14Aug, 2025
FAA ESA Letter Travel Update – What Pet Owners Must Know in 2025

Flying with an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) used to be much simpler. For years, an ESA letter allowed pet owners to travel with their companion animals in the aircraft cabin without extra fees. However, recent FAA and airline rule changes have significantly altered the process. If you’re planning air travel with your ESA, it’s crucial to understand these updates, prepare the correct documents, and ensure your ESA letter is compliant with current airline requirements.

This guide will walk you through the FAA ESA letter travel update, explain what’s changed, and show you exactly how to get your ESA letter so that your pet can travel with you safely and legally.

1. Why the FAA ESA Letter Travel Update Matters

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) revised its regulations in 2021, and the FAA enforces these through airlines. The major change? Emotional Support Animals are no longer guaranteed free cabin access. Airlines now have the right to classify ESAs as pets, meaning:

  • You may need to pay pet travel fees.

  • Your ESA must meet carrier-specific size and weight limits.

  • Airlines can require additional forms beyond your ESA letter.

Because of these changes, having an updated and properly formatted ESA letter is more important than ever. Without it, your ESA could be denied cabin access or face unnecessary restrictions.

2. Key Changes in ESA Travel Regulations

Before the update, airlines were required under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) to allow ESAs in the cabin. Now:

  • Airlines are not required by law to recognize ESAs as service animals.

  • Some airlines still offer ESA-friendly policies voluntarily—but with stricter rules.

  • All airlines must accept psychiatric service dogs if you qualify and complete required forms.

The FAA’s role is to ensure all airlines enforce safety, documentation, and animal welfare standards during flights.

3. How the FAA ESA Letter Travel Update Affects You

If you plan to travel with your ESA:

  • Your ESA letter must be recent (usually within the last 12 months).

  • The letter must come from a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) in your state.

  • Airlines may require advance notice (often 48–72 hours before your flight).

  • You might need extra forms verifying your ESA’s behavior and training.

Failing to meet any of these requirements can result in:
❌ Your ESA being denied boarding.
❌ You being forced to place your animal in cargo.
❌ Extra fees for transporting your pet.

4. Airlines That Still Allow ESA Travel

As of 2025, many U.S. airlines have stopped accepting ESAs as service animals, but some international and smaller domestic carriers still do. Policies change frequently, so always check your airline’s website before booking.

5. How to Get a Legally Recognized ESA Letter for Travel

If your airline still accepts ESAs, the quality of your ESA letter is the deciding factor for approval. Here’s how to ensure it meets FAA and airline standards:

✅ Step 1: Speak to a Licensed Mental Health Professional

Your LMHP must be licensed in your state and authorized to recommend an ESA for your emotional or psychological condition.

✅ Step 2: Ensure Your ESA Letter Includes Required Details

A valid ESA letter for travel must:

  • Be on official letterhead.

  • Include your LMHP’s license number and contact details.

  • State your diagnosed mental or emotional condition (without going into unnecessary medical details).

  • Recommend your ESA specifically for air travel and/or daily support.

✅ Step 3: Keep the Letter Up to Date

Airlines often require letters issued within the last year.

✅ Step 4: Submit Documentation Early

Contact your airline’s customer service to upload or email your ESA letter at least 48 hours before travel.

6. Difference Between ESA and Psychiatric Service Animal (PSA) for Travel

While the FAA update limited ESA rights, psychiatric service dogs (PSDs) are still fully protected for air travel without fees. The key difference:

  • ESA: Provides emotional comfort but no specific trained tasks.

  • PSD: Trained to perform tasks directly related to a mental health condition.

If your ESA can be trained as a PSD, you may regain full travel rights.

7. Preparing Your ESA for Air Travel

Having the right paperwork is only half the battle. Airlines and FAA officials look for well-behaved, calm animals. Before traveling:

  • Practice crate and carrier training.

  • Socialize your ESA in busy environments.

  • Bring essential travel items (water, snacks, waste bags).

8. Why You Should Update Your ESA Letter Now

If your ESA letter is over a year old or missing travel-specific wording, it will likely be rejected. By renewing now, you:

  • Avoid last-minute denials.

  • Keep your ESA eligible for current airline rules.

  • Have peace of mind knowing your documentation is legally compliant.

9. The Fastest Way to Get a Travel-Approved ESA Letter

Our licensed mental health professionals can issue you a fully FAA-compliant ESA letter quickly and legally. The process is:

  1. Complete our short ESA assessment form online.

  2. Get evaluated by a licensed provider in your state.

  3. Receive your digital ESA letter in as little as 24 hours.

No stress. No legal risk. 100% compliance.

Conclusion

The FAA ESA letter travel update has changed the way pet owners fly with their Emotional Support Animals, but it hasn’t eliminated the possibility entirely. With the right documentation, advanced preparation, and compliance with airline policies, you can still enjoy the comfort of traveling with your ESA.

Don’t wait until your flight is booked to update your ESA letter. Airlines can—and will—deny boarding if your documentation doesn’t meet their requirements.

Lets Apply for the ESA letter and make sure that your pet stays with you in every No Pet Zone & Policy, Please fill out this form and our team will contact you ASAP.
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