Frontier Airlines ESA Policy: Updates and Guidelines

Traveling with an emotional support animal can make a big difference, but it’s important to know that Frontier Airlines has updated its policies. As of 2021, airlines policies regarding Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) have changed. Most airlines now treat ESAs as pets rather than service animals, meaning they are no longer allowed to fly for free in the cabin. Here’s everything you need to know if you’re planning to fly with your ESA on Frontier Airlines.

In-Cabin Only Travel for Pets and Emotional Support Animals

Frontier Airlines does not offer cargo or checked baggage services for pets, including Emotional Support Animals (ESAs). All pets must travel in the cabin, provided they meet the airline's size and carrier requirements. Accepted in-cabin pets include domesticated dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and small household birds for domestic flights; only dogs and cats are permitted on international flights. Each pet must be in an airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you, with maximum dimensions of 18" x 14" x 8" for hard-sided carriers and 18" x 14" x 11" for soft-sided carriers. The combined weight of the pet and carrier should not exceed 17 pounds. Advance booking is recommended, as space for pets is limited.

Important Frontier Airlines Rules for Flying with Pets and Service Dogs

Frontier Airlines has specific policies for traveling with dogs and service animals to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers. Below are the essential guidelines you need to follow.

Major Regulations

These comprehensive policies cover everything travelers need to know when flying with animals on Frontier Airlines, ensuring compliance, safety, and a comfortable journey for all.

Pets in the Cabin
Frontier Airlines allows small domesticated pets in the cabin on all domestic flights. Permitted animals include dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and small household birds. For international flights, only domesticated dogs and cats are allowed. Each pet must be at least 8 weeks old and remain in an airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you, similar in size to a personal item. A fee of $99 per pet, each way, applies.
Service Animals Fly Free

Only trained service dogs are accepted as service animals on Frontier Airlines. These dogs must be individually trained to perform specific tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability. While a valid ESA letter offers benefits like housing accommodations, it may not provide the same travel benefits due to recent policy changes. All animals that are not service animals must travel under the standard pet policy and applicable fees.
Carrier Size Requirements
Pet carriers must be large enough for the animal to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. The maximum dimensions for a hard-sided carrier are 18" x 14" x 8", and for a soft-sided carrier, 18" x 14" x 11". The combined weight of the pet and carrier should not exceed 17 pounds. The carrier must be stowed under the seat in front of you, just like a personal item.
Breed Restrictions
Frontier Airlines does not allow certain snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds, such as pugs and Persian cats, due to increased health risks associated with air travel. Always check with the airline for the most current list of restricted breeds before booking.
Traveling Regulations: Domestic vs. International
- Domestic Flights: Pets are accepted on all domestic flights within the United States, provided they meet the airline's requirements.
- International Flights: Only domesticated dogs and cats are permitted. Additional documentation, such as health certificates and vaccination records, may be required depending on the destination country.
Documentation Requirements
- For pets: While Frontier does not require a health certificate for pets on domestic flights, some airlines, like Hawaii Airlines, may have their own regulations. Always check your destination’s requirements.
- For service dogs: Passengers must submit documentation verifying the dog’s training, behavior, and health. The dog must be trained to perform specific tasks to assist a person with a disability.
Advance Notification Required
It’s recommended that passengers notify Frontier at least 48 hours before their flight when traveling with a pet or service dog to confirm space availability and ensure all requirements are met.
Health and Behavior Standards
All animals must be healthy, well-behaved, and non-disruptive. Aggressive or unfit animals may be denied boarding for the safety of passengers and crew.

Key Highlights of Frontier Airlines ESA Policy

Frontier Airlines no longer recognizes emotional support animals as service animals. As a result, ESAs must travel under the standard pet policy with an applicable pet fee. This policy change, effective from January 2021, aligns with updated federal regulations under the U.S. Department of Transportation. ESAs are now considered pets and must follow the airline’s policy for traveling. This means passengers will need to pay a pet fee and comply with specific carrier and behavioral requirements.

Here’s what it means for ESA owners:

ESAs Are Treated as Pets: Emotional support animals no longer qualify as service animals under DOT regulations, so they must follow Frontier's pet travel rules.
Pet Fees Apply: Frontier Airlines charges a fee (usually around $99 each way) for pets traveling in the cabin. Be sure to confirm the exact amount when booking.
Carrier Requirements: Frontier allows both soft-sided (18" x 14" x 11") and hard-sided (18" x 14" x 8") carriers, provided they fit under the seat and meet all airline requirements.
Behavioral Expectations: Your pet must remain in the carrier for the entire flight and should be calm and non-disruptive to avoid any issues during travel.

If you previously relied on ESA travel accommodations, it’s important to adjust to these new guidelines and treat your ESA as a pet when flying with Frontier Airlines.

Frontier Airlines ESA Guidelines in a Nutshell

ESAs are treated as pets and require a pet fee for travel.
Service animals can still travel for free with appropriate documentation.
A pet carrier is required for ESAs and must fit under the seat.
No ESA letters accepted; only service animal documentation is allowed.
Pets must be well-behaved during the flight to avoid removal.
International flights only accept service animals with specific guidelines.
Notify Frontier in advance if traveling with a service animal.
Pet fees apply for ESAs and other pets traveling in the cabin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still bring my emotional support animal on a Frontier flight?

No, Frontier Airlines no longer allows emotional support animals to travel for free. ESAs are now treated as regular pets, so you will need to pay a pet fee, and your ESA dog must be kept in a suitable dog crate that fits under the seat.

What kind of documentation do I need for a service animal?

If you’re traveling with a service animal, you’ll need to provide documentation that proves your animal is trained to assist you with a disability. This is to ensure your animal meets the airline’s specific guidelines for service animals.

Can I bring a service animal on an international flight with Frontier?

Yes, service animals are allowed on international flights, but Frontier has specific rules for international travel. Be sure to check the requirements for your destination and contact the airline in advance to confirm.

How big can my pet be to travel with me on Frontier Airlines?

Your pet must fit in a small carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. The carrier’s dimensions must meet Frontier’s specific size restrictions, so it’s important to measure both your pet and the carrier before the flight.

What happens if my ESA misbehaves during the flight?

If your ESA misbehaves, Frontier Airlines may deny boarding or request removal before departure. Ensure to train your ESA dog and make sure they are non-disruptive.

How much is the pet fee on Frontier Airlines?

The pet fee varies based on the route but is typically around $99 each way. Be sure to confirm the exact fee when booking your flight, as it may change depending on the destination.

Can I travel with a service animal in the cabin?

Yes, service animals are allowed to travel with you in the cabin at no extra charge. They must remain under your control at all times and must not block aisles or emergency exits.

Is it hard to get an ESA letter?

No, it’s not hard to get a ESA letter if you need one.

You just need to talk to a licensed doctor for an ESA. If they think an emotional support animal can help with your condition (like anxiety or depression), they can write a letter for you.

The letter must: