Southwest Airlines’ Policy on Emotional Support Dogs- What You Need to Know_1

Does Southwest Allow Emotional Support Dogs?

Emotional support animals (ESAs) have become an integral part of many individuals’ lives, providing comfort and companionship during challenging times. As airlines continue to adapt to the needs of passengers with disabilities, it’s important to understand the policies regarding emotional support dogs on Southwest Airlines. This article will delve into whether Southwest Airlines allows emotional support dogs and the necessary requirements for traveling with them.

Understanding Emotional Support Dogs

Before discussing Southwest Airlines’ policy on emotional support dogs, it’s essential to differentiate between service animals and emotional support animals. Service animals are trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities, such as guiding the visually impaired or alerting individuals with hearing impairments to sounds. Emotional support animals, on the other hand, provide comfort and companionship but are not trained to perform specific tasks.

Southwest Airlines’ Policy on Emotional Support Dogs

Yes, Southwest Airlines allows emotional support dogs to accompany passengers on flights. To fly with an emotional support dog, passengers must adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Obtain a letter from a licensed mental health professional stating that the passenger has a mental or emotional disability and that the emotional support dog is necessary for their well-being.
2. The letter must be dated within one year of the flight and include the passenger’s name, the name of the emotional support dog, and the nature of the passenger’s disability.
3. Ensure that the emotional support dog is well-behaved and house-trained. Passengers must clean up after their dogs and provide any necessary care during the flight.
4. Passengers must inform Southwest Airlines of their intention to travel with an emotional support dog at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure.
5. The emotional support dog is not required to wear a vest or harness, but it must be leashed or harnessed during the flight.

Additional Considerations

While Southwest Airlines allows emotional support dogs on flights, it’s important to note that there are some limitations:

1. Emotional support dogs are not allowed in the cabin on international flights.
2. The number of emotional support dogs per passenger is limited to two.
3. Passengers must pay for their emotional support dog to travel in the cargo hold, and the dog must be crated during the flight.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Southwest Airlines does allow emotional support dogs on flights, provided passengers meet the necessary requirements. Understanding these guidelines can help passengers plan their travels and ensure a smooth experience for both them and their emotional support dogs. Always consult with Southwest Airlines directly for the most up-to-date information and policies regarding emotional support animals.