December 31, 2024 5 min read

Traveling with your emotional support animal (ESA) can feel like a challenge, but with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be stressful. This guide breaks down the latest rules and tips to help you and your ESA have a smooth flying experience.

Which Airlines Allow Emotional Support Animals?

As of now, most U.S. airlines no longer recognize emotional support animals as service animals. However, a few international airlines still accommodate ESAs on select routes.

However, service dogs; including psychiatric service dogs (PSD) continue to fly for free. National Service Animal Registry will help you transition your ESA to a PSD.

Airlines that Allow Emotional Support Animals:

• LATAM Airlines: Accepts ESAs on flights to and from Mexico, Colombia, and domestic flights within Colombia. A certificate from a licensed healthcare professional is required.
• Volaris: Allows ESAs on routes within Mexico, between Mexico and Central/South America. An ESA letter from a licensed healthcare professional is needed.
• AeroMexico: Permits ESAs with a signed certificate from a psychiatrist.
• Air Canada & WestJet: Accept ESAs with documentation from a licensed health professional.

Major Airlines Accepting ESAs (with Fees):

Even if your airline doesn’t recognize your ESA, most will allow pets in the cabin for a fee, provided they meet size and weight requirements.

To avoid these pet fees, contact us and we’d be happy to help you make your ESA a service dog so you can fly for free with your dog.

Department of Transportation Rules on Flying with Emotional Support Animals

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) updated the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) regulations in January 2021. Here’s the key takeaway:

• Only trained service dogs are recognized as service animals.
• ESAs are treated as pets, subject to fees and airline policies.
• Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSDs) are still protected under the ACAA and fly for free.

Can I Make My Emotional Support Dog a Psychiatric Service Dog?

Yes! If your ESA can be trained to perform specific tasks related to your mental health condition, they can qualify as a psychiatric service dog (PSD). PSDs must be individually trained to help with disabilities like PTSD, anxiety, or depression.

What You Should Do To Make Sure You Have No Problems Flying

Flying with an ESA or PSD doesn’t have to be a hassle. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth trip:

1. Get A Comfy And Spacious Spot

Book your flight early and choose a seat that provides enough space for your ESA. Unfortunately, a handler may not occupy an emergency seat aisle with an ESA or Service Dog as this may cause a tripping hazard during emergencies.

2. Ensure Your Pet Is Healthy

Make sure your animal is in good health and up to date with vaccinations. When submitting your Department of Transportation (DOT) form, it will ask you for your animal’s last rabies shot and expiration date.

3. Confirm Behavior Standards

Your ESA should be well-behaved in public. Aggressive or disruptive animals can be denied boarding. Many veterinarians will prescribe sedatives for your animal to assist them through the flight, as well.

4. Call Your Airline

Always check with your airline to confirm their current ESA policies. Requirements can change, so double-checking avoids last-minute surprises.

5. Have Your Documentation Ready

Even if ESAs are treated like pets, having an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional can be useful. For PSDs, complete the required DOT forms.

Psychiatric Service Dogs Can Fly On All Airlines

Unlike ESAs, psychiatric service dogs (PSDs) are legally allowed to accompany their handlers on all airlines without extra fees.

What Is A Psychiatric Service Dog?

A PSD is a dog trained to perform tasks that help manage a person’s mental health disability.

Tasks PSDs Can Perform:

• Help ease anxiety or depression – interruption and redirection
• Provide pressure therapy during panic attacks – tactile stimulation
• Retrieve medication
• Wake you from night terrors

Documentation for PSDs

To fly with a PSD, you must submit a DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form 48 hours before your flight. This form certifies that your dog is healthy, well-behaved, and trained to assist with your disability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you take an emotional support animal on a plane in 2024?

Yes, but only on certain international airlines. U.S. airlines no longer recognize ESAs as service animals.

What animal is best for anxiety and depression on a flight?

Dogs are the most common ESAs due to their companionship and ability to calm anxiety.

Can you take an ESA on an international flight?

Yes, airlines like LATAM, Volaris, and AeroMexico allow ESAs on specific routes. Check with the airline for exact requirements.

What is the National Service Animal Registry?

The National Service Animal Registry (NSAR) provides registration services for service dogs and emotional support animals, offering additional documentation for your animal, as well as housing and airline letters.

The Bottom Line:

Flying with an ESA may require more planning now, but with the right preparation, you and your emotional support animal can still travel together comfortably. Consider training your ESA to become a PSD for even greater access and ease during flights.