When you want to travel with your emotional support animal (ESA), sometimes you may need to take an airplane. Now, if your ESA helps you manage symptoms of anxiety or other issues that you encounter while flying, you may be wondering if you can take them with you in the cabin of the plane.

 

While you used to be able to take them with you in the past, the rules have recently changed and have become less clear. These rules can now also vary based on the airline. So, can ESA dogs fly in cabins? Learn more in our guide.

 

Quick Answer: Can ESA Dogs Fly in the Cabin Today?

Yes and no. While ESAs used to be able to fly in the cabin due to protections from the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) just like service dogs, this is no longer the case. Now, ESA’s are legally considered pets for air travel and are subject to pet fees and rules.

 

Some airlines still allow you to bring your ESA with you. However, you’ll need a signed ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional. These airlines include:

  • WestJet
  • Volaris
  • Air France
  • Aeromexico
  • JSX

 

These are only a few examples, and you may find more. We also recommend frequently checking with airlines to learn more about their ESA policies.

 

Why Airline Rules Changed (DOT Guidance) – And What it Means Now

Airline rules have changed due to how the Department of Transportation (DOT) handles emotional support animals. Essentially, they refer to ESAs as pets instead of service animals. While ESAs used to have the same protections as service dogs, this is no longer the case, and ESAs face numerous restrictions.

 

Previously, you only needed a letter to keep your ESA in the cabin with you, regardless of species or size. This led to complaints from travelers and airlines as some of the ESAs were disruptive. They alleged that people were abusing the system by trying to travel with unusual animals and untrained dogs, and that it was a threat to safety.

 

Now, ESAs are subject to each airline’s own rules regarding what species and sizes are permitted in the cabin and in the hold (typically a 50 lbs limit and no reptiles). Some airlines have strict rules about the type of travel containers the ESA must be kept in, and they can require travelers to pay a pet fee for their ESA.

 

ESA vs. Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD)

While an emotional support animal can’t fly on airlines, a service dog can. For this reason, many people opt for psychiatric service dogs (PSD) instead of ESAs if travel is a mental health trigger. A PSD is a service dog who has been trained to perform disability alleviating tasks for its handler who has a mental health impacting disability. An ESA is an untrained animal, regardless of species, whose presence alone provides relief to its owner.

 

PSDs have protection on airlines due to the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), which grants them public access. This includes the cabins of aircraft during flights, and means that the airlines cannot charge any fees for them to be there. If you find that you need assistance outside of your home and in airports, an PSD may be a good option. Those whose conditions qualify for an ESA often also qualify for a PSD.

 

Can ESA Dogs Fly in Cabins on Airlines? The Verdict

So, can ESA dogs fly in cabins on airlines? At the end of the day, yes, ESA dogs are not prohibited by law from airplane cabins, it’s just up to the airline as to whether they want to let dogs on the flight. It helps to have an ESA letter, and if you take the time to research which airlines have ESA policies versus pet policies.

 

Just because the law doesn’t make a distinction between pets and ESAs, it doesn’t mean the airline feels the same. Some are sympathetic and retain their ESA policies even after the law no longer required them to. Of course, you may still face limitations, but plenty of airlines allow your ESA dog to fly with you in the cabin if you follow their pet guidelines.