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Service animals

Flying with a service animal.

Fully-trained service dogs may fly in the cabin at no charge if they meet the requirements.

A service animal is defined as a dog that’s individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability, including but not limited to:

• Visual impairments
• Mobility impairments
• Post-traumatic stress disorder

Our team members are trained to ask certain questions to determine if your animal is a service animal acceptable for travel.

Please note, service animals in training, emotional support animals, and comfort animals may travel as pets, not as service animals. All requirements and applicable fees will apply.

Forms and advanced notice

If you're traveling with a service animal on flights operated by American, we recommend that you electronically submit the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Service Animal Air Transportation Form that verifies your service animal's health, training, and behavior to the Special Assistance Desk at least 48 hours before your flight. We’ll notify you as soon as your document is approved.

You can also present the completed form at the airport on the day of travel. Be sure to arrive early.

DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form (PDF) Opens a PDF form in a new window.

This form is compatible with the latest version of JAWS and NVDA screen readers, and it may be completed and signed on a desktop or mobile device using Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Get Adobe Acrobat Reader Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.

If your trip includes a flight on a partner airline you’ll need to contact them and complete all required forms for traveling with a service animal.

Flights to the U.S.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a temporary suspension of dogs, including service dogs, traveling to the U.S. from countries considered high-risk for dog rabies.

Only service dogs with an approved CDC Dog Import Permit, or that meet CDC U.S. vaccination and microchip requirements may fly on American.

• CDC notice of temporary suspension Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.
• Apply for a CDC Dog Import Permit Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.
• Submit an approved CDC Dog Import Permit

Flights over 8 hours

If you have a flight over 8 hours in your itinerary, the Department of Transportation Service Animal Relief Attestation Sanitation Form is also required stating your animal won’t need to relieve itself or can do so in a way that doesn’t create a health or sanitation issue.

DOT Service Animal Relief Attestation Form (PDF) Opens in a new window

Instructions

• Read and complete the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form
• Complete the DOT Service Animal Relief Attestation Form if applicable
• Submit at least 48 hours before your flight, or present the completed form at the airport on the day of travel
• Keep the form with you during your trip

Submit the DOT Service Animal form

Service Animal ID

Once you’ve submitted your form and it’s been approved, we’ll send you an email with your Service Animal ID (SVAN ID). You can add the SVAN ID when booking future travel with this animal and be approved without resubmitting forms. Keep in mind, your SVAN ID will expire after 1 year from the date of signature or when the animal’s vaccination expires, whichever is first.

Service Dog Pass™

Handlers with a Service Dog Pass ID (SDP ID) can enjoy a more seamless travel experience thanks to our partnership with K9s For Warriors and Service Dog Pass. You can add an SDP ID instead of an American-issued Service Animal ID (SVAN ID) when booking travel with us and be approved without submitting forms.

Service Dog Pass Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Travel requirements

• Animal must be harnessed, leashed or tethered at all times
• Animals under 4 months of age may not travel as a service animal
• Animal must be clean and well-behaved
• Animal must be able to fit at your feet, under your seat or in your lap (lap animals must be smaller than a 2-year old child)
• Final approval for travel will not happen until you arrive at the airport and it is determined that the animal will safely fit at your feet.
• If the animal is in a kennel, it must fit under the seat in front of you with the animal in it.
• An individual is limited to 2 service animals

Animals may not:

• Be seated in an exit row
• Protrude into or block aisles
• Occupy a seat
• Eat from tray tables

If your animal is too large or too heavy to be safely accommodated in the cabin, you may need to:

• Rebook on a flight with more open seats
• Buy a ticket for the animal
• Transport the animal as a checked pet.

Animal behavior

Animals must be trained to behave properly in public and they won’t be permitted in the cabin if they display any form of disruptive behavior that can’t be successfully corrected or controlled, including but not limited to:

• Biting or attempting to bite
• Jumping on or lunging at people

If this behavior is observed at any point during your journey and isn't corrected or controlled, the animal will be considered a pet. All requirements and applicable fees will apply.

If you don’t complete or meet all the requirements, your animal may be able to fly as a pet. All requirements and applicable fees will apply.

Destinations with restrictions

Trained service dogs can travel in the cabin to / from all Hawaiian islands. All other animals (with the exception of service dogs) must first go through Honolulu for acceptance by Hawaiian quarantine officials.

Your service animals must meet our travel requirements as well as the quarantine restrictions and documentation requirements set by the state of Hawaii. You must provide applicable documentation for both at check-in.

Hawaiian animal quarantine information Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Dogs traveling to LHR need approval from the Heathrow Animal Reception Center (HARC). You should contact them as soon as possible, but at least 7 days before your flight. The HARC charges a fee (£410) for animals that do not meet the criteria for assistance animals.

British Airways doesn’t accept emotional support animals on any of its flights.

To fly to LHR:

• Notify the HARC via email
• If approved, a letter will be sent
• Print the letter and provide it at check-in

Contact the HARC Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

To fly with service dogs, email Scotland’s animal travel agency at least 48 hours before your flight. You'll need to carry an ID card or valid certificate from the organization that trained or supplied the animal.

Email Scotland’s animal travel agency Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Service dogs need pre-approval letters from the Animal Reception Center in your destination city. You’ll need to travel with the letter and any required health documentation.

Get pre-approval letter Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Service dogs can travel in the cabin to / from Ireland. All dogs must be fully compliant with the rules for entering Ireland. You’ll need to notify the Irish Authorities in advance to arrange a mandatory veterinary compliance check upon arrival.

Advance notice and veterinary compliance check Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.

Service dogs can travel in the cabin to / from India. All dogs must be fully compliant with the rules for entering India. You’ll need to notify the Indian Authorities to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) at least 7 days ahead of travel.

Animal Quarantine & Certification Service

Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Government of India Kapashera, New Delhi- 110097

Tel.: +91-11-25063272, Fax: +91-11-25060647, E-mail: [email protected]

Visit the Government of India’s Animal Quarantine & Certification Services site for more information.

Animal Quarantine & Certification Services Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.

Service dogs can travel in the cabin. You'll need to contact the Animal Quarantine Service no less than 40 days before your arrival.

Animal Quarantine Service Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Only dogs can be accepted as service animals; emotional support animals of any kind cannot be accepted.

Requirements for service animals Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Only dogs can be accepted as service animals; emotional support animals of any kind cannot be accepted. You’ll need to contact the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department at least 10 days before your arrival to complete all requirements.

Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department

Service and emotional support animals require an animal import permit from the Guyana Ministry of Agriculture. You must travel with and provide the import permit at check-in.

Importation of Animals to Guyana

Only dogs can be accepted as service animals; emotional support animals of any kind cannot be accepted. You’ll need to complete the St Vincent and the Grenadines Animal Import Permit Application and submit it to the St Vincent and the Grenadines Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. You must travel with and present the import permit and a valid health certificate at check-in for your service dog.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ministry of Agriculture

Flying on a partner airline?

Find helpful information if your trip includes 1 or more flights with our partner airlines.

• British Airways
• Japan Airlines
• Qatar Airways

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Trained Service Animals

Service animals are accepted in cabin for qualified individuals with a disability. Delta accepts only trained service animals that are dogs. Customers traveling with a trained service dog(s) must complete the required DOT form(s) available on this page. Delta no longer recognizes emotional support animals as service animals.

We know how important it is to travel smoothly with your trained service dog. For questions, call 404-209-3434 (dial 711 for relay services).

The CDC Issued a Temporary Suspension for Dogs from High Risk Countries Into the U.S.

The CDC has an ongoing, temporary suspension prohibiting the entry of dogs, including trained service animals, into the United States arriving from high-risk countries for rabies. Dogs from high-risk countries must appear healthy, be microchipped and be at least 6 months of age. For dogs with a travel history in high-risk countries, please review the CDC’s guidance on importation .

In-page Links

• Traveling with a Trained Service Animal , Go to footer note
• Inappropriate Animal Behavior , Go to footer note
• Trained Service Animal FAQ , Go to footer note

Traveling with your Trained Service Animal Guidelines

On Delta flights, trained service animals are expected to be seated in the floor space below a customer’s seat or seated in a customer’s lap - they are not permitted to occupy seats. Trained service animals and their associated items travel for free. The size of the animal must not exceed the “footprint” of the passenger’s seat.

• Items include a kennel, blanket, food or similar item

NOTE: If you encounter any issues with your trained service animal while at the airport or on board, please ask to speak to a Complaint Resolution Official (CRO). These trained Delta representatives are ready to assist passengers with accessibility needs and protect your rights when you travel by air.

Trained service animals are defined as only dogs specifically trained to assist a person with a disability. Customers may travel with up to two trained service animals. Trained service animals must be properly cleaned and must not have a foul odor.

Delta requires customers complete the U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Travel Form for validation prior to their flight attesting to the animal’s health, training and behavior.

• To protect public health, Delta Air Lines requires all dogs including service animals to be current on all vaccinations. Dogs can be vaccinated against rabies at a minimum of 12 weeks (three months) of age and must wait an additional 30 days for the vaccine to become effective.
• For travel booked 48 hours or more prior to departure, customers should submit this documentation in advance for validation through the Accessibility Service Request Form located in My Trips .
• For travel booked less than 48 hours prior to departure, customers may present the U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Travel Form at the check-in counter or departure gate.
• For flights scheduled for 8 hours or more, customers should also submit a DOT Relief Attestation Form , attesting that the dog will not relieve itself in the aircraft or can do so in a sanitary manner.

DOWNLOAD RELIEF ATTESTATION FORM         OPEN SERVICE ANIMAL AIR TRAVEL FORM

Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available for download free of charge at https://get.adobe.com/reader , is needed to open the PDF version of the DOT Relief Attestation Form.

Inappropriate Animal Behavior

We understand how important your animal is to you. We will only refuse transportation of a trained service animal if it engages in disruptive or aggressive behavior such as:

• Jumping on customers, flight attendants or staff
• Relieving themselves in the gate area or cabin
• Barking excessively, not in response to a handler’s need or distress
• Eating off seatback tray tables
• If you’re traveling with a trained service animal, you should select a seat that offers space for your animal. Trained service animals must be seated in the floor space below a seat, or in a customer’s lap. No animals may occupy seats that are designed for customers or to eat off tray tables.
• Please understand that with larger trained service animals or customers with multiple trained service animals, we may need to re-accommodate you if the animal encroaches on other customers or extends into aisles, which would be a violation of FAA regulations.
• If you would like additional time to board the aircraft, pre-boarding is available to accommodate you during the boarding process. Please be sure to arrive at the gate with enough time to make arrangements with the gate agents prior to departure.
• It is important to remember that some locations such as Hawaii, U.K. and other island nations have additional requirements,  quarantine laws may not permit the entry or transit of animals . Contact us at 404-209-3434 or visit the local government’s consulate to learn the requirements for any transit points as well as for your final destination.

Trained Service Animal FAQs

In most circumstances, a service animal in training does not meet qualifications for a trained animal and cannot ride in cabin. However, a service animal in training may travel with a professional trainer en route to the owner.

Yes, all airports in the United States are required to provide a designated animal relief area. Although Delta Air Lines is not responsible for providing care, food or supervision to the areas, we can assist with identifying the location of an animal relief area and escorting a customer to the area, including through security if necessary.

The Delta Sky Club policy for trained service animals is the same as the policy for these animals on a Delta aircraft.

Qualified individuals with a disability are permitted to travel with a maximum of only two service dogs. It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure that they have adequate space to accommodate both animals and for completing the required DOT documentation for each animal. Delta requires customers complete the U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Travel Form prior to your departure.

Though it is not required, extra seats may need to be purchased to provide enough floor space to accommodate the extra animal. Animals cannot sit in seats at any time (including during taxi or boarding). They must be placed in the customer’s lap or on the floor in the foot space of the customer. All animals must behave appropriately in a manner fit for public access.

• Trained service animals may be placed at the customer’s feet at any seat that is not in an exit row as long as no part of the animal extends into the aisle. Animals must be of a size to not exceed the “footprint” of the seat.
• The animal or animals may not extend into the foot space of another customer who does not wish to share foot space with a service or support animal.
• Trained service animals animals may ride in the customer’s lap for all phases of the flight, including ground movement, take off, and landing, provided the trained animal is no larger than a lap held child (under 2 years of age).
• The animal cannot occupy a seat.
• Customers seated in Delta One seats, at times when the seat is not reclined, must keep animals larger than the size of a lap child in the foot space of the seat.
• All animals must remain with the customer at all times.
• If no single seat will accommodate both animal and customer without causing an obstruction, the customer may check the trained service animal as baggage, at no charge, or purchase an additional ticket for the animal, allowing the animal to occupy that space on the floor. The customer can buy a second ticket at the same rate as the original ticket.
• There is no guarantee of additional space beyond 1 seat per ticket.

Delta Air Lines policies and procedures still apply to customers with memberships in the NSAR or any similar entity. Review the policies and procedures or call our accessibility assistance line at 404-209-3434 .

Travel fees

There is no charge to transport trained service animals or their assistive devices, whether they are transported in the cabin or in the hold as checked baggage, or as an oversized animal in cargo. The animal's kennel (whether empty or occupied) is considered an assistive device and does not incur baggage fee.

Trained service animals do not count toward a customer’s carry-on allotment.

Airport restrictions

Some airports have additional state and local requirements for transporting trained service animals through their airport.

JFK Upon arrival to John F. Kennedy (JFK) Airport, all trained service animals arriving from an international pre-cleared station are required to clear TSA.

Hawaii Requirements

Trained service animals may travel to Hawaii under certain conditions. Trained guide dogs and service dogs, only, are accepted with certain provisions, including making advanced arrangements and verifying availability.

Per HDOA, customers must follow the steps outlined in the link below to come into Hawaii without quarantine. You may contact the HDOA at:

hdoa.hawaii.gov; 808-483-7151 [email protected]

• The trained service animal must be traveling with the customer with a disability. All animals are inspected upon arrival in Honolulu International Airport (HNL) at the Animal Quarantine Holding Facility, which operates 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. daily
• Customers that have guide dogs or trained service dogs may request inspection at the HNL terminal between 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. if notified and approved by HDOA 7 days or more before travel

For more information: Hawaiian Department of Agriculture (HDOA) Website: HDOA.Hawaii.gov Phone: 808-483-7151 ; email: [email protected] Animal Control Disease Branch Phone: 808-837-8092 or 808-483-7106

Acceptance policies for service animals vary by country. This includes requirements for pet passports and animal health documentation. In particular, please pay close attention to the CDC High Risk Rabies Country list, which restricts animals from traveling into the United States in most instances.

If any country/territory on the route prohibits entry of such an animal, the animal will not be permitted to fly.

Attention Cuba: Trained service animals are not recognized as service animals by Cuban authorities and will be treated as household pets (dog or cat only) upon arrival. For an animal to travel to Cuba, the customer must request and have in their possession, a household pet certificate from their local Cuban embassy/consulate.

Documentation Requirements: In order to receive a pet certificate from the embassy/consulate, customers  will need the following:

• Animal's Pet Passport (where applicable) showing all vaccinations up-to-date
• Health Certificate for the animal's trip (Request this from a veterinarian)
• Certificate of good health
• Photocopy of the Passport of the person travelling with the animal
• Payment of the consular fee for this service
• Stamped self-addressed envelope for the return of the documents
• Note: If the application is made by mail or via a third party, an extra consular fee will be charged for the pertinent Consular service.
• All payments must be made in cash or by a bank-certified check. All cash sent by mail will be refused and returned at the risk of the applicant.

U.K. Requirements: Delta will transport trained service dogs to London (Heathrow and Gatwick), Manchester and Edinburgh with the proper documentation and compliance to U.K. regulations for transporting animals.

In order for a customer to transport their dog or cat , they must:

• Contact the appropriate Animal Reception Center (ARC) in the city they are traveling to for more information and instruction on what will be needed to enter the U.K. After booking, customers must contact the ARC directly to plan for the arrival of their pet and to ensure that all required documentation is completed in advance for the U.K. Customs clearance of their dog or cat.
• Pay all appropriate fees and charges related to U.K. acceptance of trained service dogs. A current list of charges can be provided by the ARC for the city they are traveling to.

LGW—London Gatwick Animal Aircare Co. Ltd. Gatwick Airport Horley, Surrey, RH6 0SQ (0)129 346 2180

LHR—London Heathrow City of London Animal Reception Centre City of London Guildhall, PO Box 270 London EC2P 2EJ MAN—Manchester Pets on Jets Building 300 World Freight Terminal Manchester Airport M90 5BA (0)161 489 8220

EDI-Edinburgh Airport's small animal Border Inspection Post [email protected] (0)131 317 7277

For any questions related to the U.K. Pet Travel Scheme contact DEFRA (Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs).

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How to Fly with a Service Dog Using the DOT’s Service Animal Air Transportation Form

This article was last updated on October 18, 2023, to reflect the latest developments in service dog air travel.

If you want to board a flight with your psychiatric service dog or service dog, this article will explain the one document you need for all airlines.

In 2021, the U.S. Department of Transportation completely updated its rules for assistance animals on flights. The new rules essentially banned emotional support animals from flights but still allow for service dogs and psychiatric service dogs to board, as long as their owners use a newly created federal form. 

If you plan to fly with a service dog or psychiatric service dog, you must now complete and submit the DOT’s Service Animal Air Transportation Form to your airline before boarding. Passengers who can complete this form can board the cabin with their assistance dogs free of charge . Service dogs are also exempt from size and weight limitations applicable to pets. They are permitted to sit on the floor and your lap if they are small enough. 

The DOT Form has raised many questions and confused service dog and psychiatric service dog owners who previously did not need to provide documentation to verify their service dogs. 

The DOT Form can seem intimidating at first, but it should be easy for most service dog owners to complete once they’re familiar with it. In this article, we will provide a clear guide and helpful tips on how to complete and use the DOT Form for traveling with your service dog or psychiatric service dog. 

How to Fill Out the DOT’s Service Animal Air Transportation Form

Basic Information

The first section of the DOT Form asks for basic information regarding the owner of the service dog and the service dog itself. For most people, the name of the handler and “user” will be the same person. 

However, there may be instances where the handler and user may be different, so two names are required. For example, a helper may be transporting a service dog on a flight to its owner. 

In this section of the Form you will also need to provide a written description of your service dog (including its weight) and name. A photo of your service dog is not necessary, and you do not need to carry around any type of ID card for your dog when you travel.

Animal Health

The animal health section of the Form requires you to confirm that your service dog has been vaccinated for rabies. You must provide the date of the last vaccination, and the vaccination must be current. You also have to verify that your service dog does not have fleas, ticks, or a disease that would endanger other people or animals. 

The last part of this section requires the name of your service dog’s veterinarian and their telephone number. The veterinarian does not need to sign the form.  

Disability Requirement 

The term “disability” has a specific meaning under the DOT’s rules. A disability eligible for a service dog can be physical or mental/emotional in nature. Whatever the health condition may be, it must substantially limit one or more major life activities. 

• Physical disabilities are conditions like visual impairment or mobility issues. 
• Psychiatric disabilities include conditions like severe depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, or phobia. A licensed mental health professional can evaluate whether you meet the criteria for mental health disability under ACAA rules and issue a PSD letter . 

It’s important to be truthful about everything you add to this form. The DOT Form is a federal form, and there are potential penalties and consequences for knowingly making misrepresentations. You want to make sure you are accurate about whether you have an eligible disability. 

How to Get your Psychiatric Service Dog Letter from ESA Doctors

Service Dog Training Requirement

To be considered a service dog, the dog must be fully trained to perform a task or work related to the owner’s disability. The DOT Form asks for the name of the animal’s trainer, but it is completely fine to list yourself if you trained your dog. This has caused some confusion with service dog owners, as many service dog owners undertake training themselves without using a trainer. If you were responsible for training your dog, you would put your name as the trainer along with your phone number. 

The DOT’s regulations made clear that you do not need a third-party trainer or organization to train your dog or certify that they have been fully trained. The DOT specifically rejected any requirement that service dogs be trained or evaluated by any organization in creating the Form. The DOT believed this would create an undue burden on service dog owners, many of whom are capable of training their animals without outside help. 

Service dog owners also do not need any certification of the training from any organization. A common misconception is that service dogs need to be “certified” in order to be official – that is not untrue. You alone are responsible for confirming that your dog is fully trained. 

Service dogs that help with physical disabilities perform countless tasks such as guiding visually or hearing impaired people, pulling wheelchairs, and providing diabetic alerts when there are changes in the owner’s blood sugar. 

Psychiatric service dogs perform numerous tasks . They include things like: providing comfort during moments of anxiety or panic with pawing, pressure or licking, reminding handlers to take medication, interrupting psychotic episodes or dissociative events, or providing a buffer against crowds or other triggering threats. 

Animal Behavior 

In addition to attesting your service dog has been task-trained, you must confirm it has been trained to behave in public. In public areas, your service dog should be under your control at all times and not exhibit disruptive or aggressive behavior like biting, barking, jumping, or lunging at others. 

Your service dog should also not relieve itself during the flight or in the gate area (except on flights longer than 8 hours; see below). You must also attest that to your knowledge, your service dog has not behaved aggressively or caused serious injury to another person or animal. 

Other Assurance

The final section of the DOT Form requires you to recognize that your service animal must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered at all times while at the airport and during the flight. 

You must also acknowledge that if your service dog causes any damage, the airline can charge you for any repairs. Finally, you must acknowledge that you are signing an official DOT document. That means if you knowingly make false statements, you can be subject to fines and other penalties. Therefore, it’s important to be truthful and accurate about your health condition and service dog’s abilities. 

For Flights Longer than 8 Hours 

If you are boarding a flight that will last longer than 8 hours, you must complete an additional form, called the Department of Transportation’s Service Animal Relief Attestation Form (Relief Form). 

The Relief Form is fairly straightforward to complete. It requires you to select one of two options:

• Your service dog will not relieve itself while on the aircraft; OR
• Your service dog can relieve itself during the flight without creating a health or sanitation issue. 

If you select the second option, you also have to describe how your service dog will relieve itself without creating a health and sanitation issue (for example, using a dog diaper). The Relief Form also requires you to acknowledge that you may be charged by the airline for damage caused by your service dog. 

How to Submit the DOT Forms

Most airlines have an option during booking to notify them that you will be traveling with a service dog. After booking a flight, you will submit the form either through an online link or to an email address. 

The form should be submitted at least 48 hours before your flight. If you book a flight taking off within 48 hours, you can usually provide the form in person at the gate when checking in. 

For airline-specific guides to flying with a service dog or psychiatric service dog, visit the following pages: 

• Alaska Airlines
• Allegiant Air
• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Frontier Airlines
• Hawaiian Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• Spirit Airlines
• United Airlines

Recent Troubles

Recently, complaints have been rising among service dog owners attempting to fly with their dogs. Airlines appear to be rejecting submissions of the DOT Form for inconsistent reasons. One news source reported that the new DOT requirements have made flying so difficult that it is making visually impaired service dog owners think twice about flying. Advocacy organizations for the blind are calling for the DOT form to be changed or eliminated.

Statistics from the DOT are consistent with these complaints, showing that service-animal-related complaints from handlers have more than doubled since the new form requirements were instituted. 

The executive director of the Harvard Law School Project on Disability also criticized the form, saying there was no clear rationale behind it, as they do not help airline staff separate fake service dogs from real ones.

Certain airlines like JetBlue, Allegiant Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and Alaska Airlines have outsourced the processing of DOT forms to a third-party organization. Travelers have reported issues with having their forms rejected by these airlines for claimed errors. 

The takeaway for service dog owners is that while the new DOT regulations have certainly made air travel more difficult, they should not be discouraged. The right to travel with a service dog is fully protected, and lawmakers are already trying to come up with better solutions to verify service dog handlers for air travel. 

To avoid potential setbacks, be sure to fully complete the DOT form and double-check it. Many handlers have reported difficulty with the section that asks for the job or task the dog has been trained to perform. In response, service dog handlers should offer a clear and accurate response. But keep in mind that they do not have to share sensitive information about their condition or medical history. 

Final Thoughts

After submitting the DOT Form to the airline, you will be ready to fly with your service dog without any charge. The airline cannot request any further documentation. If you book a roundtrip flight, the airline can only ask you to complete the DOT Form once for that trip (and not for both legs of the trip). Some airlines will keep your DOT Form on file for future travel, and others require the form to be submitted each time you book a flight. 

Once at the airport and on the flight, airline staff is not allowed to ask for further documentation. They can verify you have a service dog by:

• Asking whether your dog is required because of a disability (you do not have to reveal any specifics about your condition), and asking what work or task your dog is trained to perform (but they cannot request that you have your dog demonstrate its task). 
• Observing the service dog’s behavior (i.e., is it well behaved, disruptive, or aggressive). 
• Looking at physical indicators such as harnesses and vests (but these are not necessary, nor do they qualify your dog to be a service dog). 

Remember, as a service dog owner, you have a right to privacy regarding the details of your condition. Airline staff can never ask that you have your dog demonstrate its task, which could be embarrassing or traumatic for the owner. 

While traveling, it’s also a good idea to keep a copy of your completed DOT Form with you during your travel.

Qualify for a Psychiatric Service Dog Letter Online

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About the Author: The ESA Doctors writing team has extensive experience relating to disability and housing laws, mental health, animal training, and pet health. Each article is fact checked and reviewed by multiple members of our team. Many of the writers have emotional support animals and speak from real life experiences.

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27 comments.

I have a trained therapy dog but now I’m needing to travel with her and I’m looking into getting her certified for that purpose. Once I have a letter from my doctor where can I get a legit service vest? Also do I need any other documents besides the DOT, PSD letter, and health records for my dog?

To fly with a service dog, the only document you need to submit to the airline is the DOT Service Animal Form. You don’t need to get any additional certifications or letters. For a guide on how to fly with a service dog, please see this article: https://esadoctors.com/how-to-fly-with-a-dog-travel-guide/

It appears the forms are now processed online, when I submitted the form for my flight it requested my flight confirmation # which covers all four legs of my trip to and from my destination but then it only asked for the flight information for the first leg of the flight.

Do I need to submit a separate request for each leg of the flight?

We recommend contacting the specific airline for clarification on this – each airline handles these requests a bit differently.

The author of this article apparently did not do his/her homework as he/she did not read the US DOT ruling. The DOT has not banned ESA’s. The DOT ruling indicates that airlines are not required to consider ESAs as service animals. They left the decision up to the individual airlines; essentially gave them the green light to exclude ESA from the service dog category.

The article states that the DOT “essentially” banned ESAs, since shortly after the new rules every U.S. airline ceased to recognize emotional support animals. In addition, ESAs were never categorized as a type of service dog – they have always been entirely separate categories of assistance animals with different requirements.

Hello, Can you please provide a link where I can find something from DOT re: “The DOT’s regulations made clear that you do not need a third-party trainer or organization to train your dog or certify that they have been fully trained.”

I want to see how they themselves address that you can put your own name as a dog trainer.

Thanks so much!!

The DOT carefully considered whether self-training for service dogs should be allowed and they determined it should. Many service dog owners train their own dogs and do not need the assistance of a professional trainer which can add considerable cost to the process of qualifying for a service dog. That is why you are allowed to list yourself as the trainer of a service dog. You can find the DOT’s rules at this link: https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/service-animal-final-rule

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Service Animals

Under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) a service animal means a dog, regardless of breed or type, that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.  Animal species other than dogs, emotional support animals, comfort animals, companionship animals, and service animals in training are not service animals.

Things to Know

Which service animal species are airlines required to recognize and transport?

• Airlines are required to recognize dogs as service animals and accept them for transport on flights to, within and from the United States.  Airlines, though not required, are free to transport other species for passengers if they choose to do so

Under what circumstances may airlines deny transport to a service dog?

• Violates safety requirements - e.g., too large or heavy to be accommodated in the cabin;
• Poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others;
• Causes a significant disruption in the cabin or at airport gate areas; or
• Violates health requirements - e.g., prohibited from entering a U.S. territory or foreign country.
• Airlines may also deny transport to a service dog if the airline requires completed DOT service animal forms and the service animal user does not provide the airline these forms.

How do airlines determine whether an animal is a service animal?

• Asking an individual with a disability if the animal is required to accompany the passenger because of a disability and what work or task the animal has been trained to perform;
• Looking for physical indicators such as the presence of a harness or vests;
• Looking to see if the animal is harnessed, leashed, or otherwise tethered; and
• Observing the behavior of the animal.

What kind of documentation can be required of persons travelling with service animals?

• (1) a U.S. DOT form attesting to the animal’s health, behavior, and training ; and
• (2) a U.S. DOT form attesting that the animal can either not relieve itself or can relieve itself in a sanitary manner, if the animal will be on a flight that is 8 or more hours . 
• Airlines are not permitted to require other documentation from service animal users except to comply with requirements on transport of animals by a Federal agency, a U.S. territory, or a foreign jurisdiction.

Tips for Traveling with a Service Animal

At the airport

• If your service animal needs to relieve itself, please ask an airport or airline professional for the location of the nearest service animal relief areas.

Onboard the aircraft

• Your service animal must be permitted to accompany you in the space under the seat in front of you.
• Certain small service animals may be permitted to sit on your lap, if it can be done so safely.
• Your service animal cannot block a space that must remain unobstructed for safety reasons (ex. an aisle or access to an emergency exit).
• An airline is not required to upgrade you to a different class of service to accommodate your service animal.
• Airlines cannot refuse to allow your service animal onboard because it makes other passengers or flight crew uncomfortable.
• Your service animal must behave properly. An animal that engages in disruptive behavior (ex. barking or snarling, running around, and/or jumping onto other passengers, etc. without being provoked) will not be accepted as a service animal.

Traveling outside of the United States?

Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re planning to fly outside of the United States with your service animal.

• U.S. airlines traveling to foreign countries are subject to the requirements of that foreign country regarding acceptance of service animals; not all countries permit service animals from other foreign countries.
• Check to ensure whether your destination country permits your animal and any other requirements to enter and exit legally.

Encounter A Problem?

• If you believe your rights under the Air Carrier Access Act are being or have been violated, ask to speak with a Complaints Resolution Official (CRO). A CRO is the airline’s expert on disability accommodation issues. Airlines are required to make one available to you, at no cost, in person at the airport or by telephone during the times they are operating.

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Traveling with Service Animals

Service animals—defined as a dog that’s individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability—are welcome on board JetBlue flights. Find all the requirements and need-to-knows for you and your service animal to travel easily and comfortably.

Important Info

Notification, service animals in mint, countries with high risk of rabies.

Warning:  

It is a Federal crime to make materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements, entries, or representations knowingly and willfully on the U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form to secure disability accommodations provided under regulations of the United States Department of Transportation (18 U.S.C. § 1001).

Things to know about traveling with service animals on JetBlue:

• JetBlue accepts trained service dogs only. 
• JetBlue requires all service animals to be under the control of the handler at all times—in the airport and on the plane—and harnessed, leashed, or otherwise tethered. 
• The behavior of all service animals will be assessed at the airport to ensure safety requirements are met.   
• Notification of service animal travel must be completed at least 48 hours prior to your flight.
• We recommend starting this process as soon as you book your reservation. 
• If you have booked your flight within 48 hours of departure you may complete the US DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form at the airport with a Complaints Resolution Official. Please arrive early and we will provide the accommodation if we can do so by making reasonable efforts, without delaying the flight.
• Service animals in training are not accepted for travel on JetBlue. 
• If you are traveling with a large service animal or two service animals, your animal(s) must fit within the footprint of the seat(s) you have purchased. If your animal(s) is too large to fit in the seat(s) foot space you have purchased, you may purchase additional seat(s) to guarantee travel or wait for a flight that has sufficient empty seats available. 
• No animal is ever allowed to occupy a seat. 
• All animals must remain on the floor, unless the animal is small enough to fit fully on the traveler's lap without touching any part of the seat, tray table, or nearby travelers. 
• Upon request, assistance will be provided by a JetBlue crewmember to and from the animal relief area. Please ask an airport crewmember for assistance.  

Notification of service animal travel must be provided up to 48 hours in advance of the first originally scheduled departure time. We recommend providing notification as soon as you book your reservation. You may choose the best process for your travel from the following options. 

to streamline service animal travel notification. We recommend processing your service dog(s)’ US DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form through the portal to ensure your service dog(s) will be added to your reservation prior to travel. 

If you prefer, you may mail a hard copy of a completed US DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form to: 

JetBlue Airways    Attn: Customer Accessibility   6322 S 3000 E  G10  Salt Lake City, UT 84121 USA 

 and Service Animal Forms Portal form approval with you when you travel.     

If your trip includes a flight on a partner airline, you'll need to contact them separately as their process may be different. 

Additional documentation may be required at the airport:   

• Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands require vaccination documentation for the animal to be admitted into the destination.    
• It’s your responsibility to have the required documentation for your service animal(s).  
• If one of the two notification processes above has not been followed, the customer may bring or request the US DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form to the airport for an onsite review/assessment with a Complaints Resolution Official (CRO).

JetBlue permits service animals to accompany you in any seat except the emergency exit row, unless the animal obstructs an aisle or other area that must remain unobstructed in order to facilitate an emergency evacuation.   

• In our Mint seating, you will forfeit the lie-flat feature in order to accommodate your service animal on the floor.  
• If your service animal is small enough to fit fully on your lap without touching any part of the seat, the lie-flat feature may be used.   
• All animals must remain on the floor, unless the animal is small enough to fit fully on the customer's lap without touching any part of the seat, tray table or nearby travelers. 
• If you’re traveling with a large service animal or two service animals, your animal(s) must fit within the footprint of the seat(s) you have purchased and not prevent a nearby traveler from utilizing the amenities of their seat. If your animal(s) is too large to fit in the seat(s) foot space you have purchased, you may purchase additional seat(s) to guarantee travel or wait for a flight that has sufficient empty seats available. 
• JetBlue requires all service animals to be under the control of the handler at all times—in the airport and on the plane—and harnessed, leashed or otherwise tethered.

In accordance with the CDC guidelines on dog importation from certain countries, and taking into account JetBlue network limitations, JetBlue will not accept service animals on flights to or from:

• Colombia (BOG, CTG, MDE)
• Ecuador (UIO)

 for vaccinated animals.

• Dominican Republic (SDQ, STI, PUJ, POP)
• Ecuador (GYE)
• Guatemala (GUA)
• Guyana (GEO)
• Haiti (PAP)
• Honduras (SAP)

Important note: Customers may travel with service animals to the above destinations from any JetBlue city.

Dogs entering from the above-listed cities must provide the following documentation in order to be cleared for travel to the US:

• Have a valid US-issued rabies vaccine certificate OR CDC Dog Import permit
• Have proof of microchip
• Be at least 6 months old
• Be healthy upon arrival

To request advance written approval from the CDC, follow the instructions at  How to Apply for a CDC Dog Import Permit . For other international destinations, documentation requirements vary by country. Customers are responsible for understanding each country's animal import requirements and acquiring all necessary documentation before traveling with a service animal.

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How to Fill Up DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form To Fly With Your Service Dog

When can an Airline decline boarding to a service dog?

What is a service dog in the eyes of the airlines, step-by-step guide on how to fill out the form, united states department of transportation service animal relief attestation form, onboard the aircraft.

If you are reading this article, I am fairly certain that you have the US DOT form for airline transportation open in another tab in your web browser. The people who are yet to face the US DOT form and were recently informed they should submit one might want to check this page . The full name of the form reads “U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form” and before going into the form, you need to know a few things about the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) that concern service dogs. The Air Carrier Access Act in the US prohibits the discrimination against persons with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. This includes preventing service dogs from boarding flights.

The US DOT has made it clear that airlines can deny access to service dogs in a few cases :

1. If a service dog violates safety requirements - e.g., too large or heavy to be accommodated in the cabin;

2. If a service dog poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others;

3. Causes a significant disruption in the cabin or at airport gate areas;

4. If a service dog violates health requirements - e.g., prohibited from entering a U.S. territory or foreign country;

5. If you have not filled out the DOT form correctly- you may want to take a look at the sample above and make sure that you have filled out all the fields correctly. If you have trained your own service dog, you need to put your name as the main trainer of your dog and your tutor's name as the co-trainer. You should not type the name of the school that assisted you with the training process while going through an owner-self training program, as this information may not be accepted by airlines. Also, some airlines, may require passengers to add their flight number/boarding number to the DOT form for it to be complete;

6. If you have not submitted the DOT form in a timely manner-submitting the documentation required in a timely manner is of utmost importance for you and your service dog to be accepted in the passenger cabin.

Persons traveling with a service dog need to make sure their animal has all vaccinations required by their veterinarian. Plus, you need to make sure your dog will not cause a sanitation incident during the flight. The dog users/handlers might need to put a pet diaper or use an alternative solution to prevent the animal from relieving themselves. Travels with a service dog may be required to fill out a “U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Relief Attestation Form” that can be found here .

A service dog is a specially trained dog that is trained to meet the personalized needs of its user. The service dog can be owner-trained as allowed by the Americans with Disabilities Act , but most airlines will ask for a certificate from a third party to confirm the animal has been properly trained and is safe in public spaces. The law in the US does not prohibit owner-trained animals from boarding flights, but you should keep in mind that the airline will have to abide by the laws and regulations of the destination location as well and may refuse to transport service dogs that do not meet the classification at the arrival destination. The properly trained service dogs will not initiate interactions with people or animals; they will remain calm and focused; and they respond to commands quickly. If you have a service dog and you need to travel, you should consider having the dog wear a vest that should communicate to others that the dog is trained, disciplined and is working. It should help with discouraging others from petting your dog without prior approval from you.

The first paragraph of the airline transportation form will request a few basic pieces of information like the service dog handler's name, phone, email address as well as the service dog’s name, and a brief description of the dog. Keep in mind that the service dog handler and user are not always the same person and you will need to specify that. For example, a mother and a child may travel with their service dog where the service dog handler is the mother and the service dog user is the child. This can be applied to a married couple too. The description of the dog should include a few key things like the dog’s weight, the dog’s breed, and the color of the coat of the dog (you could add if the dog is long-haired or short-haired). If you are not sure about these details, double-check with your veterinarian in advance.

Animal Health

This paragraph will ask you to confirm the date of the rabies vaccination and when it expires. You will have to confirm that your dog does not suffer from fleas or ticks as well as list the contact information for the dog’s veterinarian (name and phone number).

Animal Training and Behavior

This segment will be very important and you need to enter your paw partner’s name at the start to confirm that he/she has been trained to perform tasks that assist with your disability. Depending on the training, that could include deep pressure stimulation, retrieving objects, pushing/closing drawers and doors, detecting your blood pressure, detecting your blood glucose levels, as well as pulling a wheelchair or making sure that you do not fall on the floor when you have a seizure episode.

When you move to the “Name of Animal Trainer or Training Organization” text box you might be a bit confused if you have trained the service dog yourself. Most people receive a trained dog from a school and they can put the name of the school there along with the phone of the school. However, if your dog is owner-trained you will need to put your name and phone number. People who have trained their pet dog to become a service dog through an owner/self-training course should put their full name and phone number as the primary trainer, as they are the ones who spent the most time (120+ hours) training their dog. In some cases, you may need to add your tutor's name, your school's name, and provide the phone number of your school.

There will be a few checkboxes for you to confirm that your dog behaves properly in public spaces and that you understand that if the dog misbehaves will be treated as a pet and can be moved to the climate-controlled cargo hold. Service dogs travel for free, but if your dog causes damage or it is moved in the cargo hold fees will be charged, please keep that in mind. If your dog is owner-trained, please make sure your paw partner is socialized and that they fit comfortably under the seat on your flight. The service dogs are not allotted a separate seat and will not be allowed to lie down on the aisle for safety reasons, keep that in mind.

Other Assurance

This is the last part of the US DOT form that you need to fill out. Service dog handlers/users will need to have their dog leashed at all times and under control. You will be informed that damages caused during the flight will be expected to be paid in a matter-of-factly fashion. Please note that you are filling out an official document and there is lawful responsibility that you carry. Improperly filling out the form and omitting or falsifying information may lead to fines and a ban from the airline.

If you are an enrolled student of Service Dog Training School, please  contact us  for assistance.

As mentioned above, airlines may request the service dog handler/users to fill out and submit an additional form when traveling via their aircraft. The name of the form is pretty self-explanatory and you will need to confirm a few things like:

Service Dog Handler Name; Service Dog User Name; Email and Phone; Animal Name; Flight Date; Departure and Arrival Location.

The airline staff may require you to indicate in writing if the dog will be wearing a diaper or an alternative solution. Some may prefer to have the dog in a kennel with absorbent pads inside.

Please, note that both forms need to be filled with the airline via email or in person at least 48 hours prior to departure. Another important piece of information you need to have is that most passenger cabins have a limit to how many service dogs they can have which is usually about 4 or 5. This needs to be cleared with your airline in advance. Some airlines offer priority boarding for persons with disabilities and you may be asked to move to a different queue at the gate so keep that in mind.

The Air Carrier Access Act includes a few policies about the accessibility of facilities , namely:

⊛ New aircraft with 30 or more seats must have movable aisle armrests on half the aisle seats in the aircraft.

⊛  New twin-aisle aircraft must have accessible lavatories.

⊛  New aircraft with 100 or more seats must have priority space for storing a passenger’s folding wheelchair in the cabin.

⊛  Aircraft with more than 60 seats and an accessible lavatory must have an on-board wheelchair, regardless of when the aircraft was ordered or delivered. For flights on aircraft with more than 60 seats that do not have an accessible lavatory, airlines must place an on-board wheelchair on the flight if a passenger with a disability gives the airline 48 hours’ notice that he or she can use an inaccessible lavatory but needs an on-board wheelchair to reach the lavatory.

An animal that engages in disruptive behavior (ex. barking or snarling, running around, begging for food, and/or jumping onto other passengers) will not be accepted as a service animal unless the activity is directly related to a performed task to the benefit of the service dog user. If you believe that your rights may not have been respected by the airline you should ask to speak with a Complaints Resolution Official (this is the person in charge of resolving disability accommodation issues). You need to allow a chance for the airline to resolve the problem and if you are not happy you could file a complaint with the US DOT here .

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Department of Transportation Service Animal Travel Form

Dot service animal form.

• Please complete all fields below. Upon submission, you will receive an email with the completed PDF copy of the required DOT Travel Form. Warning: It is a Federal crime to make materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements, entries, or representations knowingly and willfully on this form to secure disability accommodations provided under regulations of the United States Department of Transportation (18 U.S.C. § 1001).
• Service Animal Handler's Name *
• Service Animal Handler's Email *
• Animal's Name *
• Animal Color / Markings *
• Animal Breed *
• Animal Weight (lbs) *
• Date Rabies Vaccine Administered * MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date Rabies Vaccine Expires * MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Veterinarian's Name *
• Veterinarian Phone Number *
• Name of Service Animal Trainer * Insert name or organization that trained your service animal. NOTE: If you trained your service animal yourself, insert your name
• Trainer's Phone Number * If you trained your service animal yourself, enter your own phone number
• My Service Animal will not need to relieve itself while on the aircraft
• My Service Animal can relieve itself without posing a health/sanitation issue
• Describe how your Service Animal will refrain from relieving itself, or relieve itself without posing a health/sanitation issue (e.g., the use of a dog diaper, animal will be taken to bathroom prior to arrival at airport, animal can hold it in for duration of flight, etc) *
• Consent * I am signing an official document of the U.S. Department of Transportation. My answers are true to the best of my knowledge I understand that if I knowingly make false statements on this document, I can be subject to fines and other penalties. My Service Animal has been trained to do work or perform tasks to assist me with my disability. My Service Animal has been trained to behave in a public setting. I understand that a properly trained dog remains under the control of its handler. I understand that a properly trained dog does not act aggressively by biting, jumping, lunging, or injuring other animals. It also does not urinate or defecate on the aircraft or in the gate area. I understand that if my service animal shows that it has not been properly trained to behave in public, then the airline may treat my service animal as a pet by charging a pet fee and requiring my service animal to be transported in a pet carrier. To the best of my knowledge, my service animal has not behaved aggressively or caused serious injury to another person/dog. I understand that my service animal must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered at all times in the airport and on the aircraft. I understand that if my service animal causes damage, then the airline may charge me for the cost to repair it, as long as the airline would also charge passengers without disabilities to prepare the similar kinds of damage.
• Electronically
• Signature *

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How to submit a request to travel with your service dog

Your trained service dog.

You can travel in an Air France cabin with your service dog for free, granted you comply with current international regulations. We recommend submitting all requests at least 48 hours* before your flight's departure. If you submit your request after this time, all documentation checks and request processing will be handled at the airport on your departure day. To be allowed on board, your service dog must:

• Be well-trained
• Comply with all the health requirements of your departure, arrival, and connecting countries
• Wear a harness at all times
• Stay securely fastened to your seat or seat belt.
• Refrain from obstructing the aisles or the space allocated to other passengers
• Have irreproachable behavior in all circumstances
• Not occupy a seat or obstruct emergency exits
• Be visibly dressed to indicate their service dog status (an identification tag or a visible sign on the harness)
• Be ready to wear a muzzle if they show signs of nervousness during the trip that could inconvenience or even threaten passengers and flight personnel
• If your dog is too large to comply with the above conditions, you may place them in the hold, free of charge, provided that you have a suitable crate (this does not apply to snub- or flat-nosed animals, which are not allowed in the hold.)
• On flights longer than 8 hours, to avoid any hygiene problems in the cabin, you must provide a veterinary certificate indicating that your dog will not have to relieve themselves during the flight.
• If you need to give your service dog medication onboard to ensure their comfort, please remember to bring their medical prescription.
• You must bring your dog's service training certification, specifying their service, and a copy of their passport page with breed, weight, and size information.

* 96 hours if you are traveling to or from the United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates.

Who should I send my request to travel with my service dog in the cabin to?

Flights from Metropolitan and Overseas France

• Please send your documents to:  [email protected]

Flights departing from other countries (excluding the United States)

• Please get in touch with your country's customer service team .

Special conditions

Flights to/from the United States:   For service dogs traveling on flights to/from the US, we recommend either submitting the following documents via email or providing hard copies at check-in:

• Download form 1
• Download form 2
• Please note that for flights between other countries outside of the United States, your service dog's passport may be required.
• For flights from the United States:  [email protected]
• For flights from all other countries to the United States:  [email protected]

You submit your request to travel to the UK with your service dog 96 hours before your flight's departure to ensure that a “Pet checker”* can be at the airport upon your arrival. In addition to all the documents required for entry into the UK, only service dogs trained by a recognized organization affiliated with the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) are accepted. Assistance dogs traveling to the UK must be trained by an organization that meets all the criteria defined by Assistance Dogs International (ADI). Upon arrival in the UK, you and your service dog are not allowed to disembark the aircraft until the Pet Checker from the airport screening company performs identity and documentary checks on your dog. For more information on the requirements for transporting your dog to this destination, please consult the UK government website . * Airport staff responsible for checking that your pet is legal to enter the UK.

To travel with your trained service animal to the United Arab Emirates, please get in touch with our Saphir assistance service at least 96 hours before your flight's departure to allow for the necessary required document verification by airport and government authorities in your destination country.

Regulations:

Per international regulations, we only accept service dogs trained by a certified and recognized organization on our flight. Non-service dogs or service dogs in training without their trainers are not accepted in the cabin, except in a bag, crate, or in the hold (this does not apply to snub- or flat-nosed animals, which are not allowed on board.) Per applicable transport law, Air France reserves the right to hold you financially liable for any damage your service dog may cause.

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Flying With Dogs or Cats? These Are Airlines’ Pet Policies

American recently relaxed its rules for pets traveling inside the cabin with their owners. Here’s what the major U.S. airlines require to travel with a pet.

By Jesus Jiménez

Flying with a pet can be expensive and confusing, with fees, weight limits, carrier size rules and the need to make sure there’s no loud barking (or meowing) on board.

Recently, American Airlines relaxed its pet policy to allow passengers to bring a carry-on bag in addition to a pet in a carrier, and more private flight options have been emerging in recent years for pet owners who can afford them.

Still, flying with large or medium-size dogs can be tricky, and many travelers are wary of leaving a pet in the plane’s cargo hold.

For those traveling on the major carriers with their pets as carry-ons, here’s what to know about each major domestic airline’s policy.

Southwest Airlines

On Southwest, a Dallas-based carrier, two checked bags can fly at no cost, but not pets. Southwest charges $125 per pet carrier on its flights.

Dogs or cats are allowed to travel below a seat in an approved carrier — up to 18.5 inches long by 8.5 inches high and 13.5 inches wide — according to the airline .

Southwest has a few caveats for those traveling with pets: The pet must stay in its carrier during the flight, and the carrier is considered a personal item or carry-on bag.

Up to six pets are allowed on Southwest flights. Once six pets are booked onto a flight, no further customers may add a pet companion to their booking.

United Airlines

United Airlines has no weight or breed restrictions for cats and dogs as long as they are in an approved hard or soft-sided carrier, measuring 17.5 inches long by 9 inches tall and 12 inches wide for a hard carrier, or 18 inches long by 11 inches tall and 11 inches wide for a soft carrier.

United charges $125 each way for travel with pets. There is no fee for service animals on United flights, but some forms are required before the flight.

The carrier must fit under a seat, and where a passenger is allowed to sit can vary according to the type of aircraft. For example, people traveling with pets cannot sit in emergency rows. If you’re traveling with two pets (the maximum allotted), you are required to book two seats.

Delta Air Lines

Small dogs and cats can travel on Delta Air Lines flights as long as they can fit inside a carrier stored below the seat. The size of the carrier depends on the aircraft, but in general the airline recommends a soft-sided carrier no larger than 18 inches long by 11 inches tall and 11 inches wide.

Your pet must be at least 8 weeks old and small enough to have some room to move around in the carrier, which must have ventilation openings on three sides.

Delta charges $95 for pets traveling as carry-on companions, and the passenger can bring only one personal item along with the pet. Certain seats cannot be booked for travel with an animal, such as those in an emergency exit row.

American Airlines

American Airlines allows cats and dogs to travel in a carry-on container, which must remain under the seat in front of the pet owner throughout the flight. The airline recommends a soft-sided carrier that measures 18 inches long by 11 inches tall and 11 inches wide.

The fee for a carry-on pet on a domestic American Airlines flight is $150.

Flights are limited to seven carry-on pets, not including service animals, and American Eagle flights are limited to five carry-on pets, with one in first class. There is no charge for service animals flying on American flight, but the airline requires forms to be filled out in advance.

The airline said in a statement that it had recently changed its cabin pet policy to allow customers with a pet to also bring either a personal item or carry-on bag stowed in the overhead bin (but not both).

“We made the change to provide a more convenient and comfortable experience to customers whose pets fly American,” the airline said.

Spirit, JetBlue, Frontier and Alaska

Spirit allows dogs and cats on its flights in a carrier no larger than 18 inches long by 14 inches wide and 9 inches tall for a fee of $125. The weight of the pet and the carrier cannot exceed 40 pounds, according to the airline .

Small dogs and cats can fly on JetBlue for fee of $125 each way , in an approved carrier. Up to six pets are allowed on JetBlue flights.

Frontier allows pets on board for a $99 fee each way, as long the pet fits in a carrier. Passengers can have only a personal item or carry-on in addition to their pet carrier.

Pets can travel in a carrier on Alaska Airlines flights for a fee of $100 each way. A passenger can travel with a pet carrier and a personal item, or a carrier and a carry-on bag.

Private or charter flights

Those who take their pets on private or charter flights, which can cost many thousands of dollars, have much more leeway. Dogs that weigh less than 150 pounds can sit on seats.

BarkAir, a charter operator tailored specifically for those flying with dogs, charges about $6,000 for a dog and its owner to travel, with flights between New York and Los Angeles and New York and London. Carriers are not required, and dogs can sit on laps, seats or beds.

Jesus Jiménez covers breaking news, online trends and other subjects. He is based in New York City. More about Jesus Jiménez

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .