South · ESA letter laws · Maryland
Can I fly with my emotional support animal from Maryland?
Educational content, not legal advice. For your specific situation, consult a state-licensed attorney.
What the law says
Under 14 C.F.R. Part 382 (DOT's 2021 final rule), U.S. air carriers are not required to treat ESAs as service animals. Only task-trained service dogs are recognized for in-cabin service-animal status.
Source: DOT 2021 Rule, 14 C.F.R. Part 382 (Final Rule on Traveling by Air with Service Animals) ↗
In plain language
Since the DOT's 2021 rule took effect, U.S. air carriers — regardless of which state the flight originates in, including flights from Maryland — are not required to allow emotional support animals in the cabin as service animals. Carriers may still accept ESAs as pets under their pet policies (with fees, carrier rules, and size limits that vary by carrier). Task-trained service dogs, including psychiatric service dogs, continue to be recognized for in-cabin travel. Carrier-specific rules vary; check the carrier's website for current pet and service-animal policies.
Read the full Maryland esa letter laws guide
This page covers one question; the full guide walks through the federal floor, state-specific carve-outs, the documentation standard, and the accommodation process.
ESA letter laws in Maryland →