What Airlines Allow Emotional Support Animals?

If you’re wondering what airlines allow emotional support animals, you’re not alone in feeling confused. A few years ago, many airlines welcomed ESAs in the cabin, but as the system became widely abused, most in the United States decided to stop recognizing them.

For standard pet travel with this carrier, see the American Airlines pet policy.

The good news is that some airlines around the world, especially in Latin America, still allow emotional support animals in the cabin. I travel with mine all the time, and it’s made such a difference having Puglo by my side on flights.

Since ESA rules changed, most animals now fly under standard pet policies like the one I cover in my United pet policy guide.

In this post, I’ll guide you through which airlines still allow emotional support animals, the routes they operate, and what you need to prepare before flying with your ESA.

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Overview: Airlines That Allow Emotional Support Animals

Which airlines allow emotional support animals?

Volaris emotional support animal

Since I’m based in Mexico, I end up flying Volaris a lot. We even have their annual flight pass, which makes spontaneous weekend trips way too tempting. One of my favorite things about Volaris is that you can still travel with your emotional support animal in the cabin on certain routes.

Volaris allows emotional support dogs and cats to travel for free in the cabin on flights within Mexico and on international routes to Central and South America, including destinations like Guatemala, Peru, and Colombia. However, ESAs are not permitted on routes to or from the United States – only trained service animals are accepted on those flights.

To qualify, you’ll need a letter from a licensed mental health professional issued within the last year stating that you require your ESA for travel. Your dog must also meet the size and weight requirements: the combined weight of your pet (and carrier if using) can’t exceed 26 pounds, and your animal shouldn’t be taller than about 10 inches from head to paw.

Volaris also requires current vaccination and health certificates, so make sure your paperwork is ready before check-in. If you’re flying with a pug, it’s important to know brachycephalic breeds require a signed liability waiver.

It’s definitely an annoying process having to get all the documents checked every time, but we’ve never had any issues flying with them. The staff are familiar with ESA documentation and are usually friendly about the process. I always arrive early, keep my paperwork handy, and make sure Puglo’s on his best behaviour. Having him beside me during the flight makes such a difference for my anxiety, and it’s a much more enjoyable experience for him to be out of the carrier.

Read Volaris ESA Policy

Copa Airlines emotional support animal

Copa accepts emotional support dogs on routes where they’re recognized by local regulations, which currently includes flights to or from Mexico and Colombia. That means if you’re traveling within Latin America on one of these routes, you can bring your ESA in the cabin with you; which is amazing news for those of us who fly regularly in the region.

For flights to or from Mexico, emotional support dogs are allowed in the cabin as long as they don’t pose a risk to other passengers or crew. Copa only accepts small or medium-sized domestic pets up to 10 kilograms (22 pounds), and your ESA must fit comfortably in the space in front of your seat. They’re not allowed in Business Class or exit rows, and they have to stay next to you throughout the flight. Puppies under four months aren’t permitted, and neither are animals considered potentially dangerous, like snakes, reptiles, rodents, spiders, or ferrets.

If your ESA is a bit bigger or needs more room, Copa actually gives you the option to purchase an extra seat so your dog can travel comfortably while still meeting safety regulations. I love that flexibility; it’s rare for airlines to offer that.

I used Copa Airlines to fly from Mexico City to Panama, and it was such a great experience. On my flight, Puglo fit perfectly by my feet, and the flight attendants were friendly about the process. The only downside is the usual paperwork routine; it can be a little annoying having to show documents each time, but Copa made the process smooth.

Read Copa Airlines ESA Policy

Aeroméxico

Aeroméxico is another great option for traveling with an emotional support animal, and one I’ve used often since I’m based in Mexico. They fly to destinations all over Latin America and even to Europe, which makes them ideal if you’re looking for more international reach while keeping your ESA by your side.

Aeroméxico allows emotional support dogs and cats on board as long as they meet specific size and documentation requirements. Your pet must weigh no more than 12 kilograms (26 pounds) and be no larger than 22 inches long and 12 inches tall. The animal must be at least eight weeks old and should be able to behave calmly in public settings, similar to the expectations for service animals.

To qualify, you’ll need a medical certificate from a licensed psychiatrist (not a psychologist) issued within the last year. The letter must be written on official letterhead, include the doctor’s license number and psychiatry specialty, and confirm that you require the emotional support animal for mental health reasons. You’ll also need to provide your pet’s vaccination and health certificates and submit your request for ESA travel online in advance.

Aeroméxico does not accept emotional support animals on connecting flights with other airlines like Iberia or Air Europa, and ESAs aren’t allowed on flights to London and the United States. Animals such as rodents, reptiles, rabbits, and ferrets are also not accepted under their ESA policy.

From my own experience, Aeroméxico has been reliable and accommodating when traveling with Puglo. It’s a bit of extra work to make sure all the paperwork is current, but having Puglo by my side during longer flights, especially like our international flight to Argentina, makes it completely worth it.

Read Aeromexico’s ESA Policy

Air Transat

Air Transat is one of my favorite options for traveling long distances with Puglo, especially between continents. They fly from Canada to Europe, Central America, and South America, making them a great choice if you want to bring your emotional support dog overseas (note that they don’t fly in/out of the UK).

The documentation requirements are similar to other airlines but with some key details. You’ll need a letter from a licensed mental health professional or physician confirming that you have a recognized emotional or psychological condition and require the presence of your support dog when traveling. The form must also include your vet’s information and how you plan to restrain your dog on board, either with a leash, harness, or carrier. Your dog must be at least 24 weeks old to travel.

Emotional support dogs weighing up to 12 kilograms (26 pounds) can travel comfortably at your feet or on your lap. For dogs weighing more than 12 kg, additional floor space in front of the adjacent seat must be pre-purchased, along with an extra ticket, to ensure their comfort and safety on board.

To qualify as an emotional support dog, your pup must receive prior approval from Air Transat’s Special Requests Department. You’ll need to submit the Emotional Support Dog form at least 48 hours before your flight, or 7 days in advance if you’re flying to or from the United States. Dogs that haven’t been pre-approved won’t be accepted at the airport, so it’s important to handle this step ahead of time.

The ability to fly directly between Canada, Europe, and Latin America makes Air Transat an excellent choice for digital nomads with pets who split their time between continents.

Read the full Air Transat ESA policy here

Latam

LATAM is anotheroption for flying with an emotional support animal if you’re traveling within Latin America. They recognize emotional support dogs on specific routes, including flights to or from Argentina, Mexico, and Colombia.

The maximum allowed weight for an emotional support dog not in a container is 12 kilograms (26 pounds), and dogs heavier than that will need to travel in the cargo hold at no additional cost.

Starting June 3, 2024, LATAM introduced new safety regulations requiring all emotional support dogs to wear an anti-bite muzzle while in the cabin, regardless of size. However, small dogs that fit the in-cabin pet service requirements can travel without a muzzle if they’re kept inside an appropriate container under the seat.

You can only travel with one emotional support animal, and they must be at least four months old. Final approval is done at the airport check-in counter, where LATAM staff confirm that your ESA meets the airline’s behavior and size requirements. If your dog doesn’t meet the criteria or becomes anxious or disruptive, LATAM may require them to travel in the cargo hold instead, again at no extra charge.

The process to book your ESA with LATAM is simple but time-sensitive. You need to request the service at least 48 hours before your flight, download and complete the emotional support animal form, and submit it through LATAM’s Contact Form. The airline reviews your request and confirms whether your ESA is approved for cabin travel.

Read more about LATAM’s ESA Policy

Wingo

Wingo is one of the few low-cost airlines in Latin America that allows emotional support animals on all its routes, which makes it a really practical choice for travelers with pets. They accept only dogs and cats as emotional support animals, and the process is fairly detailed but manageable if you plan ahead.

To fly with an emotional support animal on Wingo, you’ll need an official certificate from a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist confirming your emotional or mental health condition and your need to travel with your ESA. The certificate must be issued within the last year, include the doctor’s license number and stamp, and specify your pet’s current weight, which also needs to be listed on one of your animal’s other health documents.

Wingo accepts small and medium-sized animals up to 25 kilograms (55 pounds) in the cabin. However, if your ESA weighs more than 10 kilograms (22 pounds), additional fees apply, including express check-in and priority boarding. These fees vary depending on your route and booking method.

For larger or heavier dogs, you’ll need to purchase an extra legroom seat (not an emergency exit) to make space for your ESA to stay comfortably at your feet. They must remain next to you throughout the flight and cannot sit on the seat or block the aisle.

I really appreciate that Wingo allows emotional support animals on all routes, including international destinations like Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Peru, the Dominican Republic, and Venezuela. You just have to make sure to book the ESA service at least 48 hours before departure through their website or call center.

Read Wingo’s ESA policy

Avianca

Avianca still recognizes emotional support dogs, which is great news for travelers flying between countries like Colombia and Mexico. However, unlike some other regional airlines, Avianca requires your ESA to stay inside a carrier for the entire flight, which takes away from the comfort and emotional support many people rely on during travel.

You can only bring one emotional support dog, and it must fit in a flexible carrier no larger than 22 x 14 x 10 inches (56 x 36 x 25 cm) that slides under the seat in front of you. If your dog weighs more than 10 kilograms (22 pounds), Avianca will transport them in the cargo hold at no extra cost. It’s nice that larger dogs can still travel safely, but for passengers who truly benefit from having their ESA by their side, the in-carrier rule can feel limiting.

To qualify, you’ll need to make your ESA reservation through Avianca’s contact center at least 48 hours before your flight, and provide documentation issued within the past year from a licensed psychologist or physician. The letter must confirm that you have an emotional or mental health condition and that the dog’s presence is necessary for travel. It also needs to include the professional’s license number, date, and jurisdiction.

While it’s great that Avianca still allows ESAs, the in-carrier rule makes it less ideal for travelers who depend on physical contact with their dogs for emotional regulation. If your ESA is small and comfortable being in a carrier, Avianca is a solid option, but if you need your dog out beside you in the cabin, airlines like Volaris or Copa will offer a much better experience.

Read Avianca ESA policy

Arajet

Arajet allows emotional support animals (ESAs) in the cabin, but only cats and dogs are accepted. You can travel with one ESA as long as your pet can fit comfortably on your lap (if they’re smaller than a two-year-old child) or within your foot space without blocking other passengers. To qualify, you’ll need a signed medical letter from a licensed physician explaining why you must travel with your ESA. The letter must be on official letterhead, signed, and dated within one year of your flight.

Arajet charges a fee for ESAs, and because there’s a limit on how many animals can be onboard per flight, it’s best to add your pet to your booking as early as possible. The airline doesn’t operate routes to the U.S. but does fly from Toronto to destinations across the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina.

Arajet, Traveling with Pets

Cebu Pacific

Cebu Pacific is one of the very few Asian airlines that still allows emotional support animals, which makes it a notable exception in a region where ESAs are largely no longer accepted. This policy applies to emotional support dogs only and is separate from standard pet in cabin rules. For travelers who rely on an emotional support animal, Cebu Pacific can be a rare and valuable option.

Cebu Pacific operates an extensive network of domestic flights within the Philippines, along with international routes across Asia Pacific.

For emotional support dogs, Cebu Pacific allows the dog to travel in the cabin under specific conditions. Small emotional support dogs may be kept in a soft sided carrier that fits under the seat in front of you, with approximate maximum dimensions of 8 inches by 8 inches by 14 inches.

Documentation is required and strictly enforced. You must provide a letter on official letterhead from a licensed medical doctor supporting the need for an emotional support animal, along with proof of up to date vaccinations. The emotional support dog must also be healthy, well behaved, and properly leashed or harnessed throughout the flight.

As with all emotional support animal policies, it’s important to check both airline rules and destination entry requirements before booking. While Cebu Pacific allows emotional support dogs on board, local government regulations may still apply depending on where you are flying.

Cebu Airlines – Flying with ESA

Corendon Airlines

Corendon Airlines is one of the few European airlines that still accepts emotional support animals, which makes it a notable exception as many carriers have dropped ESA policies in recent years.

They operate a network of flights from Turkey to destinations across Europe and beyond, including seasonal routes to the Caribbean and North Africa, and regular services to cities in Spain, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and the UK. This spread means you can fly with an emotional support dog on a variety of popular European leisure and city routes.

Under Corendon’s policy, emotional support animals are limited to dogs and cats only, and they are recognized as assisting their handler with a psychiatric disability such as posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia.

Safety procedures apply. Emotional support dogs and search and rescue dogs must wear a muzzle during the flight, and the muzzle is checked during check-in before boarding. This ensures the safety of all passengers and keeps the experience smooth for you and your dog.

Documentation is essential. You must provide a psychiatrist’s report on official letterhead indicating the psychological need for an emotional support animal. This paperwork is shown at check-in and then handed to cabin crew so they are aware of your support dog’s status throughout the flight.

Corendon Airlines – ESA Policy

Air Canada

Air Canada technically still accepts emotional support dogs, but their policy is much more restrictive than it used to be. Only dogs are recognized as emotional support animals, and they must travel inside an approved pet carrier that fits under the seat in front of you for the entire flight.

While it’s great that they continue to acknowledge emotional support animals, this rule doesn’t allow the kind of comfort or closeness that many people rely on their ESA for. Having your dog confined to a carrier the entire time isn’t exactly soothing, especially if you struggle with flight anxiety or emotional distress while traveling.

If your ESA can’t travel safely or comfortably in a carrier, Air Canada offers the option to transport them in the pressurized baggage compartment, available on most aircraft. However, for many pet parents, this defeats the purpose of having an emotional support animal since they’re meant to be with you in the cabin.

To fly with an ESA on Air Canada, you need to submit several documents at least 96 hours before your flight. This includes an Emotional Support Dog Request and Confirmation of Behaviour form, a Medical/Mental Health Professional form completed by a licensed professional confirming your need for an ESA, and a Veterinary Health Form verifying that your dog is healthy, well-behaved, and free from parasites or contagious diseases. You’ll also need to show that your dog meets all the entry and exit requirements for your destination.

Even though the process is clear and well-documented, it’s not particularly friendly for passengers who truly depend on their ESA’s presence. If your dog is small enough to fit comfortably in a carrier, it’s an option, but for larger dogs or travelers who rely on emotional contact, Air Canada’s rules make it a less ideal choice for ESA travel.

Read Air Canada’s ESA policy

What Is an Emotional Support Animal?

An emotional support animal, or ESA, is a pet that provides comfort and stability to someone living with a mental or emotional health condition. Unlike service animals, which are individually trained to perform specific tasks for people with physical or psychiatric disabilities, ESAs don’t require specialized training. Their role is based on companionship and emotional support rather than performing a task.

This distinction is important because service animals are legally protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), while emotional support animals are not. That means airlines and other public spaces aren’t required by law to grant them access. Some airlines still choose to recognize ESAs on certain routes, but it’s a privilege rather than a guaranteed right.

Even when accepted, your emotional support animal must meet basic public access and behavior standards. If your dog growls, barks excessively, jumps on other passengers, or can’t remain calm, the airline has the right to deny boarding. ESAs must be well-behaved, stay close to you, and follow commands throughout the journey.

You also need legitimate documentation to qualify. This includes a letter from a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist, depending on the airline, confirming that you have a mental or emotional health condition and that traveling with your ESA is necessary for your well-being. This letter must usually be written on official letterhead, include the provider’s license number, and be dated within the last year.

In short, emotional support animals aren’t a free pass to bring your pet everywhere, but when you truly need them and follow the rules, they can make travel far more manageable and comforting.

Why Many U.S. Airlines No Longer Allow ESAs

A major shift occurred when the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) amended its rules in December 2020, redefining a “service animal” as a dog trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability, and explicitly excluding emotional support animals (ESAs) from that definition.

Airlines reported a steep rise in ESA requests, many involving untrained or inappropriate animals and even exotic species, which triggered safety, hygiene, and allergy concerns. Because ESAs no longer qualify as protected service animals under the law, individual carriers gained the ability to treat them like pets, imposing standard pet fees, carrier rules, and stricter behaviour requirements.

Still, there are many airlines outside the U.S. that allow emotional support animals in cabin.

Flying With a Brachycephalic Dog as an ESA: What It’s Actually Like With Puglo

I don’t just write about flying with emotional support animals, I do it regularly, with a pug.

Puglo is brachycephalic, which means he has the flat face and compressed airways that make most airlines nervous. Several carriers ban snub-nosed breeds outright, and even some that accept them require you to sign a liability waiver acknowledging the respiratory risks.

Here’s what the process actually looks like. I arrive early, keep all of Puglo’s documents in one folder: his health certificate, vaccination records, and my mental health letter. The check-in agents on Volaris and Copa have always been familiar with the process and usually just want to confirm the letter is dated within the year. Once we’re through, Puglo either rides on my lap or sits at my feet depending on the flight. He settles within about 20 minutes and sleeps through most of it.

A few things worth knowing if you’re flying with a flat-faced breed as an ESA:

• Expect a waiver. Airlines that accept brachycephalic breeds will ask you to sign a liability waiver at check-in. This is standard, don’t be caught off guard by it.
• Book a window seat. More floor space, less aisle traffic around your dog.
• Fly early morning when possible. Cooler cabin temperatures are better for dogs with compromised airways.
• Have your vet confirm your dog is fit to fly. This isn’t just a documentation requirement, it matters for flat-faced breeds. Make sure your vet knows the route length and conditions.
• Check the specific airline’s breed list. Some carriers have a named list of banned brachycephalic breeds. Pugs appear on several of them for cargo, but many still allow them in-cabin as ESAs with the waiver.

Read more about the best dogs for travel

Key Documentation You’ll Need To Fly With an ESA

Before booking a flight with your emotional support animal, it’s essential to review the airline’s specific requirements, because they’re not all the same. While some airlines accept documentation from a licensed psychologist, others require a letter from a psychiatrist specifically.

The letter must confirm that you have a mental or emotional health condition and that you need your ESA to travel. These documents usually need to be issued within a certain timeframe, often within one year of your flight.

Most airlines also ask for your pet’s vaccination certificates, a veterinary check-up form, and sometimes proof of your ESA’s behavior. To avoid issues at the airport, always submit your forms at least 48 to 96 hours before departure and double-check whether your destination country has additional entry requirements for animals.

Having every document printed, signed, and neatly organized will make check-in much smoother, especially in Latin America, where airline agents tend to review everything carefully before approving ESA travel.

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Weight, Size & Species Restrictions You Should Know

Every airline sets its own rules for emotional support animals, so it’s important to check the fine print before booking. Most airlines only accept small or medium-sized dogs, typically weighing up to 10 to 12 kilograms (22 to 26 pounds), though some, like Wingo, allow animals up to 25 kilograms (55 pounds).

If your dog is larger than the limit, airlines may offer the option to transport them in the cargo hold at no additional cost, or, in some cases, make extra floor space available in the cabin.

Cats are accepted on fewer routes and must usually remain inside a carrier under the seat. Other animals, like rabbits, ferrets, reptiles, and rodents, are almost never allowed as emotional support animals due to safety and hygiene concerns. Some airlines also ban certain potentially dangerous breeds or require muzzles during boarding and flight.

As a general rule, your ESA should fit comfortably in front of your seat without blocking the aisle or disturbing nearby passengers. If you’re flying with a larger dog, always ask in advance about seating options, since some airlines will let you book an extra-legroom or adjacent seat to give your dog more space. Traveling within Latin America tends to be more flexible, but for international flights, keeping your ESA within the size and weight limits is key to a smooth experience.

Routes & Destinations Matter

Where you’re flying plays a big role in whether you can bring your emotional support animal in the cabin. Some airlines only recognize ESAs on specific routes, often based on local regulations. For example, Volaris, Copa Airlines, and LATAM allow emotional support animals on flights to and from countries like Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina, where ESA recognition is still valid.

However, the same airlines do not allow them on routes to or from the United States, since U.S. law no longer grants special status to emotional support animals.

If you’re traveling within Latin America, you’ll usually have more flexibility and lower documentation barriers. On international routes that cross into North America or Europe, your ESA may be treated as a regular pet instead, meaning they must travel in a carrier and standard pet fees will apply.

When planning long-term travel or digital nomad routes, it’s worth building your itinerary around ESA-friendly countries and airlines. Flying between places like Mexico, Panama, Colombia, and Peru can be much easier with your ESA than routes involving the U.S. or Asia. Always double-check both the airline’s policy and the entry requirements of your destination before booking to avoid surprises at the airport.

Best Small Emotional Support Dogs

If you’re planning to travel often, smaller dogs tend to make the best emotional support companions. They’re easier to handle in airports, fit comfortably in approved carriers, and usually meet airline weight limits for in-cabin ESA travel. Beyond convenience, small dogs often bond closely with their owners and are naturally comforting in stressful situations.

Some of the best small emotional support dog breeds include:

• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Gentle, affectionate, and always happy to curl up beside you. Their calm temperament makes them ideal for soothing anxiety.
• Pug, Naturally social, adaptable, and full of personality. (I might be biased here – Puglo is proof that a pug can make even the longest travel days better.) And yes, snub faced breeds can fly in cabin!
• Bichon Frise, Friendly, low-shedding, and easy to train, perfect for travelers with allergies or shared accommodations.
• Toy Poodle, Smart, loyal, and hypoallergenic. They thrive on companionship and are great at adapting to new environments.
• Chihuahua, Small but confident, making them ideal for frequent flyers who want a lightweight companion that still feels protective.
• Maltese, Calm, affectionate, and perfectly sized for travel. They love being near their person and are easy to comfort in crowded spaces.
• Shih Tzu, Gentle and quiet, often content to nap through flights and hotel stays.

When choosing an emotional support dog, focus less on the breed and more on personality. The best ESA is one that matches your energy, lifestyle, and travel habits. A calm, well-socialized dog that feels secure in new environments will always make flying, and life on the road, so much easier.

FAQ: What Airlines Allow Emotional Support Animals

Whether or not your dog qualifies as an emotional support animal, the in-cabin logistics are worth nailing down early. My tips for flying with your dog in cabin cover the practical side, and if you are flying north I break down the rules in my Air Canada pet policy guide too.

Flying With An Emotional Support Animal

Flying with an emotional support animal definitely takes more planning than it used to, but it’s still possible, and so worth it. While most U.S. airlines no longer recognize ESAs, many international and Latin American carriers do, which is a huge win for travelers like me who rely on that extra bit of comfort during long travel days.

Having Puglo with me in the cabin always helps keep me calm and grounded, especially on stressful flights or long layovers. It just takes being organized; making sure your paperwork is up to date, knowing which routes allow ESAs, and arriving early so you don’t run into surprises at check-in.

At the end of the day, traveling with your emotional support animal is about more than convenience. It’s about having that sense of calm and companionship no matter where you’re heading next. And with the right airline and a little preparation, you and your dog can still explore the world together.