For individuals with emotional or psychological disabilities, Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) play a crucial role in maintaining mental well-being. While ESAs are legally recognized in housing contexts, their status in travel—particularly air travel—has undergone significant changes in recent years.
If you have a legitimate emotional support animal letter from RealESALetter, you may be wondering: Can I still travel with my pet using this letter? The answer depends on a few factors, including the mode of transportation, recent federal regulations, and the policies of individual service providers.
Let’s dive into what traveling with your ESA looks like in 2025—and how your ESA letter from RealESALetter can help in specific scenarios.
The Air Travel Shift: DOT Regulations You Must Know
Historically, ESA letters granted certain travel privileges—particularly under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), which once required airlines to accommodate emotional support animals similar to service animals. That changed in January 2021, when the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) revised its regulations.
The new rule no longer requires airlines to recognize ESAs as service animals, giving carriers the discretion to treat them as regular pets. In practice, this means most major U.S. airlines no longer offer special accommodations for ESAs. Your ESA letter, even from a reputable provider like RealESALetter, may not guarantee free cabin access or exemption from pet fees.
Key Takeaway:
ESA letters are no longer federally mandated for air travel accommodation. Airlines may consider your ESA a pet, requiring fees and size restrictions.
Which Airlines Still Consider ESAs?
As of 2025, most U.S.-based airlines (such as American Airlines, Delta, United, JetBlue, and Southwest) do not accommodate ESAs under their service animal policy. However, some international airlines and smaller regional carriers may still recognize an ESA letter valid for airlines on a case-by-case basis.
Some airlines that may still allow ESAs with documentation:
LATAM Airlines (Latin America)
AeroMexico
China Airlines
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Lufthansa
Air France
Policies vary frequently, and airlines reserve the right to change their ESA regulations at any time. Before booking a flight, it’s critical to contact the airline directly and provide them with your ESA letter from RealESALetter.
What RealESALetter Provides for Travelers
While airlines may no longer accept ESA letters in the same way, documentation from RealESALetter can still serve an important role—especially for:
International flights where ESA recognition still applies.
Providing mental health documentation if an airline allows medical exceptions.
Pet-friendly accommodation or airport pet relief area access.
Ground and train travel where policies are more lenient.
RealESALetter’s ESA letters are written by licensed mental health professionals (LMHPs) and comply with all documentation standards. This means:
The letter is legally valid for housing protections under the Fair Housing Act (FHA).
It includes clinical justification for the ESA, which may still be required by some international airlines or customs authorities.
Their letters typically include:
Official LMHP letterhead.
Clinical diagnosis reference (if needed).
Issuance date.
Licensing details and contact info for verification.
This kind of documentation is respected by entities that still accommodate ESAs, making RealESALetter a reliable choice when navigating the gray zones of travel.
Ground Travel: Trains, Buses, and Rideshare Services
While air travel rules are strict, ground transportation remains more flexible.
1. Amtrak
Amtrak does not officially recognize ESAs and classifies them as regular pets. However, they do allow pets under 20 lbs for trips under 7 hours, provided you reserve in advance.
2. Greyhound and Intercity Buses
Most bus carriers only accommodate service animals, not ESAs. Your RealESALetter documentation might not help here, unless you’re traveling with a psychiatric service dog (PSD)—a different legal classification.
3. Uber, Lyft, and Rideshares
Both Uber and Lyft defer ESA acceptance to the driver’s discretion. Having a RealESALetter letter can help you explain your situation politely, but it doesn’t guarantee acceptance. A PSD, however, must be accommodated.
International Travel with Your ESA
If you’re flying internationally, your ESA letter may still open doors—but only if you carefully follow additional health and import requirements. One of the most important considerations when travelling with pets, especially Emotional Support Animals, is understanding the country-specific laws of your destination.
Some countries categorize ESAs under general pet importation laws, while others may offer certain exemptions or accommodations if your ESA is backed by valid documentation, such as a legitimate ESA letter from a trusted provider like RealESALetter. While some people mistakenly believe all therapists have the authority to issue ESA letters, it’s essential to obtain documentation from a licensed mental health professional qualified to assess your condition and provide legitimate support.
In addition to documentation, you’ll often need a USDA-endorsed health certificate issued shortly before your departure. Depending on the destination, you may also be required to provide proof of vaccinations or comply with quarantine protocols upon arrival. Even if the country you’re visiting allows Emotional Support Animals, it’s essential to remember that the airline must also permit ESAs onboard—so airline policy plays a critical role as well.
For instance, countries like Mexico and Colombia may recognize ESA documentation for travel purposes, allowing you to bring your animal with fewer restrictions. On the other hand, most European Union nations classify ESAs as regular pets, meaning you’ll need to meet their standard import rules without any additional accommodations.
To ensure a smooth experience when travelling internationally with your ESA, always review the most up-to-date regulations and consult official resources like the APHIS Pet Travel Regulations, which provide detailed guidance based on the destination country.
ESA vs. Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD): Travel Implications
If travel is an essential part of your lifestyle—especially by air—you might want to consider training your ESA to become a Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD).
Why?
PSD protections still fall under the ACAA, meaning airlines must allow them to fly free of charge in the cabin. If your mental health condition qualifies and your dog can perform specific tasks, RealESALetter can assist in:
Evaluating your eligibility.
Providing PSD documentation.
Guiding the PSD training process.
What to Do Before You Travel with an ESA
Even though the laws have changed, responsible planning makes all the difference. Here’s what we recommend:
Call Your Airline or Carrier in Advance
Ask:
Do you allow emotional support animals?
What documentation do you require?
Can I use an ESA letter?
Confirm Destination Rules
Don’t rely solely on airline info. Contact customs or consulates of the country you’re visiting to confirm if they allow ESAs.Prepare Your ESA Letter
Use a reputable provider like RealESALetter to ensure your letter is legally valid, signed, and up to date.Carry a Backup Health Certificate
Some airlines or countries require additional health proof, even for domestic flights.Know the Size and Behavior Rules
Even if your ESA is accepted, it must be well-behaved and fit under the seat (if in cabin).
Is It Worth Traveling with an ESA Letter in 2025?
The simple answer is: it depends on how, where, and with whom you’re traveling. Your ESA letter from RealESALetter is no longer a blanket pass for airline travel—but it still holds value in many areas:
International flights that accept ESAs
Train or car travel
Mental health documentation needs
Transitioning to a PSD
RealESALetter continues to lead the way in ESA services with a focus on legitimacy, licensed care, and compliance. If you’re planning a trip and rely on your ESA for emotional stability, the best course of action is to plan early, research deeply, and keep documentation on hand.
Helpful Resources to Legally Obtain and Use Your ESA Letter:
Is a Therapist Consultation Required by Law for an ESA Letter at RealESALetter?
Is an ESA Letter from RealESALetter Valid for Airlines or Just Housing?
Is RealESALetter Recognized by Housing Authorities Across the U.S.?
Is There a Breed Restriction for ESA Letters from RealESALetter?
