Top Airlines That Accept Psychiatric Service Dogs: A Comprehensive Guide

Traveling with a psychiatric service dog (PSD) can ease the stress and anxiety of air travel for those who rely on their animal companions for emotional support. However, not all airlines have the same policies when it comes to accommodating PSDs. To help make your travel plans smoother, we’ve rounded up the top airlines that accept psychiatric service dogs, along with their policies and what you need to know before you fly.

What is a Psychiatric Service Dog?

A psychiatric service dog is a type of service animal specifically trained to assist individuals with mental health disabilities like PTSD, anxiety, depression, or panic disorders. Unlike emotional support animals (ESAs), which are no longer accepted by most airlines, PSDs are still recognized under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) in the U.S. This means that airlines are required to allow them in the cabin, provided they meet specific guidelines.

1. American Airlines

American Airlines has a comprehensive policy for passengers traveling with psychiatric service dogs. To fly with your PSD, you must:

• Submit a DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form at least 48 hours before your flight.
• Ensure your dog fits within the space at your feet.
• Verify that your service dog is properly harnessed or leashed and well-behaved during the flight.

Breed Restrictions: American Airlines does not impose breed restrictions on PSDs.

International Travel: Depending on your destination, additional paperwork may be required, especially when flying internationally. Always check with the airline in advance.

2. Delta Air Lines

Delta accepts psychiatric service dogs in the cabin, provided the passenger meets specific guidelines:

• You must submit the DOT’s Service Animal Air Transportation Form and, for flights longer than 8 hours, the Service Animal Relief Attestation Form.
• Ensure your PSD can fit in the floor space in front of your seat.

Size & Behavior Requirements: Delta emphasizes that the dog must be small enough to sit in the space allocated, and any aggressive behavior will not be tolerated.

International Travel: As with American Airlines, Delta’s international destinations may have varying entry requirements for service dogs, so ensure you confirm those details beforehand.

3. United Airlines

United Airlines offers a straightforward process for passengers traveling with psychiatric service dogs:

• You must complete and submit the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form.
• The service dog must remain harnessed or leashed at all times and fit within the seat's foot space.

Breed Restrictions: United Airlines does not have breed restrictions for psychiatric service dogs.

International Travel: United’s policy includes guidelines for international travel, so ensure you contact the airline well in advance of your departure to review entry requirements for your destination.

4. Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines allows psychiatric service dogs to fly in-cabin at no additional cost:

• Passengers must fill out the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form before their flight.
• Your PSD must be leashed or harnessed and fit within your personal space.

Size Limitations: As with other airlines, your PSD must not obstruct the aisle and should remain well-behaved throughout the flight.

International Travel: Southwest Airlines doesn’t operate many international flights, but the ones they do require special documentation. Be sure to check for any additional paperwork when flying outside the U.S.

5. JetBlue Airways

JetBlue makes traveling with psychiatric service dogs relatively simple:

• Passengers need to submit the DOT’s Service Animal Air Transportation Form online at least 48 hours before their flight.
• Ensure your PSD fits in your seat’s foot space, and they must remain harnessed or leashed at all times.

Behavior Expectations: JetBlue expects that your PSD be well-behaved. Any disruptive behavior can lead to denied boarding.

International Travel: For international flights, JetBlue requires additional paperwork based on the destination. It’s important to check these requirements early in the booking process.

6. Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines has a user-friendly process for psychiatric service dog travel:

• Submit the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form online before traveling.
• Your PSD must be tethered, harnessed, or leashed, and fit within your seat’s space without blocking any areas of the plane.

No Breed Restrictions: Alaska Airlines does not restrict specific breeds for psychiatric service dogs.

International Travel: International flights may require further documentation for your PSD, so check well in advance.

Key Requirements Across All Airlines:

Regardless of the airline, some standard requirements for flying with psychiatric service dogs include:

• Proper Documentation: Airlines require you to submit the DOT’s Service Animal Air Transportation Form prior to your flight.
• Size and Behavior: Your psychiatric service dog must fit comfortably in the floor space at your seat and must not display disruptive or aggressive behavior.
• Leash or Harness: All airlines mandate that your PSD must be tethered, harnessed, or leashed at all times.
• Advance Notice: Most airlines require at least 48 hours’ notice if you're traveling with a psychiatric service dog.

Tips for Stress-Free Travel with Your Psychiatric Service Dog:

1. Book Early: Notify the airline as soon as you book your flight that you’ll be traveling with a PSD. This will give you ample time to submit any necessary forms.
2. Arrive Early: Arrive at the airport early to ensure enough time for check-in and security processes with your PSD.
3. Bring Essential Supplies: Carry a collapsible water bowl, food, and comfort items for your dog.
4. Training Matters: Make sure your dog is well-trained for the airport environment, including security screenings and the tight space on the plane.

Flying with a psychiatric service dog is still possible with the right documentation and preparation. The key to a smooth experience is to familiarize yourself with airline policies and to be prepared well in advance. The airlines listed above—American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, JetBlue, and Alaska Airlines—are all committed to making travel accessible for passengers who rely on PSDs, but make sure to follow their specific guidelines to ensure a stress-free trip.

Safe travels!