Does United Airlines Charge For Emotional Support Animals?

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Chief Editor of - Fancy Fly USA

Flying can be a stressful experience, which is why many people rely on emotional support animals (ESAs) to help them cope. However, the question of whether airlines charge for ESAs has been a topic of concern for many travelers. In this article, we will take a closer look at United Airlines and explore whether they charge for emotional support animals. So, if you’re planning to fly with your furry companion, keep reading to find out what you need to know.

Does United Airlines Charge for Emotional Support Animals?

Does United Airlines Charge for Emotional Support Animals?

United Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the world, offering flights to numerous destinations across the globe. As a result, many people rely on this airline to travel with their emotional support animals. However, there is a common misconception that United Airlines charges extra fees for emotional support animals. In this article, we will explore this topic to clear up any confusion.

United Airlines’ Emotional Support Animal Policy

United Airlines allows emotional support animals to travel with their owners in the cabin free of charge. However, there are certain requirements that must be met before the animal can be allowed on board. The animal must be well-behaved, not pose a threat to other passengers, and must be able to fit in the space under the seat in front of the owner.

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If the animal does not meet these requirements, United Airlines may require the owner to pay for the animal to travel as cargo. Additionally, if the animal causes any damage to the plane or other passengers, the owner may be held responsible for any associated fees.

Benefits of Traveling with an Emotional Support Animal

Emotional support animals provide comfort and companionship to those who suffer from mental or emotional disabilities. These animals can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Traveling with an emotional support animal can make air travel less stressful for those who suffer from these conditions.

Benefits of Emotional Support Animals:

  • Reduced anxiety
  • Reduced stress
  • Improved mood
  • Increased feelings of safety and security

Emotional Support Animals vs. Service Animals

While emotional support animals and service animals are both types of assistance animals, they serve different purposes. Service animals are trained to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities, such as guiding the blind, detecting seizures, or alerting their owners to low blood sugar levels.

Emotional support animals, on the other hand, do not require any specific training and provide emotional support to their owners. While service animals are allowed on board all airlines under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), emotional support animals are only allowed on board certain airlines, including United Airlines.

Conclusion

In conclusion, United Airlines does not charge extra fees for emotional support animals. However, there are certain requirements that must be met before the animal can be allowed on board. Additionally, if the animal poses a threat to other passengers or causes damage to the plane, the owner may be held responsible for any associated fees.

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If you are planning to travel with an emotional support animal, it is important to familiarize yourself with United Airlines’ policies and requirements. By doing so, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience for both you and your furry companion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an emotional support animal (ESA)?

An emotional support animal (ESA) is a companion animal that provides therapeutic benefits to an individual with a mental or psychiatric disability. ESAs are not trained to perform specific tasks or assist with physical disabilities, but rather to provide comfort and emotional support to their owners.

ESAs are recognized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and are protected under the Fair Housing Act. However, they are not considered service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and are therefore not allowed in all public places.

What is United Airlines’ policy on emotional support animals?

United Airlines allows emotional support animals to fly with their owners free of charge. However, there are certain requirements that must be met in order for the animal to be allowed on the flight. The animal must be well-behaved and under the control of its owner at all times. It must also be able to fit at the owner’s feet, in a kennel, or on the owner’s lap (if it is a small animal).

The owner must also provide documentation from a mental health professional stating that they have a disability and that the animal is necessary for their emotional well-being.

Are there any restrictions on the types of animals that can be emotional support animals?

United Airlines allows a variety of animals to be emotional support animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds. However, some animals are not allowed on flights due to safety concerns. For example, certain breeds of dogs are not allowed on United Airlines flights due to their potential to be aggressive.

Additionally, if the animal is too large to fit at the owner’s feet or in a kennel, it may not be allowed on the flight.

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What happens if my emotional support animal misbehaves on the flight?

If an emotional support animal misbehaves on a United Airlines flight, the owner may be asked to remove the animal from the flight. If the animal poses a threat to the safety of the flight or other passengers, the flight crew may take additional action, such as diverting the flight or contacting local authorities.

It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure that their emotional support animal is well-behaved and under their control at all times.

What should I do if I have additional questions about United Airlines’ policy on emotional support animals?

If you have additional questions about United Airlines’ policy on emotional support animals, you can visit their website or contact their customer service department. They will be able to provide you with more information and answer any questions you may have.

United Airlines adopts new rules for emotional support animals


In conclusion, United Airlines does not charge for emotional support animals. However, as of March 1, 2021, the airline has updated its policy regarding emotional support animals. United Airlines now only accepts trained service animals, which are limited to dogs that perform specific tasks for individuals with a disability.

If you are traveling with a trained service animal, United Airlines requires you to submit documentation at least 48 hours before your flight. Additionally, your service animal must be able to fit on your lap or on the floor space in front of your seat.

In summary, if you are traveling with a trained service animal, United Airlines does not charge any additional fees. However, it is important to ensure that you have submitted all necessary documentation and that your animal meets the airline’s requirements for size and behavior.

adminChief Editor of - Fancy Fly USA

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