Do emotional support dogs fly for free? For years, airlines allowed emotional support animals (ESAs), particularly dogs, to fly in the cabin without charge under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). However, federal regulations have changed this practice. In 2021, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) revised its rules and stopped recognizing ESAs as service animals. As a result, most airlines now treat ESAs as regular pets, requiring owners to follow standard pet policies and pay associated fees.
📜 Understanding the Policy Change
In 2021, the DOT changed its regulations to redefine “service animals” as only dogs individually trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities. As a result, ESAs, which provide comfort but lack task-specific training, no longer receive the same protections under the ACAA. The DOT implemented this change to address concerns about the growing number of ESAs on flights and incidents involving untrained animals – see CertaPet.
✈️ Airline Policies Post-2021
Following the DOT’s rule change, most U.S. airlines have updated their policies regarding ESAs:
-
Delta Air Lines: No longer accepts ESAs in the cabin. Passengers must pay standard pet fees for animal travel Delta Airlines.
-
American Airlines: ESAs are not permitted in the cabin. Traveling with an ESA requires paying the applicable pet fee AA.
-
United Airlines: Similar to other carriers, ESAs are treated as pets, and standard pet fees apply United.
It’s important to note that these policies may vary slightly between airlines, so it’s advisable to check with the specific airline before booking.
🌍 International Airlines and ESAs
While most U.S. airlines have ceased accommodating ESAs for free, some international carriers continue to recognize and accept them:
-
LATAM Airlines: Allows ESAs on select flights with proper documentation.
-
Lufthansa: Permits ESAs in the cabin on certain routes.
-
Volaris: Accepts ESAs for travel with the necessary paperwork.
Travelers should ensure they have the required documentation, such as a letter from a licensed mental health professional, and confirm the airline’s specific requirements before flying.
🐕 Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSDs)
Unlike ESAs, psychiatric service dogs (PSDs) are individually trained to perform specific tasks related to their handler’s disability. Under the ACAA, PSDs are still recognized as service animals and are permitted to fly in the cabin without charge on most U.S. airlines, provided they meet the necessary requirements Department of Transportation.
Individuals with ESAs may consider training their animals to become PSDs to retain in-cabin travel privileges without incurring pet fees. This process involves specialized training and documentation but can be a viable option for those who rely on their animal for support.
💰 Costs Associated with Traveling with ESAs
Since ESAs are now treated as pets by most airlines, passengers and flight nannies must pay the standard pet fees, which can vary:
-
Delta Air Lines: Charges $125 each way for pet travel.
-
American Airlines: Fees range from $125 to $200, depending on the route and destination.
-
United Airlines: Pet fees are approximately $125 each way.
These fees typically cover the cost of transporting the animal in the cabin in an approved carrier. Larger animals may need to travel in the cargo hold, which can incur additional costs.
Are you finding this article useful? Would you like 100% free access to more articles like these, and free access to over 5,000 vetted pet care service professionals throughout the United States? Sign up here for a free Petworks account, and we’ll email you a 10% discount code, good towards your first pet care services booking on Petworks!
🧳 Tips for Traveling with Your ESA
To ensure a smooth journey when traveling with your ESA:
-
Confirm Airline Policies: Always check the specific airline’s pet policies before booking.
-
Prepare Documentation: Have all necessary paperwork, such as veterinary health certificates and vaccination records.
-
Choose the Right Carrier: Ensure the carrier meets the airline’s size and ventilation requirements.
-
Arrive Early: Allow extra time at the airport for check-in and security procedures.
-
Comfort Your ESA: Bring familiar items, like a favorite blanket or toy, to help your animal feel secure.
🏠 Housing Rights for Emotional Support Animals
While air travel regulations have changed, ESAs still have housing protections under the Fair Housing Act (FHA). This federal law requires housing providers to make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, allowing them to keep their ESA even in properties with no-pet policies. Documentation from a licensed healthcare professional may be required to verify the need for the ESA.
✅ So, Do Emotional Support Dogs Fly For Free?
In 2025, most U.S. airlines no longer allow emotional support dogs to fly for free because federal regulations have changed. Airlines now treat them as pets and charge standard pet fees and enforce pet policies. However, psychiatric service dogs keep their status as service animals and can fly in the cabin without charge. Travelers should check their airline’s specific requirements and consider training their ESA to become a PSD to fly in the cabin without fees.
About Petworks
In 2021, Dr. Marty Goldstein DVM joined the pet care platform Petworks as an advisor in its Animal Nutrition care division. Dr Marty Nature’s Blend is on a mission to help your pets live their healthiest lives possible. Dr. Marty’s pet nutrition expertise and guidance has helped Petworks evolve and become the preeminent animal and pet nutrition consultation service for pet parents in North America.
In 2022, Blue Buffalo Founder Bill Bishop Jr. joined Petworks as Senior Advisor in our Animal Nutrition Care Division. Bill brings his extensive expertise in pet food innovation and business leadership. His guidance helps Petworks enhance our pet nutrition service offerings, helping to ensure that pet parents throughout the world receive trusted, science-backed nutritional support for their dogs, cats, and animals.
About The Author
Petworks Co-Founder Kevin Kinyon is a life-long animal lover who works tirelessly to improve the lives of pets and their parents. Human and animal qualities he values most are integrity, humor, and empathy.
