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Understanding ESA Air Travel Policy: What You Need to Know Before Flying

Flying with an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) used to be relatively straightforward. However, recent updates to the ESA air travel policy have significantly changed how passengers can travel with emotional support animals on U.S. airlines. If you plan to fly with your ESA in 2025, it’s essential to understand the new rules and what airlines now require.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the current ESA air travel policy, including legal updates, airline-specific practices, required documentation, and useful tips for stress-free travel.

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1. What Is an ESA (Emotional Support Animal)?

An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is a companion animal that provides therapeutic benefit to individuals with a mental or emotional disability. Unlike service animals, ESAs do not require specialized training to perform specific tasks.

ESAs are typically recommended by licensed mental health professionals, and until 2020, they were granted certain protections under air travel law.

2. Major Change in ESA Air Travel Policy: What Happened?

In December 2020, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) revised its Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) regulations, removing the requirement for airlines to recognize emotional support animals as service animals.

Under the revised 2021 ACAA, only service animals trained to assist individuals with disabilities are legally allowed to fly in the cabin free of charge. Emotional support animals are now treated as pets, subject to airline pet policies, which may include:

• Fees (ranging from $95 to $250)

• Weight and size restrictions

• Limitations on breeds or species

• Carrier and stowage requirements

As of 2025, this policy remains in effect.

3. ESA vs. Service Animal: What’s the Difference?

• Service Animals: Typically dogs (or sometimes miniature horses) trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability. Protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and allowed to accompany their handler in public places and on planes.

• Emotional Support Animals: Offer comfort through companionship but are not task-trained. They are no longer considered service animals under federal law for air travel purposes.

4. Airline ESA Policies in 2025

Each airline now sets its own rules for traveling with ESAs. Here are the general approaches taken by most major U.S. airlines as of 2025:

1. Delta, United, American Airlines:

• Do not accept ESAs as service animals.

• ESAs must travel as pets and meet pet policy requirements.

• Passengers must pay a pet fee and ensure their ESA fits in an approved carrier under the seat.

2. Southwest Airlines:

• Accepts only trained service dogs.

• ESAs must travel as pets under the cabin pet policy.

3. Alaska Airlines:

• No longer accepts ESAs.

• Pets must meet cabin pet policy standards (fees, carrier size, breed restrictions).

4. JetBlue and Spirit:

• Same as above: ESAs are treated as pets.

5. International Flights:

• ESA policies vary widely.

• Some international airlines still accommodate ESAs with proper documentation, but most follow the U.S. DOT standard.

Tip: Always check with the airline at least 48 hours before your flight to confirm their current ESA policy.

5. Required Documentation for Flying with Pets or Service Animals

Even though ESAs are no longer protected under the ACAA, passengers still need to be prepared with appropriate documentation, especially for service animals.

For Service Animals:

• DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form (required by most airlines)

• DOT Relief Attestation Form (for flights 8+ hours)

• Behavior and training assurances

For ESAs (treated as pets):

• Up-to-date vaccination records

• Veterinary health certificate (may be required)

• Approved airline pet carrier

6. Can ESAs Still Fly in the Cabin?

Yes—but only as pets and if they meet the cabin requirements. Most airlines allow small pets (usually under 20 lbs) in an airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat.

Larger ESAs will typically have to fly in the cargo hold unless they meet ADA standards as trained service animals.

7. Tips for Flying with an ESA in 2025

• Book early: Airlines limit the number of pets in the cabin.

• Notify the airline: Inform them when booking that you’ll be bringing a pet.

• Carrier matters: Use an airline-approved soft-sided pet carrier.

• Stay calm: Keep your ESA calm before and during the flight to avoid issues.

• Documentation: Always carry proof of vaccinations and your ESA letter in case of any questions.

8. Legal Resources and Passenger Rights

While ESAs no longer qualify for special treatment under the ACAA, passengers with disabilities are still protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Housing Act (FHA).

Only trained service animals have legal access to the aircraft cabin without extra fees. Misrepresenting an ESA as a service animal is illegal and can result in fines or denial of boarding.

If you feel your rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Aviation Consumer Protection.

9. Alternatives for ESA Flyers

• Pet-friendly airlines: Choose airlines with favorable pet policies (e.g., JetBlue, Alaska).

• Ground transportation: Consider train or car travel, which may be more accommodating for ESAs.

• Service animal training: If your ESA assists with a specific disability-related task, it may qualify as a service animal with appropriate training and documentation.

Conclusion

The ESA air travel policy has undergone significant changes in recent years. As of 2025, emotional support animals are no longer recognized as service animals under federal air travel law and are treated as pets by most U.S. airlines. Understanding this distinction is crucial when planning a trip with your ESA.

To avoid surprises, always check your airline’s specific ESA or pet policy before booking, and make sure to bring all required documentation. By preparing in advance, you can ensure a smoother, more comfortable journey—for both you and your emotional support companion.