Positive Reinforcement: Use treats and praise to encourage calm behavior. This can help your ESA associate flying with positive experiences.
3. Practice in Carriers: If the airline requires your ESA to be in a carrier, ensure they are comfortable inside it for extended periods.

Keeping your ESA calm is essential for a smooth journey. Here’s how you can help:

1. Exercise Before the Flight: Tire your ESA out before the flight with a good walk or play session. A tired ESA is more likely to sleep during the flight.
2. Comfort Items: Bring their favorite blanket, toy, or chew to help them feel secure.
3. Stay Close: Your presence is the most comforting thing to your ESA, so try to stay calm and provide reassurance throughout the flight.
4. Use Calming Techniques: Just like with people, animals can benefit from calming techniques. Try speaking softly to your ESA or using a calming pet spray.
5. Provide Treats and Distractions: Offering small treats during the flight can help distract your ESA and make them feel more comfortable.

You might be tempted to sedate your ESA before a flight to keep them calm, but this is generally not recommended unless approved by your vet. Here’s why:

1. Health Risks: Sedating your ESA can interfere with their ability to maintain balance, and it can affect their heart rate and breathing, especially in a high altitude environment.
2. Vet Consultation: Always consult your vet if you’re considering sedation. In some cases, vets may recommend mild sedatives or natural calming supplements for particularly anxious animals.
3. Alternative Solutions: Consider using natural calming aids such as CBD treats, or pheromone sprays, which can provide comfort without the risks associated with sedation.

Keeping your ESA comfortable during the flight is essential to ensuring a smooth journey. Here are some tips to help:

1. Choose the Right Carrier: Make sure your ESA’s carrier is the right size, allowing them enough space to stand up, turn around, and lay down comfortably.
2. Temperature Control: Flights can get chilly, so pack a small blanket or a padded bed inside the carrier to keep your ESA warm.
3. Hydration and Food: While you may want to limit their food intake before the flight, always bring water to keep them hydrated, especially for long trips.
4. Frequent Comfort Checks: Every so often, check in with your ESA to reassure them and ensure they are comfortable. A little attention can go a long way in reducing their stress.

• Why It’s Great: Alaska Airlines has a reputation for being pet-friendly and offering straightforward policies for travelers with ESAs or pets. Although they no longer recognize ESAs as service animals, they still allow them in the cabin as pets, provided they meet size and carrier requirements.
• Pet Fees: $100 each way
• Travel Conditions: Pets (including ESAs) must fit in a carrier under the seat. They have clearly outlined policies for psychiatric service animals, which are still recognized as service animals.

Highlights:

• Efficient customer service for travelers with pets.
• Clear communication on what documents and forms are needed.
• Well-regarded for accommodating special needs and disabilities

• Why It’s Great: American Airlines is one of the largest carriers and offers a smooth process for flying with pets or service animals. They treat ESAs as pets now but offer competitive rates and conditions for bringing pets in the cabin.
• Pet Fees: $125 each way
• Travel Conditions: Pets must fit in a small carrier under the seat in front of you. Service animals, including psychiatric service dogs, are allowed to fly free with proper documentation.

Highlights:

• Wide network of domestic and international routes.
• Comprehensive information on pet-friendly policies available online.
• Known for being accommodating to passengers with disabilities, including mental health needs.

• Why It’s Great: Delta Airlines has a pet-friendly travel policy and provides ample support for passengers traveling with service animals, including psychiatric service animals, though ESAs are no longer recognized as service animals.
• Pet Fees: $95 for domestic flights, up to $200 for international flights
• Travel Conditions: Pets are allowed in the cabin if they meet size restrictions and fit in a carrier under the seat.

Highlights:

• Multiple forms of contact for customer support regarding pet travel.
• Clear rules and documentation requirements are listed on their website.
• Offers direct flights to reduce the stress of traveling with a pet or ESA.

• Why It’s Great: Southwest Airlines offers affordable rates for flying with pets and is known for its user friendly policies and flexible customer service. They no longer recognize ESAs but are very accommodating with pets in the cabin.
• Pet Fees: $95 each way
• Travel Conditions: Only small pets are allowed in the cabin, and they must remain in a carrier under the seat.

Highlights:

• Known for great customer service and ease of booking.
• Pets can travel in the cabin for reasonable fees.
• Clear and simple policies for traveling with pets.

• Why It’s Great: United Airlines offers extensive domestic and international routes and has clear policies for pets and psychiatric service animals. While ESAs are no longer allowed as service animals, United still offers a smooth process for bringing pets on board.
• Pet Fees: $125 each way; additional $125 for layovers longer than 4 hours
• Travel Conditions: Pets must travel in a carrier under the seat. United provides extensive information on its website to make the process straightforward.

Highlights:

• Allows pets in both the cabin and cargo hold for larger animals.
• Recognizes psychiatric service animals, which can travel free with the proper documentation.
• Clear guidelines on health and vaccination requirements for pets.

• Why It’s Great: Lufthansa is one of the few airlines that still allows ESAs to fly in the cabin on international routes, provided proper documentation is submitted. Lufthansa is known for its accommodating service.
• Pet Fees: No fee for ESAs, provided the documentation is accepted.
• Travel Conditions: ESA must remain calm and controlled throughout the flight.

Highlights:

• Pet-friendly policies, including clear instructions for traveling with ESAs.
• Helpful customer service for questions and concerns.
• International routes make it a good option for long-haul flights.

• Why It’s Great: LATAM Airlines allows ESAs on select international flights in the cabin, though restrictions vary by destination.
• Pet Fees: No fee for ESAs, but documentation is required.
• Travel Conditions: ESA must remain in control and not disturb other passengers.

Highlights:

• One of the few international carriers allowing ESAs in the cabin.
• Clear guidelines for what paperwork is needed.
• Helpful staff when it comes to ensuring all documents are in order before boarding.