JetBlue ESA Policy: Key Updates and Guidelines

As of January 2021, JetBlue has made important changes to its Emotional Support Animal (ESA) policy. While the airline no longer accepts ESAs in the cabin, it continues to welcome trained service dogs that are essential for passengers with disabilities. The following guidelines outline the updated rules and airlines policies for traveling with animals, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey for everyone.

Key Highlights of JetBlue’s Updated ESA and Pet Policies

Here are the key updates to JetBlue’s policy for emotional support animals and pets, following the amendments to the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA):

Emotional Support Animals No Longer Allowed:
As of January 2021, JetBlue no longer permits emotional support animals in the cabin. ESAs are now categorized as regular pets, subject to the updated airline policies, which include size restrictions, carrier requirements, and applicable fees.
Pet Travel in the Cabin:
Small pets such as dogs, cats, and birds can travel in the cabin with their owners. These pets must be kept in an approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you with a maximum size of 17 x 12.5 x 8 inches. The fee for this service is $125 per way.
Pet Carrier Specifications:
The carrier must be large enough for your pet to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. For cabin travel, it must also fit under the seat, adhering to the maximum dimensions.
Breed Restrictions:
For safety, JetBlue does not allow aggressive or short-nosed dog breeds (such as bulldogs and pugs) to travel in the cabin or as checked baggage. It’s important to check breed restrictions before booking your flight.
Larger Pets Travel as Checked Baggage:
Pets too large for cabin travel can fly as checked baggage, subject to size and weight requirements. These pets must be booked in advance, and the fees are similar to those for in-cabin pets but may vary by route.
Service Dogs Travel Free:
Trained service dogs are still allowed to fly for free. These dogs must be professionally trained to assist passengers with disabilities. Only one service dog per passenger is allowed, and you will need to provide documentation about the dog’s training.
Required Documentation:
When traveling with a service dog, documentation proving its training, behavior, and health is required. For pets, especially on international flights, a recent health certificate and vaccination records may be necessary.
Notify JetBlue in Advance:
It’s recommended to inform JetBlue at least 48 hours prior to your flight if you’re traveling with a pet or service dog. This allows the airline to confirm requirements and arrange seating.

JetBlue’s Cabin-Only Pet Policy

JetBlue doesn’t offer cargo travel for pets or emotional support animals. Small pets, like cats and dogs, can fly in the cabin for a $125 fee, as long as they fit in an FAA-approved carrier under the seat. Service dogs travel for free but must sit in non-restricted areas. Larger pets or ESAs exceeding cabin size cannot be accommodated, and JetBlue does not accept pet remains in any form.

JetBlue’s Pet and Service Animal Travel Policies

JetBlue has clear guidelines for passengers traveling with pets and service animals. These policies ensure that all animals are treated with care while maintaining a safe environment for all passengers.

Pets in the Cabin:
Small pets that meet size limits can travel with you in the cabin. They’ll need to be in an approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. The maximum carrier size is 17 x 12 x 8 inches, and the fee for this service is usually $125.
Larger Pets as Checked Baggage:
If your pet is too large for the cabin, they can travel as checked baggage. You’ll need to book this in advance, and the carrier must meet the airline’s size and ventilation requirements.
Service Dogs and Psychiatric Service Dogs:
Trained service dogs and psychiatric service dogs (PSDs) can fly for free. You’ll need to provide documentation showing the dog’s training and tasks. Only one service dog per passenger is allowed, and they can sit at your feet without blocking the aisle or other seats.
Breed Restrictions:
JetBlue doesn’t allow aggressive or short-nosed breeds (like bulldogs, pugs, and some cats) in the cabin or as checked baggage for safety reasons. Make sure to check breed restrictions before booking your flight.
Pet Carrier Rules:
All pet carriers must meet JetBlue’s size requirements. For cabin travel, the maximum dimensions are 17 x 12 x 8 inches, and your pet must have enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
Domestic Flights
JetBlue allows pets on most domestic flights, with specific regulations for pet size, carrier type, and additional pet fees. Pet travel is generally straightforward, with fewer documentation requirements for domestic travel.
International Flights
For international travel, JetBlue has additional requirements. These may include health certificates, vaccination records, and sometimes quarantine procedures, depending on the destination country. Passengers are advised to check with JetBlue for specific international travel requirements for pets.
Documentation Requirements
For pets traveling domestically, health certificates and vaccination records may not always be required, but it’s advised to have them on hand. For service dogs and PSDs, documentation.

JetBlue Policies for Service Dogs and Psychiatric Service Dogs

JetBlue welcomes psychiatric service dogs and other trained service dogs to assist passengers with disabilities, free of charge. These animals must meet specific training and behavior standards and may be required to submit a U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form for documentation.

Training and Documentation
Service dogs and PSDs must be trained to perform tasks that mitigate the effects of a disability, such as providing mobility assistance, alerting to medical conditions, or calming panic attacks. Passengers must submit the U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form, confirming the dog’s health, training, and behavior. If the flight exceeds 8 hours, an additional form may be required to ensure the dog can handle the flight duration without accidents.
Behavior Standards
Service dogs and PSDs must be well-behaved at all times and should not disrupt the cabin or other passengers. If the dog’s behavior presents a risk to safety or comfort, JetBlue reserves the right to deny boarding.
Seating Arrangements
Service dogs must remain in the passenger's foot space without obstructing the aisle or nearby seats. Only one service dog per passenger is allowed.

Key Takeaways: JetBlue’s Animal Travel Policies

JetBlue no longer accepts emotional support animals in the cabin; they must now travel as pets.
Pets can travel in the cabin for a fee of $125, subject to carrier size limits.
Larger pets can travel as checked baggage, with advance booking required.
Service dogs and PSDs fly free with proper documentation and training.
JetBlue recommends notifying the airline 48 hours in advance when traveling with pets or service dogs.
Breed restrictions apply, especially for snub-nosed or aggressive breeds.
International travel may require additional documentation and health checks.
While a legit ESA letter provides several benefits, the updated laws restrict traveling privileges like bringing your ESA on a plane.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can emotional support animals still travel as pets with JetBlue?

Yes, emotional support animals can travel as pets with JetBlue, provided they meet the airline’s pet policy requirements, including carrier size and applicable fees.

Are there any breed restrictions for pets traveling with JetBlue?

Yes, JetBlue prohibits aggressive and brachycephalic breeds, such as bulldogs, pugs, and some types of cats, from traveling in the cabin or as checked baggage.

What if my pet’s carrier doesn’t meet the size requirements?

If your pet’s carrier does not meet JetBlue’s size guidelines, you may need to transport the animal as checked baggage, subject to size and weight restrictions.

Does JetBlue allow pets on international flights?

Yes, JetBlue allows pets on international flights, but passengers should verify specific documentation and health requirements for the destination country.

How far in advance should I notify JetBlue when traveling with a pet or service dog?

It is recommended to notify JetBlue at least 48 hours before your flight to ensure smooth travel arrangements for your pet or service dog.

What documentation is needed for international pet travel on JetBlue?

Health certificates, vaccination records, and compliance with destination-specific regulations are required.

Can service dogs sit in the passenger’s seat?

No, service dogs must remain in the handler's foot space and cannot occupy a passenger seat.

Does JetBlue accommodate pet relief areas at all airports?

Many airports have designated pet relief areas. Check JetBlue’s airport directory for specific locations.

Are there temperature restrictions for pets traveling in cargo?

Yes, extreme weather conditions may restrict cargo travel for pets. Contact JetBlue for weather-specific guidelines.