Can I Fly with an ESA in the U.S.? What You Need to Know in 2025
✈️ Can I Fly with an ESA in the U.S.? What You Need to Know in 2025
If you rely on an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) for your mental or emotional well-being, you might be wondering:
Can I fly with an ESA in the U.S.?
The answer used to be yes, but airline policies have significantly changed in recent years. As of 2025, the rules are very different from what they were just a few years ago.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- The history of ESA travel rights
- The current airline rules in the U.S.
- Your options if you have an ESA and need to fly
- Alternatives and tips to make travel easier
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🛫 What Was the Law Before 2021?
Prior to 2021, the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) required airlines to allow emotional support animals to fly in the cabin free of charge, much like service animals. Passengers needed a valid ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional, and their ESA would be treated as a necessary accommodation.
During this time, people with legitimate mental health conditions were able to fly with:
- Dogs
- Cats
- Even small pigs and birds as ESAs
However, this policy led to abuse, as many passengers faked ESA status to avoid pet fees.
📢 What Changed?
In December 2020, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) updated the ACAA, officially:
- Removing emotional support animals from the definition of service animals
- Allowing airlines to treat ESAs as pets, not assistance animals
This rule went into effect in January 2021, and by mid-2021, nearly all major U.S. airlines updated their policies accordingly.
🚫 Can I Fly with an ESA in 2025?
❌ No, you cannot fly with an ESA for free anymore.
As of 2025, emotional support animals are no longer recognized as protected under federal law for air travel. This means:
- Airlines are not required to accommodate ESAs
- Your ESA is now treated like a regular pet
- You must pay pet fees and follow airline pet policies
Only trained service animals, such as guide dogs for the blind or medical alert dogs, are still allowed to fly free of charge in the cabin under the law.
🛬 U.S. Airline ESA Policies (2025)
Here’s a quick overview of current ESA policies for major airlines in the U.S.:
| Airline | ESA Policy | Pet Fee | ESA Allowed in Cabin? |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | ESAs treated as pets | ~$125 | Yes (as pet) |
| Delta Airlines | No ESA accommodations | ~$95–125 | Yes (as pet) |
| United Airlines | ESA = Pet; no special privileges | ~$125 | Yes (under seat) |
| Southwest Airlines | No longer accepts ESAs | ~$95 | Small dogs/cats only |
| JetBlue | ESA = Pet; follows pet policy | ~$125 | Yes, under seat |
| Alaska Airlines | Same as above | ~$100 | Small animals only |
🚨 Note: Fees and rules may vary by route or destination.
🐶 What Are My Options If I Have an ESA?
While you can’t fly with an ESA for free, there are still options to travel with your animal:
✅ Option 1: Fly as a Pet
Your ESA can still travel with you if they meet the pet size and weight limits of the airline.
Typical rules include:
- Animal must fit in a carrier under the seat
- Usually for small dogs or cats only
- Must remain in the carrier throughout the flight
- Fees apply (typically $95–$150 per flight)
✅ Option 2: Train Your ESA as a Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD)
This is an increasingly popular alternative.
What’s a PSD?
- A service dog trained to perform tasks that assist with a psychiatric disability (like PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Examples include grounding during panic attacks or waking from nightmares
If your ESA is a dog and can be task-trained, they can become a legal service animal, which restores your right to fly with them free of charge.
👉 You must be able to:
- Fill out a U.S. DOT Service Animal Form
- Attest that your dog is trained
- Present documentation upon request
🔍 ESA vs. Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD)
| Feature | ESA | PSD |
|---|---|---|
| Requires Training? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes – Task-trained |
| Protected in Housing? | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Protected for Flying? | ❌ No (after 2021) | ✅ Yes (under ACAA) |
| Allowed on Planes for Free? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Letter Needed? | ✅ ESA Letter | ✅ DOT Service Animal Form |
💡 Travel Tips for Flying with an ESA (as a Pet)
If you’re flying with your ESA as a regular pet:
1. Book Early
Most airlines have a limited number of pet slots per flight.
2. Get an Airline-Approved Carrier
Make sure your pet fits comfortably and can turn around inside the carrier.
3. Prepare Your ESA for the Airport
Familiarize your ESA with the carrier, noise, and other animals to reduce stress.
4. Carry Documentation
While not legally required, some airlines may still request an ESA letter or vet records for safety reasons.
🤔 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I still bring an ESA letter for emotional support?
Yes, but it no longer provides airline accommodations. However, it is still valid for housing rights under the Fair Housing Act.
Q2: Do any airlines still allow ESAs for free?
As of 2025, no major U.S. airline accepts ESAs for free. Some international airlines may have different policies.
Q3: Can I fly internationally with an ESA?
Possibly. Some international airlines still recognize ESAs, but you’ll need to check that country’s and airline’s current rules.
Q4: What if my ESA is too big to fly in the cabin?
Larger animals may need to fly in the cargo hold (at additional cost) or travel by car or train.
✅ Final Thoughts: Can You Fly with an ESA in the U.S.?
As of 2025, you can no longer fly with an ESA for free in the U.S. like you could before 2021. Emotional support animals are now classified as pets, and pet travel policies (and fees) apply.
If you want your ESA to fly with you without restrictions or fees, consider whether your condition and animal qualify for Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD) status.
Until then, your ESA can still travel — just with a few more steps, and likely a small fee.
”Get Yours Now!
Don’t wait until a landlord or airline tells you “no pets allowed.” Protect your rights today.
Please fill out this form and our team wil contact you ASAP.
Complete your assessment in minutes , get approved by a licensed professional, and receive your letter within 24 hours.