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ESA Travel: Airlines And Regulations 2025

Traveling with an emotional support animal (ESA) can be confusing. Many people face problems when they try to fly with their emotional support dogs or comfort animals. You may worry about airline rules, required ESA letters, pet fees, and how your ESA will fit in a carrier at the airport. Recently, airlines changed many policies for ESA travel. ...

Travel with ESA dog

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Dr. Ava Mitchell Ph.D., LCSW

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Jul 16, 2025

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Traveling with an emotional support animal (ESA) can be confusing. Many people face problems when they try to fly with their emotional support dogs or comfort animals. You may worry about airline rules, required ESA letters, pet fees, and how your ESA will fit in a carrier at the airport.

Recently, airlines changed many policies for ESA travel. Most air carriers now treat ESAs as pets instead of service animals. This means you must follow different rules and pay extra fees.

This blog will explain the new regulations and help you understand which airlines accept ESAs like LATAM Airlines, Volaris, and Aeromexico. You’ll also learn what documents you need from a mental health professional for your ESA ID card or letter.

If you’re planning travel for anxiety or another mental health condition, this guide makes it clear and simple.

Keep reading if you want smoother travels with your ESA!

Key Takeaways

  • Most U.S. airlines now treat Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) as pets, not service animals, after the Department of Transportation made new rules in 2021.
  • Airlines like LATAM Airlines, Volaris, and Aeromexico still accept ESAs for certain flights but usually require a pet fee and have their own strict policies.
  • You need an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional to travel with your animal, along with updated vaccination records and health certificates.
  • Each airline has different size and weight limits for ESAs; check their website before you book your ticket.
  • Always call your airline before traveling to confirm rules about documentation, fees, carrier sizes, and behavior requirements for your ESA.

ESA Travel Regulations: Key Updates

The Department of Transportation (DOT) has made important changes to ESA travel rules. Airlines now have more power to decide if they will accept emotional support animals on flights.

Department of Transportation (DOT) rules

Airlines in the United States follow new Department of Transportation rules set for emotional support animals, or ESAs. These rules say airlines must treat trained service dogs differently from ESAs.

People with mental health issues like depression, PTSD, or a phobia must use a psychiatric service dog if they need animal assistance on flights. “An ESA is not recognized as a service animal by DOT guidelines,” states one legal expert.

Your therapist may offer an emotional support animal letter, but most U.S. carriers now accept only certified service dogs for disabilities.

You should keep your ESA harness and leash handy for travel outside the country since some airlines still allow ESAs under their own policies. Airlines such as Aeromexico continue to let certain pets travel as emotional support animals based on international rules instead of DOT policy.

Always check what documents are needed like your prescription, microchip records, or vaccination proof before flying abroad with your companion parrot, cockatiel, budgie, or canine friend.

Accessible formats like NVDA and JAWS screen readers help travelers with impairments complete forms online using tools such as Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Airlines’ discretion on accepting ESAs

Each airline sets its own rules for emotional support animals. Most airlines now treat ESAs as pets, and they do not allow the same access as service dogs or psychiatric service dogs.

Travelers flying with an ESA, such as parrots, cockatiels, or budgies, should expect to pay a pet fee. Policies often require an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional.

Some carriers need extra documents like health certificates and vaccination records.

Rules can change quickly across companies like Delta, American Airlines, Aeromexico, Iberia, Qantas, British Airways, Volaris, and LATAM Airlines. Regulations have increased since updates by the Department of Transportation in 2021.

These changes affect people living with ADHD or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who travel with ESAs for companionship or help during panic attacks and phobias related to mental illness or epilepsy.

Check your specific carrier’s website before booking to learn if they accept ESAs at all.

Next up are some of the top airlines that still allow emotional support animals on board.

Airlines That Allow Emotional Support Animals

Many airlines offer options for travelers with Emotional Support Animals. LATAM Airlines, Volaris, and Aeromexico welcome ESAs on their flights to support passengers with mental disabilities.

LATAM Airlines

LATAM Airlines treats Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) as pets. Passengers must pay pet travel fees even if they have a mental disability or need accessibility help due to fear or epileptic conditions.

An ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional may be required before flying with LATAM Airlines. Travelers should check all rules because the airline sets size and weight limits for ESAs.

LATAM Airlines has policies similar to those of carriers like Aeromexico and Volaris regarding ESAs. The Better Business Bureau advises travelers to confirm documentation, such as health certificates and vaccination records, for their ESA in advance of their trip.

Only well-behaved animals can fly under these guidelines, as disruptive behavior could bar access during boarding or flight.

Volaris

Volaris accepts Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) with certain conditions. The airline treats ESAs similar to regular pets, which means travelers may face pet travel fees and restrictions.

A pet fee may be required when flying with an ESA on Volaris.

Travelers must provide an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional. They should check Volaris’ specific policies regarding ESA travel before booking their flight. Well-behaved ESAs must comply with any size or weight limitations set by the airline.

Travel smart and verify all requirements for your ESA.

Aeromexico

Aeromexico treats Emotional Support Animals like regular pets. Passengers must transport their ESAs in carriers during the flight. This airline requires a letter from a licensed mental health professional to confirm the ESA status.

Travelers may also need to pay a pet travel fee when flying with their support animals.

ESAs on Aeromexico must behave well and meet specific size or weight limits. Most airlines, including Aeromexico, now classify ESAs as pets instead of service animals. Before your trip, check Aeromexico’s current policies regarding emotional support animals to avoid any surprises at the airport.

Necessary Documentation for ESA Travel

Travelers must provide specific documents to fly with their emotional support animal. An ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional is crucial, along with any required health certificates and proof of vaccinations for your pet.

ESA letter requirements

Airlines typically require an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional. This letter must clearly state the need for your emotional support animal. Airlines may not recognize ESAs in the same way as service animals, so it is vital to check each airline’s specific requirements before you travel.

Travelers usually need to provide additional documentation, such as health certificates and vaccination records for their ESA. Having accurate and complete paperwork helps ensure a smoother travel experience with your emotional support animal on LATAM Airlines, Volaris, or Aeromexico.

Health certificates and vaccinations

Traveling with an emotional support animal (ESA) often requires health certificates. These documents confirm your ESA’s fitness for travel and may be necessary depending on the airline’s regulations.

Vaccinations might also need to be up to date before flying. Each airline may have specific rules regarding these health-related requirements.

Consult your airline well ahead of time. Obtain all valid documentation to prevent any travel issues. Ensure that you meet their standards for both health certificates and vaccinations, especially when traveling with carriers like Aeromexico or others offering ESA services.

Tips for Traveling with Your ESA

When you travel with your emotional support animal, keep them calm and well-behaved. A good plan includes calling your airline ahead of time to discuss their specific requirements.

Ensure your ESA is well-behaved

Your ESA must be well-trained to meet airline behavior standards. Unruly behavior can create problems during your journey. Train your ESA to adapt better to new environments and situations.

Socialize them with other animals and people before travel. Start with short trips to help them get used to traveling. Use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage good behavior during the flight.

Following these steps will make traveling easier for you and your ESA. Be sure to contact your airline in advance about their requirements and regulations regarding ESAs.

Call your airline in advance

Call your airline before your travel date. Each airline has different rules about emotional support animals (ESAs). Check for any specific requirements they may have. LATAM Airlines, Volaris, and Aeromexico could all have their own policies.

Contacting the airline helps avoid surprises at the airport. Ask about necessary documents like ESA letters or health certificates. This step ensures a smoother journey with your ESA by knowing what to expect in advance.

Prepare a comfortable carrier

Choose a carrier that meets airline regulations. Make sure it allows your ESA to move comfortably. Your pet should have enough space to stand, turn around, and lie down without feeling cramped.

Look for carriers with good ventilation; this helps your animal stay calm during the flight.

Add familiar items inside the carrier. Include a favorite blanket or toy to comfort your ESA while traveling. A cozy environment can ease anxiety and make the trip smoother for both of you.

Always check with airlines like Aeromexico about specific size requirements before packing up for travel.

Conclusion

Traveling with an emotional support animal has changed a lot. Airlines treat ESAs like regular pets now. Passengers must follow new rules and pay extra fees. Having the right documents is crucial for smooth travel.

Always check your airline’s current policies to avoid surprises on your journey.

FAQs

1. Which rules does Aeroméxico follow for ESA travel?

Aeroméxico follows federal guidelines for emotional support animal (ESA) travel. These rules may require documents and advance notice.

2. Can I fly with my ESA on Aeroméxico?

You can bring your ESA if you meet Aeroméxico’s requirements. You must provide proper paperwork and inform the airline before your flight.

3. What documents do I need to show Aeroméxico for my ESA?

Aeroméxico usually asks for a letter from a licensed mental health professional along with vaccination records.

4. Are there size or breed limits set by Aeroméxico for ESAs?

Yes, Aeroméxico has size and breed restrictions for ESAs in the cabin; check their website or contact customer service to confirm details before booking.

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