Some emotional support animals and all psychiatric service dogs are allowed on planes under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). There are two important things to know before you try to fly with your animal.
- Psychiatric service dogs (PSD) have the same rights as service dogs that assist people with physical disabilities. They do not need to remain in a carrier and can fly in the cabin free of charge, as long as they remain in the foot area or on the handler’s lap.
- Emotional support animals (ESA) are not protected by federal law and may be required to pay a pet fee, follow airline pet policies, be in a carrier at all times, or may not be permitted at all. Each airline has different pet policies that are subject to change.
This is the difference and explains why you sometimes see a dog outside its carrier on one flight, then a similar dog in its carrier on another. It is possible that one animal was a PSD, while the other was an ESA or a regular pet.
Why PSDs Are Allowed on Planes
The canine you saw in the cabin may have been a psychiatric service dog. Psychiatric service dogs are protected by the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) air travel regulations and are allowed to board flights free of charge. They are also not subject to the same restrictions as normal pets, so larger dogs can board without needing to be placed in a carrier.
Many individuals who suffer from emotional or mental disabilities do not exhibit any visible symptoms. For this reason, some passengers may wonder why psychiatric service dogs are allowed inside airplane cabins. Aren’t they just “glorified” pets?
The truth is that psychiatric service dogs are just as important to their owners as service dogs are to handlers with physical disabilities. PSDs are so critical to the lives of their handlers that federal laws provide protection for them.
Get your PSD Letter in three easy steps.
Why Some ESAs Are Allowed on Planes
ESAs are considered pets, and each airline has its own rules for transporting pets. Some airlines may allow you to bring a cat or dog, as long as it stays in a carrier and you pay a fee.
Airlines won’t allow more exotic pets like reptiles (snakes and lizards) or birds (parrots, cockatiels, and even peacocks) as they could alter the travel experience of other passengers and the flight crew. Each airline will have separate policies for bringing these types of animals (whether they are pets or emotional support animals), and they might be able to ride in cargo.
If you’re booking a trip or have already made reservations, click here to see our guides for flying with pets, ESAs, and service dogs, or contact your airline to see what is and is not allowed or required.
i agree with most pet owners would gladly change their flight if someone has allergys. we all need to give and take in this life and not feel anyone is more important than the other. that being said…..there are alot of dirty people out there that have more disqusting germs than any shedding dog and dogs are much more loving and faithful than most people.
I have a cat as an emotional support animal. I just want all travelers with allergies to cats to know that I would voluntarily reschedule my flight if someone on my flight had cat allergies. I feel people with pet allergies have the right to fly without threat of allergic reaction to pet dander. For them, allergens can be potentially life-threatening. Airlines could help by notifying passengers that an animal will be in the cabin–and also asking if either the allergic person or the animal owner would be able to change to a different flight. I don’t feel my disability is more important than an allergy that could be considered a medical disability.
I agree with those concerned about people with allergies to animals and their dander. My eyes swell shut when in an enclosed space with cats. When I mentioned this, I was told to take a pill. Where are my rights? Would I be wrong to suggest that they take a pill?
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There should be at least a few animal free flights for those who have allergies. It’s getting tough for people with asthma/allergies to travel in the USA and there’s no consideration for us. If it’s legit, there are medical options for anxiety, something used to work until people got this idea. There’s no option for asthmatics with dogs all over the cabin in every flight.
Ok I’m new at this I have my dog certified already but she’s never flown with me What is she gets scared and pees ? Or barks ?
All ESA handlers are responsible for their emotional support animals. If your ESA is not potty trained or is not well-behaved, you may want to better train your dog before flying with her. Here are some ESA training tips: https://esadoctors.com/how-to-train-dog-emotional-support-animal/
Mobility dog. Auto correct.
Also he sprinted for food but left the dog with a friend.
And there is the thing. I sat next to a woman who said her in laws told her how to fly her dog for free. She gets an updated letter every 6 months.
I just watched a man add print to get food. Oops. He left his “mobity” dog with his friend.
It would be helpful for those of us with asthma and severe allergies if our disabilities were included in these discussions. Being in a contained space in the presence of allergens can pose a life-threatening allergic reaction with no room to escape. At present, the airlines do not provide information when booking flights to let people who have serious dander allergies know whether there will be pets on the flight. Furthermore, how are the airlines handling the presence of dander, dust mites and their droppings that accumulate in planes and trigger serious reactions? These triggers are not visible and simple vacuuming will not remove them. I don’t see the needs of asthmatics being represented. I hope that changes. There should be room for everyone if thoughtful strategies are implemented.
Airlines have been allowing pets in cabin (for a fee) for decades. The only difference is that emotional support animals are allowed inside the cabin without paying the fees.
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