Flying with an ESA: Current Airline Policies and Legal Guidelines

For individuals who rely on Emotional Support Animals (ESAs), air travel has become significantly more complex in recent years. Regulatory shifts have redefined the way ESAs are treated by airlines, especially in the United States. As of 2025, it's crucial for ESA owners to stay informed about current airline policies, legal guidelines, and the proper documentation—such as an emotional support pet letter—to ensure smooth travel experiences.

This article outlines the current rules, airline-specific policies, and best practices for flying with an ESA, along with trusted resources like RealESALetter.com to help navigate the updated landscape with confidence.

Regulatory Changes: ESAs Are No Longer Protected Under the ACAA

In January 2021, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) made a pivotal change to the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). Under the revised rule, emotional support animals are no longer considered service animals and therefore no longer receive special protections on commercial flights.

Now, airlines are only required to recognize service dogs, including psychiatric service dogs (PSDs), that are individually trained to perform specific tasks related to a disability. Emotional support animals, by contrast, are now categorized as pets under most airline policies.

This means:

• Airlines can charge fees for transporting ESAs.

• Carriers are not obligated to accommodate ESAs in the cabin.

• ESA owners must adhere to standard pet travel rules.

These changes were implemented to combat rising incidents of fraudulent ESA claims and disruptions during flights, but they have also introduced challenges for individuals with legitimate emotional support needs.

U.S. Airline Policies on ESAs in 2025

While the DOT gives airlines the right to deny free access for ESAs, some carriers still differ slightly in how they handle ESA-related travel. Here's an overview of current ESA policies for major U.S. airlines:

Most carriers limit pet travel to small animals that can fit in a carrier under the seat, and each flight has a restricted number of pet spots available. This has led many ESA owners to plan further ahead or explore other options, such as training their ESA as a psychiatric service dog.

International ESA Travel: Even Stricter Guidelines

Flying internationally with an ESA involves additional layers of complexity. Most countries do not recognize emotional support animals as anything other than pets, which means they must meet import and quarantine requirements.

Common international travel requirements include:

• Microchipping

• Rabies vaccination certificates

• Veterinary health certificates

• Customs declarations and permits

• Mandatory quarantine (in countries like Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Asia)

Travelers should consult both the destination country's import regulations and the airline’s international pet travel policy well in advance. The CDC’s Pet Travel Portal and USDA APHIS are excellent starting points for planning international pet or ESA travel.

Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSDs): A Protected Alternative

For travelers with mental health conditions, transitioning from an ESA to a psychiatric service dog (PSD) may be a viable alternative. Unlike ESAs, PSDs are recognized as service animals under the ACAA and are allowed to fly in the cabin free of charge.

To qualify a dog as a PSD, the animal must be individually trained to perform specific tasks related to a mental health disability. This could include calming an anxiety attack, providing tactile stimulation during panic episodes, or alerting the handler to signs of distress.

Airlines may require:

• A DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form

• Advance notice (typically 48 hours)

• Verification of the dog’s behavior and health

Reliable services such as RealESALetter.com offer detailed guidance on the distinctions between ESAs and PSDs, as well as how to work with licensed mental health professionals to qualify for appropriate documentation. While RealESALetter.com primarily offers ESA letters, they also provide updated legal information and tips for transitioning to PSD support.

Airlines That Still Accept ESAs (Limited Cases)

While most U.S.-based carriers have updated their policies to align with the DOT ruling, a few international and regional airlines continue to accept ESAs under certain conditions.

For example:

• LATAM Airlines (Latin America): Allows in-cabin ESA travel with documentation.

• Volaris (Mexico): Still permits ESAs on domestic routes.

• Aeroméxico: Offers limited ESA accommodation.

However, even these airlines often have strict carrier size limits and require documentation from a licensed professional. Travelers should check with each airline prior to booking, as policies are subject to change without notice.

Tips for Traveling with an ESA in 2025

1. Check Airline Policies Before Booking
   Each carrier has unique requirements and pet allowances.

2. Book Early
   Airlines limit the number of in-cabin pets per flight.

3. Prepare Proper Documentation
   Even though an ESA letter won’t guarantee access, it’s still helpful for demonstrating medical necessity during emergencies.

4. Use an Airline-Approved Carrier
   Ensure the carrier fits under the seat and meets ventilation and safety standards.

5. Train Your ESA
   Airlines may deny boarding if the animal appears aggressive, disruptive, or untrained.

6. Stay Informed
   Regulations are evolving. Trusted sites like RealESALetter.com and DOT’s Service Animal Guidance offer current, vetted information.

Final Thoughts

Navigating air travel with an ESA has become increasingly regulated and, for many, more difficult. With ESAs now falling under pet policies, travelers must adapt by understanding airline rules, preparing accordingly, and exploring alternatives like psychiatric service dogs when applicable.

By staying informed and utilizing reliable resources like RealESALetter.com, ESA owners can make smarter travel decisions that prioritize both their mental well-being and their animal’s safety.