Which Airlines Accept Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)?
For many people, emotional support animals are more than pets, they’re vital companions that help manage symptoms of anxiety, PTSD, depression, and other mental health conditions. But when it comes to air travel, the rules around emotional support animals have shifted significantly in recent years.
So, which airlines still accept emotional support animals?
What are the restrictions, and how should you prepare before booking a flight?
Here’s what travelers need to know, along with where to find the most current information.
Why ESA Airline Policies Changed
For years, emotional support animals were protected under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), allowing individuals with ESA letters to fly with their animals in the cabin without paying pet fees. However, due to rising incidents, including untrained animals disrupting flights or posing safety concerns, the U.S. Department of Transportation made a major change.
As of January 11, 2021, the DOT no longer requires airlines to accommodate ESAs. Airlines are now only required to recognize trained service animals, typically dogs, that are trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability.
This means emotional support animals are now treated as regular pets by most U.S. carriers, and travelers must follow standard pet travel policies unless the airline chooses to voluntarily accommodate ESAs.
Do Any Airlines Still Accept ESAs?
While most U.S. airlines no longer recognize emotional support animals under special status, a few international carriers and certain routes may still allow them.
Here’s the most current breakdown as of 2025:
Airlines That Still Accept ESAs (Limited Scope)
1. LATAM Airlines (South America)
ESA Policy: Allows emotional support dogs on select routes (primarily within South America and to/from the U.S.)
Requirements: Advance notice, valid ESA documentation, and up-to-date vaccinations
Website: latamairlines.com
2. Aeroméxico
ESA Policy: May allow ESAs on flights within Mexico or to/from certain destinations
Requirements: ESA letter, medical form, and advance approval
Note: Policy may vary based on departure location
Website: aeromexico.com
3. Volaris (Mexico)
ESA Policy: Allows ESAs on domestic flights within Mexico
Requirements: Psychological or psychiatric documentation and animal health records
Website: volaris.com
4. China Southern Airlines
ESA Policy: Permits ESAs on some international flights (especially to/from the U.S.)
Note: Policies vary depending on region and are subject to change
Website: csair.com
These are currently the only known airlines with published ESA policies, and they apply primarily to international or regional flights. It’s essential to check with the airline directly before assuming an ESA will be accepted.
Airlines That No Longer Recognize ESAs
The following major U.S. airlines do not accept emotional support animals under the ACAA as of 2025:
American Airlines
Delta Air Lines
United Airlines
Southwest Airlines
Alaska Airlines
JetBlue
Spirit Airlines
Frontier Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines
These carriers now treat emotional support animals as standard pets, meaning:
You must pay pet travel fees
Animals must fit in an approved carrier under the seat
Size, breed, and weight restrictions apply
No ESA letters are required or accepted
How to Fly With an ESA (If Allowed)
If you’re traveling with an airline that does accept ESAs, or you’re flying internationally, follow these steps:
Steps to Take:
Check the Airline’s ESA Policy
Visit their website’s “Special Assistance” or “Traveling with Pets” section. ESA policies are usually listed under accessibility or disability support.
Contact the Airline in Advance
Call or email the airline at least 48–72 hours before your flight to confirm ESA acceptance and required documents.
Prepare Your Documents
Typically, you’ll need:
A current ESA letter from a licensed mental health provider
Veterinary health records (rabies vaccine, general health certificate)
Any airline-specific forms (e.g., Aeroméxico’s medical forms)
Be Ready at the Airport
Arrive early and check in at the counter. Be prepared for staff to verify documentation.
Stay Informed
ESA policies are subject to change. Bookmark your airline’s ESA policy page and recheck it before traveling.
Important Travel Tips for ESA Owners
International Flights: Rules may differ between departure and arrival countries. Some nations have quarantine or animal entry regulations regardless of ESA status.
Avoid Surprises: Airlines often revise pet and ESA policies annually, always confirm within 30 days of your trip.
Professional Behavior: Your ESA should be well-behaved in public settings. Airlines have the right to deny boarding if the animal displays disruptive or aggressive behavior.
Consider Travel Alternatives: If your ESA cannot fly with you under current policies, you might consider ground travel or boarding services as a safer alternative.
Where to Find the Most Up-to-Date Information
Here are a few reliable sources for ESA travel updates:
Department of Transportation – https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/service-animals
Individual Airline Websites – Check their Accessibility or Special Assistance section
ESA Service Provider – If you’ve received your ESA letter through a professional platform, ask if they provide travel documentation updates or resources
While emotional support animals are no longer guaranteed access to airline cabins under federal law, some international and regional airlines continue to recognize their value. For individuals who rely on an ESA as part of their mental health care, travel is still possible, it just requires more preparation and up-to-date information.
The most important takeaway? Always verify current airline policies before booking. ESA accommodations vary widely, and staying informed is the best way to avoid stress, both for you and your animal companion.
Before you go, here are the top questions passengers ask:
Top ESA Air Travel Questions Asked
1. Can I still bring my ESA on the plane if my airline doesn’t recognize it?
Yes, but your ESA will be treated as a regular pet, subject to pet travel policies, which may include size limits, carrier requirements, and fees. The animal must fit under the seat in a soft-sided carrier.
2. Can an ESA sit on my lap or in the seat next to me?
Not on most airlines. Even when ESAs were recognized, they were typically required to sit at your feet or in a carrier. Under current pet policies, the animal must remain inside the carrier and under the seat for the entire flight.
3. What’s the difference between an ESA and a service animal on flights?
A service animal is trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability (like guiding someone who is blind or interrupting panic attacks). ESAs provide emotional support but do not require training and no longer receive automatic airline access.
4. Can airlines charge me for bringing my ESA?
Yes, if the airline doesn’t recognize emotional support animals, they can charge standard pet travel fees, which range from $95 to $200+ each way depending on the airline.
5. Do ESA letters still help at the airport?
Only in rare cases. Most airlines no longer honor ESA letters for in-cabin travel. However, your ESA letter may be helpful as documentation for emotional needs in airport support situations, or when dealing with an international carrier that does still recognize ESAs.
6. What if my ESA is too big to fit under the seat?
Unfortunately, airlines that do not recognize ESAs won’t allow large dogs in the cabin unless they are trained service animals. You may need to explore:
Booking cargo pet transport (not ideal for ESA purposes)
Driving or choosing a different carrier
Temporary boarding options during travel
7. Can I buy an extra seat for my ESA?
No. Airlines do not allow you to purchase a seat for a pet or ESA. Animals must fit within the airline’s in-cabin pet size requirements and remain in a carrier at all times.
8. Can I travel with both a service dog and an ESA?
Under U.S. airline policy, only trained service dogs are accommodated for disability-related needs. Most airlines will not allow a second animal (ESA or pet) to accompany you in the cabin if you’re already traveling with a service dog.
9. Do international airlines follow the same rules?
No. Some international carriers and foreign laws still support ESA access, but rules vary by destination and origin country. Always check with the airline and both country’s customs/animal import authorities.
10. How can I stay informed about airline ESA policies?
Visit the U.S. DOT’s official service animal resource page: https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/service-animals
Check your airline’s Special Assistance page
Work with a reputable ESA provider that stays updated on current policies and offers travel support
