What airlines allow emotional support animals in 2025
As of 2025, most major U.S. airlines no longer treat emotional support animals (ESAs) as service animals for cabin travel and instead move them to checked baggage or cargo, or deny transport altogether. The following airlines currently permit ESAs only when they fit within a carrier that qualifies as a kennel or when transported as cargo, with documentation and notice requirements that vary. Policies differ by airline, so confirm the carrier’s rules before you book. Below you will find airline-specific details, documentation standards, and steps to ensure a compliant trip.
Key definitions and background context
Emotional support animal versus service animal
An emotional support animal (ESA) provides comfort through companionship and does not require task training to mitigate a disability. A service animal is individually trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability and is protected under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) to travel in the cabin at no charge. After updates beginning in 2021 and solidified in 2023–2024, U.S. airlines apply ACAA rules narrowly to service animals, not ESAs, for cabin access.
Why policies changed for ESAs
Regulatory shifts and operational factors led airlines to limit ESA travel: reducing onboard unpredictability, aligning with DOT guidance that narrowed ACAA coverage to trained service animals, and addressing safety and space concerns. Many carriers now require ESAs to meet standard pet policies, including size, containment, and documentation, or to travel in cargo where allowed and practical.
Airline policies for emotional support animals in 2025
The following table summarizes current (2025) policies for several major U.S. carriers regarding cabin travel for emotional support animals. Each airline is listed with its policy category, whether ESAs are permitted in cabin, and alternative options if cabin travel is not allowed. Exact requirements for documentation, advance notice, and containment vary, so confirm directly with the airline.
Policy summary: which airlines allow emotional support animals
| Airline | Cabin access for ESAs | Travel option for ESAs | Documentation required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | No | Checked baggage or cargo | Veterinary health certificate and behavior form; 48–72 hours notice | Must fit in approved kennel; breed and muzzle rules may apply |
| Delta Air Lines | No | Checked baggage or cargo | Health certificate and behavior attestation; advance notice | Minimum age and documentation standards apply; no in-cabin ESAs |
| United Airlines | No | Cargo or checked baggage where permitted | Health and behavior documentation; 48 hours notice | Travel in approved kennel; size and breed restrictions may apply |
| Alaska Airlines | No | Cargo (some routes checked baggage) | Veterinary health certificate; behavior documentation; 48 hours notice | Subject to route limitations; crate requirements enforced |
| JetBlue | No | Checked baggage when accepted | Health and behavior forms; 48 hours notice | Small ESAs may qualify for checked acceptance; crate required |
| Southwest Airlines | No | Checked pets (not cabin ESAs) | Standard pet documentation; 48 hours notice | Follows published pet rules; no in-cabin emotional support travel |
| Spirit Airlines | No | Checked pets | Health and vaccination records; advance notice | Check pet acceptance and crate specs; ESAs treated as pets |
| Frontier Airlines | No | Checked pets | Vaccination and health documentation; 48 hours notice | Follows standard pet policy; ESAs not permitted in cabin |
Documentation and requirements you will need
Airlines typically require forms completed by a licensed veterinarian or mental health professional, depending on the context. Common documents include a current Veterinary Health Certificate (often within 10 days of travel), proof of up-to-date vaccinations, a behavior attestation confirming the animal is housebroken and non-aggressive, and a species/weight declaration. Many carriers also require advance notice (commonly 48–72 hours) and specific containment that meets airline kennel standards. Check the airline’s animal policy page for exact document types, timing, and format rules (digital uploads at check-in or email in advance).
How to prepare and book a trip with an ESA
- Confirm the airline’s ESA policy on its official website and note any deadline for submission or documentation upload.
- Obtain a valid Veterinary Health Certificate and any required behavior forms, ensuring the dates align with the airline’s window (e.g., within 10 days for health certs).
- Verify kennel or crate specifications and have an approved carrier that meets airline sizer and ventilation rules.
- Book your flight and note reservation or special service request numbers; add the animal details at check‑in per instructions.
- Arrive early for check‑in and any required inspections; keep copies of all documents and contact numbers for the airline’s support desk.
What to expect at the airport and on board
Expect additional time at check‑in for document verification and, if required, kennel acceptance checks at the gate or ticket counter. Most ESAs that meet policy will be transported as checked baggage or cargo, not in the cabin, which means they will ride in a temperature‑controlled hold. If an airline does allow an ESA in the cabin (rare in 2025), it must fit in a carrier under the seat and remain contained throughout the flight. Understand that crews are not permitted to handle ESAs as service animals, and you should be prepared to manage your animal’s needs yourself.
International and cross-border considerations
When traveling internationally, each country and airline may impose additional rules, quarantine requirements, or health certifications beyond the airline’s own standards. Research destination regulations well in advance and verify whether airlines accept ESAs as cargo, in cabin (if still allowed), or via specific exemptions. Carry translated copies of health and behavior documents if required, and confirm entry requirements for the animal as a pet or working animal under local law.
Risks, limitations, and alternatives to consider
Limitations include seasonal restrictions, extreme weather policies, breed or muzzling requirements, limited cargo capacity, and last-minute denial if documentation is incomplete. Risks for ESAs traveling in cargo include stress, temperature exposure, and handling variability. Alternatives to flying with an ESA include using professional pet transport, adjusting travel plans, arranging in‑home care, or—where legally appropriate and safe—traveling with a trained service animal for tasks directly related to a disability, which retains cabin access under ACAA. Consult your healthcare provider and the airline for guidance on the safest option for you and your animal.
Resources and how to stay current
For up‑to‑date policies, visit each airline’s official website (look for pages like “Pet Travel,” “Animals,” or “Customer Assistance”) and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s rules on air travel with service animals. Industry associations and airline customer service lines can clarify documentation, fees, and kennel requirements. Because policies can evolve, recheck the airline’s rules at booking and again within 24–48 hours before travel.
Tags: airlines, emotional support animals, esas, air travel, service animals, 2025 policies, documentation, air pet travel, kennel requirements, checked baggage, cargo