The year 2021 started with major news for ESA owners: as of January 11th, 2021, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) no longer requires airlines to accommodate emotional support animals. In the years prior to this rule change, all airlines were required by law to accommodate owners of ESAs with proper documentation from a licensed mental health professional.
This was a disheartening development for millions of ESA owners around the world and a setback for people suffering from invisible disabilities. There was early hope that some U.S. airlines would continue accepting ESAs on a voluntary basis but most if not all airlines have discontinued their ESA programs.
This is obviously an unwelcome development for ESA owners. If there is one silver lining in the DOT’s rule change, it’s for owners of psychiatric service dogs. The new DOT rules affirmed the right of passengers with psychiatric service dogs to continue boarding the cabin of flights free of charge. PSD owners who often suffer from the same mental health conditions as ESA owners continue to be protected by the DOT’s rules.
In this article, we’ll review which airlines still have programs to accept emotional support animals (ESAs). We will also discuss the rights of psychiatric service dogs (PSDs) on flights and let you know how you can work with a licensed mental health professional to qualify for a Psychiatric Service Dog Letter.
Good News! All airlines still accept Psychiatric Service Dogs on all flights.
To see if you qualify for a PSD, complete the questionnaire in the link below.
Airlines Accepting Emotional Support Animals
Some disability-progressive and ESA-friendly international airlines still accept ESAs on flights, even though they are not legally obligated to do so. The airlines listed below still accept emotional support animals, but it is important to note that airlines are rapidly changing their ESA policies. It seems likely that all airlines will eventually discontinue their ESA programs whereas psychiatric service dogs will continue to be recognized.
If you have travel plans with your ESA, you should always call ahead to confirm what your airline’s current policy is before booking. Also, ensure that you won’t have any issues on your return flight. If you have an extended stay, it’s entirely possible the airline could change its policies during that time. Again, airlines are generally ending their ESA programs so you should confirm ESA travel plans directly with the airline and not rely on the list below.
Airlines of Americas:
International Airlines:
- China Airlines (Emotional support dog only)
- KLM (Emotional support dog only, from 4 months and older)
- Singapore Air (Emotional support dog only, from 4 months and older)
Latam Airlines
Latam Airlines, the largest airline in Latin America, still accepts ESAs on flights to/from Mexico and Colombia, and on domestic flights within Colombia.
Volaris
Volaris has also indicated that it has no plans to discontinue its ESA program. That’s great news for ESA owners who travel to/from Central America and domestic flights within Mexico.
General Requirements for ESAs
To fly with an emotional support animal on participating airlines, you will need an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional. The LMHP will also need to fill out forms provided by the airline. Most airlines require that ESA documents be submitted at least 48 hours before departure. If you need an ESA letter or airline forms completed, one of the friendly licensed professionals that ESA Doctors work with can help.
Which Airlines are No Longer Accepting ESAs?
U.S.-based airlines are no longer accepting emotional support animals as of March 1st, 2021. The following airlines will no longer accommodate emotional support animals:
Airlines of North America:
- Alaska Airlines
- Allegiant Air
- American Airlines
- Air Canada
- Delta Air Lines
- Frontier Airlines
- Hawaiian Airlines
- Jet Blue
- Southwest Airlines
- Spirit Airlines
- Sun Country
- United Airlines
International Airlines:
- Air China
- Air New Zealand
- All Nippon Airways
- Cathay Pacific
- China Eastern Airlines
- China Southern Airlines
- Emirates
- Eva Air
- Korean Air
- Qatar Airways
- Turkish Airlines
- Westjet
Airlines that no longer recognize ESAs will treat your animal companion as a normal pet. Pets are subject to fees and the airline’s restrictions regarding the size, weight, and breed. Some pets are not allowed to fly in the cabin and can only travel in cargo. In addition, certain animals may be completely prohibited from flights.
These airlines have severely hampered many ESA owners’ ability to fly, either because the ESA owners can’t afford the fees (which can cost as much as $175 each way) or because their ESA is too large to board the cabin. Before booking any flight with your ESA, you should always call your airline or check their website to confirm whether they still recognize emotional support animals and what their policies for animals are.
What about Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSDs)?
Owners of psychiatric service dogs still have the right to board flights free of charge. Many owners of emotional support animals have asked whether their ESA is also a psychiatric service dog. The answer is no—although it is possible in the right circumstances and with some effort to train an emotional support animal to become a PSD.
The main difference between an ESA and a PSD is that a PSD must be individually trained to perform tasks related to the handler’s disability (for example, retrieving medication, providing pressure therapy during moments of crisis, helping the handler maintain daily routines, etc.). In contrast, ESAs have no specific training requirements and alleviate symptoms of mental illness just through their presence. Also, unlike ESAs, which encompass a wide array of animals, only dogs can serve as psychiatric service animals.
Airlines Accepting Psychiatric Service Dogs
All airlines flying to and from the United States must allow psychiatric service dogs on their flights.
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. On the form, the passenger must self-certify that their dog has been trained to perform tasks relating to a disability. PSD owners have a right to privacy and dignity: airlines are not allowed to ask what the passenger’s specific disability is, and they cannot require passengers to demonstrate the task their PSD has been trained to perform. The form also requires the name of the PSD’s trainer, which can be the owner — third-party training is not a requirement for PSDs. If you are interested in training your dog, this online training class may help.
It is technically possible for an emotional support dog to be trained to become a PSD if the handler can meet certain requirements. A PSD must not only be trained to perform tasks relating to the handler’s psychiatric condition but must also be trained to be well behaved in public settings. For individuals interested in owning a psychiatric service dog or existing PSD owners who want additional documentation for peace of mind, ESA Doctors offers a PSD letter service. A licensed mental health professional will evaluate whether you have a disability that qualifies for a psychiatric service dog under the ADA and Air Carrier Access Act. If you qualify, the licensed professional will issue a signed PSD letter. You can get started with a PSD letter by clicking here.
What Does the Future Hold for Assistance Animals and Air Travel?
The DOT’s rule changes were vehemently opposed by many disability advocacy groups and ESA owners throughout the country. The changes were a result of sustained lobbying efforts by airlines who complained about the cost and inconvenience of allowing ESAs to board at no cost.
As mentioned, however, the new DOT rules are permissive and not mandatory. That means airlines can voluntarily allow emotional support animals, even though they are not legally obligated to do so. These airlines would certainly enjoy an advantage with ESA customer loyalty. Nevertheless, most U.S. airlines have ended their ESA programs.
There is also hope that with leadership change at the DOT, regulations regarding ESAs and other types of assistance animals will be reconsidered with a more favorable view towards the disabled. While they may have faced a setback for air travel, ESA owners still enjoy federal rights for housing, and individual states continue to enact additional protections for ESA owners. More individuals and therapists than ever are discovering the benefits of emotional support animals for mental health. The trend towards utilizing ESAs for this purpose is unlikely to slow down.
For owners of psychiatric service dogs, the DOT’s rules confirmed their right to board flights with their animal companion. PSD owners are still protected by federal air travel law, and airlines must continue to accommodate passengers with valid psychiatric service dogs. Hopefully, in the future, ESA owners will win back the same rights.
Qualify for Your Psychiatric Service Dog Letter Online
This post may contain affiliate links that we think you’ll find helpful. We may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.
Why do things need to be canceled? Can’t we amend rules instead of throwing things away entirely? Last year, JetBlue had already made it that ESAs could only be a dog or cat, so peacocks, snakes, pigs and horses weren’t the issue. How about the requirement that your dog pass a special temperament screening? And how about separating the passengers with animals from the ones who are allergic &/or afraid? Because of covid, the planes have AMAZING cabin airflow and filtration.. why not use that in a way that makes sense? If you bring a dr’s note, you get seated toward the front of the plane. Shoot, they’ve been separating coach and business/first class for ever and no one has an issue with that. Look, I don’t like sitting in the back of the plane, but I’d do it happily if I could have my ESA with me
How am I going to fly now? My dog always sit on my lap from start to end. I feel less anxiety and nervous during flying while hugging him… what am I supposed to do now:-(
I saw where this article mentioned that this was a setback for those with an invisible illness. Speaking from another perspective, this is good news for those with an invisible illness. Traveling can be a complicated prospect for so many with invisible illnesses, and having a “one size fits all” approach is detrimental to many people. I think we also need to recognize that while we have certain needs, other people may have different needs.
I understand that each person has different situations. I think that service agencies (airlines, trains, busses) need to realize this and be able to make reasonable accommodations for as many as possible. This may cause some inconvenience to some passengers, but compared to having a severe asthma attack while in the air is even worse. Struggling to get air, hoping that your inhaler will be sufficient and that this attack won’t be so bad that you may need more medical attention is scary. Your body reacts, gasping, and your mind races in some aspects, but also is laser focused on just getting air.
I believe that certain planes should be pet free. I say planes because if an animal has been on a plane, the dander can remain. The same should be done for any other transit system. Other planes should be designated as pet friendly.
I am also unique in this situation that if I were to ever fly with my family instead of for other reasons, it may be difficult. My older son is on the autism spectrum. While our cat is not a service animal, or even a technical ESA, my son started to blossom when we got our cat. Our little cat (or very big cat as he is now) is an important part of our family. If we were to fly, our cat could help ease my son’s tension. However, if we were on a pet friendly plane, I could have issues because of an allergy to dogs. This is why I do recognize that trying to accommodate my situation can probably not be done, so we travel by car. It’s something that I understand and recognize that trying to accommodate my family could cause undue issues for others trying to get a flight.
So, I have had pretty bad experiences regarding my allergies and other invisible illnesses, especially this past year. Writing this response is very scary for me as well. Some things can bring out a lot of passion, and I have been told some horrible things. I will tell you why typing this reply is scary for me, but I do want as many voices as possible to be heard and appreciated. While commenting on a site that I was allergic to dogs, someone responded that “Being allergic to dogs is God’s way of telling you that you don’t belong on this earth.” I can remember this word for word. Also, while commenting on more recent issues regarding Covid, I had someone tell me that my life, and anybody who has underlying medical conditions, is not worth inconveniencing those who don’t have medical conditions. While I understood that this person was very self-centered (he had asked me a question in one of his responses and I replied with an answer. He replied that he didn’t have time to read my response), it hurt to have someone say this. I cried, a lot, but then I said to myself that if I had things like this said to me, so have others. I ended up starting a podcast to support those with invisible illnesses.
Having severe allergies or asthma is considered a disability under the ADA. If you are allergic to dogs or any other animal, flying creates a stressful experience. I am allergic to dogs. I have a nephew who has severe asthma which can be triggered by allergies.
I have a few different invisible illnesses, and it seems that each one affects another. One of my illnesses can cause inflammation around my lungs. I have allergies and asthma. Having an asthma attack is scary.
I am passionate about advocating for all people who have invisible illnesses, including advocating for those with mental health conditions (yes, I suffer from sometimes crippling anxiety) and it seems that there are so many overlaps where it seems that when dealing with public areas, a person can be put at risk, even if they try to take all precautions.
I have spoken with some other advocates for clarity on issues of the ADA. I do think that in many ways I am lucky. While I have these illnesses, I am living in a time that offers the better medical care than even just 50 years ago. Many people also understand and accept that others have invisible illnesses.
While this change in policy can negatively impact some, it can impact other positively. While it seems like these two different groups do not have anything in common, we actually have a lot on common. While we have individual voices, we can be stronger with combined voices. We need to let transportations services know that people are not all the same. We need to let them know that each person has a right to travel without fear of a medical incident. Accommodations should be made for as many people as possible and it would be wonderful if transportation services could have some type of panel to discuss issues with those who have different illnesses and need certain accommodations. This could foster discussion not only between the transportation services and those with the need for accommodations, but also provide a time where those with different illnesses can come together and try to understand the needs of those with different illnesses.
I know that this is long, but traveling is complicated for anybody, and is more complicated for those who may need some type of accommodation. But those accommodations may work for some, but may be detrimental for others. By recognizing both our differences and similarities, we may be able to provide voices for those who need it most.
I understand your point of view and agree things should be different. At the same time you say this is a good change for some people, however you’re forgetting that people can still fly with their pets in the cabin if they’re 20 lbs and under. This is the hard part because my ESA is 45 lbs. I have ptsd, anxiety and depression, but unfortunately my helper is just too big to help? I am fine with paying for another seat, and I am also fine sitting in the back of the plane. I wish that people with severe allergies like you could sit near the front of the cabin where the fresher air flows to the back. But that makes too much sense.. airlines want their $ but don’t want to sell an extra seat for a person with a support animal. Instead, zero animals -medium size and up- are allowed on the plane but people with allergies still have to deal with smaller animals around the cabin. I swear that airlines could never do something that makes everyone happy.. instead they want everyone to be miserable.
It’s mostly not dogs which are the problem. You can “train” your dog to lick your face when prompted, thus calming your anxiety. Bam. PSD. The people who caused this are the folks who demanded to travel with their Emotional support miniature horse, or python, turkey, ostrich… or the ones with bad behaving, untrained dogs that cause a fuss in the terminal. My girlfriend had her ESA paperwork, and while waiting in line another “ESA” lunged at her pup, and her pup barked at the attacking dog. The gate agent almost didn’t let our dog on, and absolutely did not let the other dog on. So train your pup, and go through the proper channels. Good luck!
In my opinion, if your animal is not PERFECTLY trained and well behaved, they should not be allowed in the cabin. Many times I have been on a flight with my own ESA, and there has been another “ESA” whom is whining, barking, and fidgeting which causes unrest with everyone else on the flight. The whole point of an ESA is to provide calming, soothing aid to the affected individual. If you have a small dog as an ESA and it becomes disruptive when put inside a crate, you should not fly with them, period. Allowing disruptive dogs on planes is what has caused this terrible decision to be made official. As a trainer, I feel like if your dog is disruptive you should be asked not to fly on that airline again-It risks the rights and tolerance of others when involving well-behaved ESA’s and their humans that desperately need them.
I guess I cannot fly anymore. My companion dog does care for me but she is not an official psychiatric animal. She alerted my husband when I passed out. She would do whatever I need and stays at my side. She is smart and loyal. She is also unable to be confined, much like a person, she has claustrophobia. For her life of 8 years, she has sat quietly on my lap in the airline. Many other passengers have enjoyed looking and talking to her. I would be glad to pay for her to do this, but for some reason that is not an alternative.
The only money the airlines have lost is the $125 or more money they charge for the dog to stay under the seat normally reserved for your carry on, which is free. Sick at heart about this change of policy.
Thank you Virginia for your comment. My ESA dog is the exact same way- she is a rescue so the first time I had to put her in a carrier (because Jet Blue made me- I only had my doctor’s letter, but did refund my $125)- she got so stressed that I left the carrier at the gate when we landed. I promised her she would NEVER have to go in one again. I guess I can no longer fly with her. I completely agree with you!!!
Reading the above is making me ill!!!! My Daughter is 31 has had a child like mental disability since birth. She has had her 4 lb yorkie registered and doctor approved letters. She won’t fly unless her companion is on her lap. Not to mention the dog never has been in a carrier since I’ve been flying with her the last 8 years as an ESA. Would the Airlines rather a disrupted flight due to barking, crying, and my daughter freaking out???? She isn’t capable to absorb this I broke the news to her and we have to fly back home up north for my Sons Wedding with in the next 3 months. My poor pup who just lays on my lap is 4 lbs so calm, so quite. Now they are gonna give me grief when she stsrys barking , crying, and disturbs others??? Are they going yo be handling this matter like they did in the past that if an animal becomes disturbed to those surrounding them they will be instructed to do what they did to that poor family when they shoved the dog up in the overhead compartment and it DIED!!!! PURE MURDER I SAY! They are causing more grief and heart aches for the ones who have always had and need these animals for mental purposes.
THE LAWS NEED TO GO BACK TO ORIGINAL METHODS! I can understand many , yes have abused this taking certain animals on board but, come on dogs they keep the elderly going, give them reason to live, how can you do tjis??? It’s like chaining my child to the under seat! Seriously I say:
THIS IS DEFINITELY DISCRIMINATION!!!!
Should rethink your protocols before situations start happening like in the past and then they get sued! We as I speak for most I’m sure, are even willing to pay the fee for them on board but not to cage an innocent little thing that is so well behaved.
IDEA:
Why NOT charge the animal but allow it to stay outside the carrier. If, they become disrupted or cause grief to anyone then they are required to put them in carrier for the remaining flight!
RETHINK THIS DOT
GONNA CAUSE BIG PROBLEMS.
Airlines have been sued so many times over animals do we want that again?
I THINK NOT!
PLEASE RECONSIDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.
MUCH APPRECIATED
LONG TIME AIRLINE FLYER
I COMPLETELY AGREE!!!!!!!!!! I have a physical and mental disability and these changes are discrimination!!!!!!!!!! My ESA dog will only sit on my lap quietly. This is outrageous!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am on both sides of this scenario.
I am a registered nurse (retired now due to injury) with lifetime disability and have flown many, many times with a small dog in crate under seat. Also at one time worked in an allergy clinic so have a comment about that…
I also showed dogs in obedience years ago.
I agree with airlines regarding stopping open seated emotional support dogs (animals). The vast majority of these animals have poor manners due to people ‘just wanting to bring pet with them tree’s. ‘Emotional Support’ dogs that have bitten ppl on flight. Barking dogs. Snakes. Peacocks. Badly behaved animals usually have badly behaved owners.
Far too many supposed ESA are just a pet that a spoiled owner wants to ride for free.
A ‘Service Dog’ is a professionally trained dog that provides a specific physical task for a disabled owner. Not just passing a ‘Good Dog Canine Citizen’ test!
As for those of you complaining about animals on airplanes (and this info comes from the allergist I worked for): Allergens are EVERYWHERE-wether you are allergic to dogs, cats, whatever. Dander is on everyone. Even if they don’t own dog, cat, whatever. Hair, dander, pollen floats in the air from the animal, whatever is on owners clothes transfer to air which then lands on people, whatever is in area. So if you are the kind that complains “I don’t want that dog/cat/flower/whatever in the plane/store/wherever because I am allergic to it” is just an uneducated excuse. Allergens are everywhere- they are picked up and transferred in the air to fabrics and objects. Useless whining. Sorry but true.