Below is a list of airlines, their key requirements, and detailed policies to help you plan a smooth journey with your ESA.
LATAM Airlines allows Emotional Support Animals only on select routes: dogs to and from Argentina, Mexico, and Colombia (plus domestic Colombia), and cats to and from Argentina and Colombia only (plus domestic Colombia). Passengers must provide a valid ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional issued no more than one year before the flight, with 48 hours advance notice. Only one ESA per passenger is allowed, and the animal must be at least four months old (six months for US-bound flights, where separate CDC health and vaccination rules also apply). From June 2024, all emotional support dogs must wear a muzzle unless in an approved under-seat carrier, and dogs over 12 kg (26 lbs) must travel in the cargo hold at no extra charge.
LATAM Airlines
Key Requirement: ESA letter and forms
Volaris allows Emotional Support Animals on select routes at no extra charge. This includes flights within Mexico, Central America, and South America, plus routes between these regions. Both dogs and cats qualify. Passengers need a mental health professional’s letter issued within one year, a vet health certificate dated within five days of the flight, and a current rabies record (30 days’ lead time for first-time shots, deworming current within six months). The animal must be under 10 in tall, with a combined animal-plus-carrier weight under 26 lb; cats are capped at two per flight and seated in the last rows. Since August 2026, US-to-Mexico flights also require a GBG Inspection Certificate from a USDA-accredited vet, issued within five days of travel.
Volaris
Key Requirement: Health certificate and ESA letter
Aeromexico allows Emotional Support Animals on domestic flights within Mexico, but not on flights to or from the United States or the United Kingdom. Only dogs and cats qualify. The certifying letter must come from a licensed psychiatrist specifically, issued no more than one year before travel; letters from psychologists or other mental health professionals are not accepted. A current vaccination record and a recent veterinary health certificate are also required. The animal must weigh no more than 12 kg (26 lbs) and measure within 22 in long by 12 in tall. Only one ESA per passenger is allowed, and the animal must be at least 8 weeks old. Advance notice of at least 48 hours is required.
Aeromexico
Key Requirement: ESA letter and health documentation
Air Canada only accommodates emotional support dogs, cats and other species are not eligible and must travel under the standard pet policy instead. The request must go through Air Canada’s Accessibility Services, not regular pet booking, and requires three separate forms: an Acknowledgement and Confirmation of Behaviour Form, a Medical/Mental Health Professional Form, and a Veterinary Health Form. These must be submitted at least 96 hours before departure, and the medical/mental health documentation must be dated within 365 days of travel. The dog must remain inside an approved carrier under the seat in front of the passenger for the entire flight.
Air Canada
Key Requirement: ESA letter and advance booking
Copa Airlines accepts only dogs as emotional support animals. Cats and other species do not qualify. ESAs are accepted only on flights to and from Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico. Service dogs are accepted on all Copa routes. The dog must be at least six months old. Emotional support dogs are limited to the Main Cabin and cannot fly in Business Class. Maximum weight is 10 kg (22 lbs). A letter from a licensed mental health professional is required. The dog must remain calm and stay with the handler at all times. Only one emotional support or service animal is allowed per passenger.
Copa Airlines
Avianca accepts only dogs as emotional support animals. Cats do not qualify. Reservations must be made at least 48 hours before departure, through Avianca’s Contact Center only. The dog must travel in a container no larger than 22 × 14 × 10 in (56 × 36 × 25 cm), placed under the seat in front of the passenger. Dogs weighing more than 10 kg (22 lb) travel in the cargo hold instead, at no extra charge. The minimum age is four months, or two months for domestic flights within Colombia with proper vaccination. Only one emotional support dog is allowed per passenger. A muzzle is required if the dog shows aggressive behavior.
Avianca
Following the 2021 changes to the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), many airlines have updated their policies to no longer accommodate Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) as service animals. Instead, ESAs are treated as regular pets, subject to pet policies and fees.
Here are the airlines that no longer allow ESAs:
While these airlines do not recognize ESAs, they still allow pets in the cabin for a fee, subject to their size and weight restrictions. Always review the pet travel policies of the airline before booking.
The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) previously required airlines to accommodate Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) in the cabin. However, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) revised these rules in January 2021, significantly altering ESA travel rights. Understanding these updates is essential for ESA owners planning to fly.
The updated ACAA regulations give airlines the discretion to classify ESAs as pets instead of service animals. This shift removes the mandatory requirement to accommodate ESAs in airplane cabins, impacting how and where ESAs can travel.
These changes mean ESA owners must check individual airline pet policies, as travel accommodations for ESAs now vary significantly across airlines. Planning ahead ensures a smoother experience for both you and your ESA.
To make flying stress-free for both you and your emotional support animal, follow these practical tips to prepare and meet airline requirements.
Confirm the airline’s pet or ESA policies, fees, and required documentation well in advance.
Notify the airline as soon as possible to ensure proper arrangements for your ESA.
Carry valid ESA letters, health certificates, and vaccination records as required.
Ensure your ESA’s carrier meets airline specifications for size, comfort, and ventilation.
Familiarize your ESA with carriers, airport environments, and longer stays in confined spaces.
Bring food, water, a leash, waste bags, and comfort items like blankets or toys for your ESA.
Arrive with extra time to check in, go through security, and settle your ESA before the flight.
Follow our simple process to get a valid ESA letter for air travel quickly and easily.
*Arkansas, California, Iowa, Louisiana, and Montana require a 30-day client-provider relationship and two consultations before issuing an ESA letter.
Get StartedWe offer a full refund if your ESA letter is not approved.
Unlike Emotional Support Animals (ESAs), Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSDs) and other service dogs are recognized under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These animals are specifically trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities, including psychiatric conditions, and are granted certain rights when traveling.
Airlines are legally required to accommodate PSDs and service dogs in the cabin free of charge, regardless of breed or size.
Passengers must complete and submit the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Service Animal Air Transportation Form, confirming the dog's health, training, and behavior. Some airlines may request this form at least 48 hours prior to travel.
Service dogs and PSDs must be well-behaved, remain under the handler’s control, and sit in the handler’s foot space during the flight.
Unlike ESAs, PSDs and service dogs must be trained to perform specific tasks that assist individuals with disabilities, such as alerting to panic attacks, retrieving medication, or guiding visually impaired individuals.
Airlines cannot charge fees for PSDs or service dogs, as they are not considered pets but essential medical aids.
Claiming a pet is a trained service dog to bypass airline rules carries real legal risk. More than 20 states now impose their own penalties for misrepresenting a pet as a service animal, separate from the federal rule. Alabama classifies it as a Class C misdemeanor with a fine and community service. Texas imposes a misdemeanor charge with a fine and mandatory community service. Florida and Tennessee both treat it as a misdemeanor as well. These state penalties generally apply to on-the-ground conduct, such as claiming a pet is a trained service dog at the airport, rather than to the airline’s in-flight policy itself.
Are there weight or size restrictions for ESAs on airlines that allow them?
Yes, airlines that allow emotional support animals often have weight and size restrictions. The ESA must fit comfortably within the passenger's designated foot space or under the seat in front of them.
If the animal is too large or heavy to meet these requirements, policies vary by airline: some transport the ESA in the cargo hold instead (often at no extra charge), some allow the passenger to purchase an additional seat so the animal has room at their feet, and others may deny transport altogether. Always check the specific airline's policy before booking.
What should I pack when traveling with my Emotional Support Animal?
When traveling with your ESA, pack these essentials to ensure a smooth and comfortable trip:
Being prepared helps reduce stress for both you and your ESA.
Are ESAs allowed on international flights?
Yes, some airlines allow ESAs on international flights, but regulations can vary depending on the airline and destination country. Some countries have strict rules about animal entry, including mandatory quarantine, vaccination records, and health certificates. It’s crucial to research both the airline’s ESA policy and the destination country’s animal import regulations well in advance to avoid any complications.
How do airline ESA policies differ between domestic and international routes?
Airline ESA policies do not split cleanly along domestic versus international lines. Policies vary by specific route and destination country instead. In the United States, ESAs have no special recognition on any flight. This applies to both domestic and international routes. Every major US carrier treats ESAs as standard pets.
Some airlines still accommodate ESAs, mostly Latin American carriers like LATAM, Volaris, and Aeromexico. These airlines typically allow ESAs on domestic or regional routes within their home region. They often restrict or exclude ESAs on flights to and from the US and UK. Added requirements or outright non-recognition apply on those specific routes. Always confirm the policy for your exact route before booking. Do not rely on a general domestic or international label.
Can my ESA travel in the cabin or does it need to go in cargo?
For airlines that still allow ESAs, most permit small, well-behaved animals to travel in the cabin. The animal must fit within the designated foot space or under the seat. Size and weight limits vary by airline.
Larger ESAs that exceed these limits are handled differently depending on the carrier. Some airlines transport oversized ESAs in the cargo hold, often at no extra charge. Other airlines allow the passenger to purchase an additional seat instead, so the animal can stay with them. A few airlines only offer their ESA program for animals that fit in the cabin, with no cargo option at all. Always confirm the specific policy with your airline before booking.
What happens if my ESA misbehaves during a flight?
Airline staff may take corrective action if your ESA misbehaves. Misbehavior includes excessive barking, aggression, or disrupting the cabin. Several airlines require the passenger to carry a muzzle for this situation. Crew may require the muzzle to be used if the animal shows aggressive or disruptive behavior.
Staff may also request that you calm or restrain the animal. In some cases, you and the ESA may be moved to another part of the cabin. If the behavior continues, the airline may deny boarding for that flight. Some airlines will transport the animal in the cargo hold instead, subject to availability. To avoid issues, make sure your ESA is well-trained, familiar with confined spaces, and capable of remaining calm during travel.
Traveling with an emotional support animal requires careful planning and an understanding of updated airline policies. While some airlines still allow ESAs, others classify them as pets, subject to specific fees and restrictions. By knowing the rules, preparing proper documentation, and following airline guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free journey for both you and your ESA. Always check with your chosen airline in advance to stay informed and avoid surprises. Safe travels!
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