Esa Dogs: Free Flight Companions? (2024)

Emotional support animals (ESAs) are no longer protected by the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) and are now considered pets by most airlines, meaning they are subject to pet fees. However, some international airlines still recognise and accept ESAs on their flights, provided the owner has a legitimate emotional support animal letter from a licensed healthcare professional. Psychiatric service dogs (PSDs) are still protected by federal law and are allowed to fly in the cabin of an aircraft for free.

Emotional support animals are no longer protected by the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA)

The ACAA is a federal law that safeguards the rights of travellers with disabilities, ensuring they have equal access to air travel. Under the ACAA, airlines must permit service dogs in the cabin, catering to a range of disabilities beyond vision or mobility impairment.

However, as of January 11, 2021, the DOT no longer requires airlines to accommodate emotional support animals. This means that airlines are not legally required to honour ESA letters, and they can now choose to treat ESAs as pets, allowing them to charge a "pet fee" for an ESA to fly in the cabin of an aircraft.

The DOT's rule changes were opposed by many disability advocacy groups, and they were a result of sustained lobbying efforts by airlines, who complained about the cost and inconvenience of allowing ESAs to board at no cost.

Despite the rule changes, some airlines may still choose to accommodate ESAs. Airlines that still allow ESAs on their flights include LATAM, JSX, Lufthansa, and Volaris.

Psychiatric service dogs are still allowed to fly for free

As of 2021, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) no longer requires airlines to accommodate emotional support animals (ESAs). This means that airlines are not legally required to honour ESA letters and can choose to treat ESAs as pets, charging a pet fee. However, this rule change does not apply to psychiatric service dogs (PSDs), which are still allowed to fly for free.

PSDs vs. ESAs

The main difference between ESAs and PSDs is that PSDs must be individually trained to perform tasks related to the handler's disability. ESAs, on the other hand, have no specific training requirements and provide support simply through their presence. Additionally, only dogs can be PSDs, whereas a variety of species can be ESAs.

Flying with a PSD

If you are flying with a PSD, you must submit the DOT's Service Animal Air Transportation Form to the airline before boarding. This form requires you to self-certify that you have a disability that requires a trained service dog, that your dog will be under your control at all times, and that your dog has not exhibited aggressive behaviour. You will also need to provide information about your dog's trainer and veterinarian.

At the airport, you should check in with an airline agent and let them know you have a PSD with you. You should carry a copy of the DOT form, and your dog should be on a harness, leash, or tether. Your PSD can sit on the floor or on your lap during the flight, as long as it is not disruptive.

Privacy Rights

When flying with a PSD, you have the right to privacy. Airline staff can only ask two questions: whether your service dog is required because of a disability, and what work or task the dog has been trained to perform. Passengers are not allowed to question you about your need for a PSD.

Airlines are not legally required to honour ESA letters

As of January 11, 2021, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) no longer requires airlines to accommodate emotional support animals. This means that airlines are not legally required to honour ESA letters. While this is disheartening news for ESA owners, the new DOT rules affirmed the right of passengers with psychiatric service dogs to continue boarding the cabin of flights free of charge.

Rule change for emotional support animals

Following changes by the Department of Transportation, all major U.S.-based commercial airlines recognise ESAs as "pets", allowing airlines to charge a "pet fee" for ESAs to fly in the cabin of the aircraft. Previously, airlines were required by the Air Carrier Access Act, a federal law, to allow emotionally impaired persons to be accompanied in the cabin of the aircraft with an emotional support animal and not be charged a fee.

If you have an ESA, you will no longer be able to rely on your ESA letter to guarantee that your ESA will be allowed to fly with you in the cabin. While some airlines may still accept ESAs, they are not legally required to do so. This means that even if you have an ESA letter, your ESA may be treated as a normal pet and may be subject to fees and the airline's size, weight, and breed restrictions.

If you want your ESA to fly with you in the cabin, you may be able to train your ESA to become a psychiatric service dog (PSD). PSDs are allowed to board flights in the cabin free of charge, as long as the passenger submits the DOT's Service Animal Transportation Form in advance. However, it's important to note that only dogs can serve as psychiatric service animals, and your ESA will need to be individually trained to perform tasks related to your disability.

ESAs are now considered pets and airlines can charge a pet fee

Emotional support animals (ESAs) are no longer considered service animals and, as such, are not protected by the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). This means that airlines are not legally required to accommodate ESAs and can charge a fee for them to fly in the cabin.

In the past, emotional support animals were allowed to fly for free in the cabin of an aircraft, and airlines were not permitted to charge a fee. This was because the Air Carrier Access Act, a federal law, required airline companies to allow emotionally impaired persons to be accompanied by an emotional support animal. However, following changes to the Act implemented by the Department of Transportation (DOT) in 2021, this is no longer the case.

Now, ESAs are considered "pets" by airlines, and a pet fee can be charged for them to fly in the cabin. This is a significant change and a setback for ESA owners, especially those who cannot afford the fees or whose ESA is too large to board the cabin. It is important to note that each airline has its own set of policies regarding ESAs, and some may still allow them to fly for free or with reduced fees. However, the general trend is that ESAs are now subject to the same rules and fees as common pets.

To fly with an ESA, owners typically need to provide a letter from a licensed mental health professional stating that they have an emotional or mental disability and that the presence of the ESA is necessary for their health. Additionally, proof of the ESA's health and vaccination status may also be required. It is crucial to check with the specific airline about their policies and requirements before booking a flight with an ESA.

While this change in policy regarding ESAs may be disappointing for many, it is important to note that psychiatric service dogs (PSDs) are still protected by federal air travel law. PSDs are individually trained to perform tasks related to their handler's disability and are allowed to board flights and remain in the cabin free of charge.

ESA owners must have a letter from a licensed therapist or medical physician

Emotional support animals (ESAs) are no longer recognised by most airlines and are now considered pets, which means that ESA owners have to pay a pet fee to fly with their animal in the cabin. However, some international airlines continue to recognise and accept ESAs on their flights, provided the owner has a legitimate ESA letter from a licensed therapist or medical physician.

An ESA letter is a document from a licensed mental health professional stating that you have an emotional or mental disability and that you require an emotional support animal. The letter should be on the professional's letterhead and should include their contact information and license or certification number. Some airlines may also require that the letter is submitted at least 48 hours before departure.

In addition to an ESA letter, some airlines may ask for proof of your animal's health and vaccination status, as well as its training and behaviour. This could include vaccine cards, health certificates, and training or behaviour certificates. Some airlines may also require that your animal wears an ID card or vest to help identify it as a legitimate ESA.

It's important to note that the requirements for flying with an ESA vary by airline, so it's always best to check with the specific airline you plan to fly with to ensure you have all the necessary documentation.

Frequently asked questions