JetBlue Airline Psychiatric Service Dog Policy

Do you want to travel on a JetBlue Airways flight with your psychiatric service dog? If yes, then there are significant changes that you must be aware of: JetBlue has revised its guidelines for passengers using ESAs and PSDs to board the flight. According to the new airline rules passed by the Department of Transportation (DOT) in January 2021, emotional support animals are not allowed to fly with their owners in-cabin. However, PSDs continue to accompany their owners on flights.

ACAA Guidelines for Psychiatric Service Dogs

Under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), a person dealing with any mental or psychiatric health disabilities like anxiety, depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder is considered to have the assistance of a trained dog. According to the ACAA, having the following qualifications makes a dog a legitimate psychiatric service dog:

• Only dogs are considered to be psychiatric service animals; all other animals are prohibited under DOT regulations.
• To perform tasks related to a person’s disability, a PSD must be specially trained (a PSD that is still in training is not regarded as a service dog.
• Psychiatric service dogs must be well-behaved and capable of performing their duties in all public locations.

Does JetBlue Allow PSDs on Flights?

The direct answer to this question is; Yes! Psychiatric Service Dogs can travel with their owners in JetBlue, but the airline only accepts trained PSDs. If your dog is specifically trained and you carry a PSD letter you can easily travel in JetBlue airlines. Those dogs who are in training are not permitted to fly with their owners in JetBlue. Also, JetBlue requires PSDs to be harnessed, leashed, or tethered and in the handler’s control at all times, both in the airport and on the flight. The behavior of the PSDs will be evaluated at the airport to ensure the safety criteria for other passengers.

How To Get a Psychiatric Service Dog Letter For Flying?

As per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and DOT rules, you must have a qualifying disability to own a psychiatric service dog. If a licensed mental health professional determines your mental or emotional health condition, you are qualified to get a PSD letter. Fast ESA Letter can help you if you’re looking for a mental health professional who offers their services online. The mental health experts of our team will evaluate your mental health condition, and if you meet the requirements for owning a psychiatric service dog, they will approve your request, and we will send you a PSD letter through email.

What Kind of training does my PSD Require before onboarding a Jetblue Airline?

Before flying with your psychiatric service dog, ensure that your dog is well-behaved and ready to assist you when you feel anxious during the flight. Your PSD needs to be prepared to function in public. Make sure that your PSD should have passed a public access test. For dogs, airports and flights can be stressful. You should train your dog to avoid jumping up on people, growling or snapping at them, inappropriate urination, and running amok.

Documents Required To Fly in the JetBlue Airlines with PSDs

JetBlue requires all necessary documents to be submitted at least 48 hours before departure when traveling with your psychiatric service dogs. The passenger is required to bring a copy of the required documents of the U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Transportation form in addition to completing and submitting it online.
If you are flying internationally, you will require vaccinations and additional documents for submission. Visit the Pet Travel Tool from USDA-APHIS for destination-specific requirements.

JetBlue Policies for Psychiatric Service Dogs on Flights

To fly on JetBlue with your Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD), you must first be aware of the airline’s policies that are made for the PSDs.

• Only adequately trained assistance animals are permitted to board JetBlue flights.
• JetBlue airlines prohibit dogs that are currently being trained as psychiatric service dogs and mandate that all the dogs must be leashed and should be in control of their owners.
• The airline also advises making the reservation in advance by calling 800-538-2583.
• The Psychiatric Service Dogs cannot occupy flight seats, but their handlers can sit on any seat except the emergency exit row.
• A psychiatric service dog must fit inside the footprint of the seats. If your PSD is large in size, you can book an additional seat for them if the flight has empty seats available.
• PSDs are not allowed to touch other seats, side tables, or any other passengers.
• Also, there is a limit on the number of PSDs permitted to come on flights. Usually, only two PSDs per passenger are allowed to board the flight. But the handlers of PSD must fill out a separate form for each dog.

Other Pet Policies:

JetBlue airlines allows pets to travel with their handlers. But there are some points to consider before boarding a flight. These are:

• Small dogs and cats are allowed to fly with their owners in the cabin on JetBlue flights as long as they are in a carrier that is certified by the FAA. Only a single pet is allowed per passenger.
• The cost for the airline’s pet service is $125 each way. You can book your pet by applying online on the mobile app or by the airline’s website. Booking in advance is advised because only six pets are permitted to fly on each flight.
• JetBlue airlines do not impose specific breed restrictions, but it does not mean they cannot refuse to board. If your dog is not well-behaved or acts aggressively with other passengers or staff, they can immediately cancel your boarding.
• The carrier holding your pet must fit beneath the seat in front of you. Maximum dimensions for the carrier are 17 inches long, 12.5 inches wide, and 8.5 inches high. In total, it should not extend to 20 pounds.