Comparing Airline Policies for Traveling with Emotional Support Animals: Which is the Best Option?

When will we see an emotional support pig on an airplane again? When pigs fly, according to the policies of major airlines ever since the Department of Transportation declassified emotional support animals as service animals.

The change, issued on Dec. 2, 2020, limited the definition of a service animal to dogs specially trained to perform a task or work for a person with a disability. This removed the requirement for airlines to permit animals aboard that were pre-registered as ESAs, holding them instead to the same policies, restrictions, and fees as other pets.

In years past, claims of emotional support horses, monkeys, and ducks seemed to undermine the legitimacy of ESAs in the eyes of the public, leading more than 20 states to enact new laws in an effort to curb passing off emotional support animals as service dogs by 2019. Airlines followed suit, leaving pet owners contemplating travel to wonder, „What now?“

To analyze which major airlines are the most ESA-friendly, Pettable reviewed and compared the major airlines‘ policies regarding pet travel in the cabin. Major airlines are defined as those with the highest passenger-mile volume over the past year, per the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

Despite the skepticism, ESAs are thought to be life-changing for their owners. Pet owners display lower blood pressure in high-stress situations, are less likely to be depressed, and even live longer. In a first-of-its-kind longitudinal study published in 2022, Dr. Janet Hoy-Gerlach and her colleagues at the University of Toledo found that the 11 participants—all of whom dealt with serious mental health issues such as PTSD and bipolar disorder—reported improvements in their levels of anxiety, depression, and loneliness after a year with ESAs.

Benefits aside, the DOT’s guidelines continue to be in effect, making it challenging for ESA owners to fly. Pet parents should make travel arrangements early and confirm the space for their pets, as most only take a certain number of pet carriers on a first-come, first-served basis. Major airlines differ in which types of pets are allowed aboard. Kennel sizes also vary, which may limit ESAs that can fly in the cabin.

To help guide travel decisions, here’s a breakdown of policies among major airlines.

In conclusion, the landscape of emotional support animals on airplanes has shifted dramatically in recent years. While the days of seeing an emotional support pig on a flight may be behind us, the benefits of ESAs for those in need remain clear. As regulations continue to evolve, pet owners should stay informed and plan ahead when traveling with their furry companions.