What Is an ESA Travel Letter?

Simple Definition

An ESA travel letter is a document issued by a licensed mental health professional that verifies your need for an emotional support animal (ESA) during travel and stays away from home. While the 2021 ACAA update changed air travel rules, ESA letters remain valuable for other transportation methods and accommodations.

Why It Matters for Travelers

An ESA travel letter can help you in multiple situations:

Hotels and short-term rentals: Request pet fee waivers or accommodations
Trains and buses: Some carriers may accept ESA documentation
Air travel: While ESAs are treated as pets, a letter may help with certain airline policies
Cruises: Some cruise lines accept ESAs with proper documentation
Ride-sharing: Some services may require documentation for animals

Air Travel: ACAA Rules & Airline Policies

The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) Update

In December 2020, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a final rule amending the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). The rule went into effect in January 2021 and fundamentally changed how emotional support animals are treated on flights.

📌 Key Change:

ESAs are no longer recognized as service animals under the ACAA. Airlines are now permitted to treat ESAs as pets.

Major U.S. Airline Policies for ESAs

Airline	ESA Policy	Pet Fees	Notes
American Airlines	Treated as pet	$125 each way	Must fit in carrier
Delta Air Lines	Treated as pet	$95-$125 each way	Carrier required
United Airlines	Treated as pet	$125 each way	Breed restrictions apply
Southwest Airlines	Treated as pet	$95 each way	Limited spots available
JetBlue	Treated as pet	$125 each way	Carrier required
Alaska Airlines	Treated as pet	$100 each way	Size restrictions apply

*Policies are subject to change. Always verify with the airline before booking.

For more details, review our guides on airlines policies for ESA and airlines policies for ESA and PSD.

Land Travel: Buses, Trains & Ride-Sharing

🚌 Buses

Greyhound and other bus lines typically treat ESAs as pets. Some may allow ESAs with a valid letter, but policies vary. Always check with the carrier before booking.

🚆 Trains

Amtrak allows small dogs and cats on most routes for a fee. ESAs are generally treated as pets. The Air Carrier Access Act does not apply to trains.

🚗 Ride-Sharing (Uber, Lyft)

Ride-sharing policies vary by driver. Some may accept ESAs, while others may not. A travel letter can help, but drivers are not legally required to accept ESAs.

🚦 Important:

Unlike air travel, there is no federal law requiring land-based transportation providers to accept ESAs. Always check individual policies before booking.

Sea Travel: Cruises & Ferries

🚢 Cruise Lines

Most major cruise lines do not allow ESAs or pets onboard. Some may make exceptions for service dogs (including PSDs) with proper documentation. Always check with the cruise line before booking.

⛴️ Ferries

Ferry policies vary widely. Some allow ESAs with proper documentation, while others treat them as pets with restrictions. Check with the specific ferry operator.

🚢 Cruise Tip: If you plan to cruise with a PSD, contact the cruise line well in advance. Many require documentation to be submitted 30-60 days before departure.

Hotel & Short-Term Rental Accommodations

Hotel Policies for ESAs

Hotels are not covered by the Fair Housing Act (FHA) since they are not considered permanent housing. However, many hotels have pet-friendly policies and may accept ESAs with a valid letter.

Major Hotel Chains and ESAs

Marriott: Pet-friendly hotels may accept ESAs; policies vary by property
Hilton: Many properties are pet-friendly; ESA letters may help waive fees
InterContinental Hotels: Pet policies vary; contact the specific hotel
Airbnb/VRBO: Hosts set their own policies; some accept ESAs with documentation

Tips for Hotel Stays with Your ESA

Call ahead: Confirm the hotel’s pet policy before booking
Have your letter ready: Present your ESA letter at check-in if needed
Be respectful: Keep your animal well-behaved and clean
Consider pet fees: Some hotels may still charge pet fees

🏨 Important:

Unlike housing, hotels are not required to accept ESAs under federal law. Always check the hotel’s policy before booking.

ESA vs PSD for Travel

Feature	ESA	PSD (Psychiatric Service Dog)
ACAA Air Travel	❌ Treated as pet	✔️ Full access
Hotels	✔️ May help with pet fees	✔️ May help with pet fees
Trains/Buses	⚠️ Varies by carrier	⚠️ Varies by carrier
Cruises	❌ Most don’t allow	⚠️ Some allow with documentation
Pet Fees	✔️ Usually applies	❌ No pet fees (air travel)

For a comprehensive comparison, see our ESA vs PSD ADA Rights guide and PSD Letter page.

Who Can Issue a Travel Letter?

For ESA Travel Letters

A legitimate ESA travel letter must be issued by a licensed mental health professional (LMHP):

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)
Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC)
Psychologists (PhD, PsyD)
Psychiatrists (MD, DO)
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists (LMFT)
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNP)

Why Licensed Professionals Matter

Only licensed professionals can legally diagnose mental health conditions and determine that an ESA is appropriate for your treatment. Learn more about the role of a licensed mental health professional in ESA & PSD letters.

How to Get Your Travel Letter

The Complete Process

Complete our confidential assessment — Share your mental health history
Get matched with a licensed therapist — We connect you with a professional licensed in your state
Attend your evaluation — Meet with your therapist via telehealth
Receive your travel letter — If approved, you’ll receive your signed letter
Use your letter — Present it to hotels, transportation providers, or other accommodations

✈️ Travel Tip:

For PSD air travel, submit your documentation to the airline at least 48 hours before your flight. Many airlines require forms to be submitted in advance.

Price of Your Travel Letter

ESA Travel Letter

$99 one-time fee

✓	100% Money-Back Guarantee
✓	Licensed Professional Issuance
✓	DOT & Airline Compliant Documentation
✓	Clear Documentation Support
✓	Major Airlines Guidance
✓	Quick Digital Delivery
✓	Valid for Hotels & Other Accommodations

✈️ Start Your Evaluation Now

Legitimate, therapist-issued · Fast · Confidential

How to Use Your Travel Letter

For Hotels & Accommodations

Present your ESA letter at check-in
Request pet fee waivers (many hotels will accommodate)
Be polite and professional when discussing your ESA
Keep a digital copy on your phone

For Air Travel (ESA as Pet)

Check airline pet policy before booking
Pay applicable pet fees
Ensure carrier meets airline requirements
Arrive early for check-in

For PSD Air Travel

Submit the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form
Provide your PSD letter from a licensed professional
Submit documentation at least 48 hours before departure
Be prepared to answer the two DOT questions at check-in

International Travel Considerations

Rules Vary by Country

Many countries do not recognize ESAs as service animals
Some countries have quarantine requirements for animals entering the country
Different documentation may be required — check with the embassy
Pet passports are required for travel to some countries
PSDs are recognized in some countries but not all

Pre-Travel Checklist for International Flights

Check the destination country’s animal import regulations
Verify vaccine requirements (rabies, etc.)
Check if a health certificate is required (usually within 10 days of travel)
Confirm if your animal needs a microchip
Check if your airline has additional requirements for international flights

Common Myths About ESA Travel

❌ Myth: “I can still fly with my ESA for free under the ACAA.”

✅ Fact: Since January 2021, ESAs are no longer recognized under the ACAA. Airlines can treat ESAs as pets and charge pet fees.

❌ Myth: “My ESA letter guarantees hotel pet fee waivers.”

✅ Fact: Hotels are not required to accept ESAs or waive fees. However, many hotels will accommodate with a valid letter.

❌ Myth: “All cruise lines accept ESAs.”

✅ Fact: Most major cruise lines do not allow ESAs. Only service dogs (including PSDs) may be accepted with proper documentation.

❌ Myth: “My ESA letter is valid for all types of transportation.”

✅ Fact: Policies vary by carrier and transportation mode. Always check specific policies before traveling.

ESA Travel FAQ

Yes, but rules vary by mode of transportation. For air travel, ESAs are treated as pets. For hotels and other accommodations, policies vary.

Yes, hotels are not required to accept ESAs or waive fees. However, many hotels will accommodate with a valid letter.

Amtrak allows small dogs and cats on most routes for a fee. ESAs are generally treated as pets. Check Amtrak’s policy for specific requirements.

Most major cruise lines do not allow ESAs. Only service dogs (including PSDs) may be accepted with proper documentation.

ESAs provide emotional support through presence. PSDs are task-trained service dogs. Under the ACAA, PSDs have air travel rights; ESAs do not.

Pet fees typically range from $95 to $125 each way. Check your airline’s specific policy for exact pricing.

Yes, an ESA travel letter is issued for travel purposes. It can be used for hotels and other accommodations, but for air travel, ESAs are treated as pets.

International acceptance varies by country. Many countries do not recognize ESAs and have strict pet import requirements. Always check with the destination country’s embassy.

Airbnb hosts set their own policies. Some hosts accept ESAs with documentation, while others may not. Always check with the host before booking.

Tips for Successful Travel with Your Animal

Plan ahead — Research policies before booking
Submit documentation early — 48 hours before departure for PSDs
Use the right type of letter — ESA letters for accommodations, PSD letters for air travel
Keep copies of all documents — Digital and physical copies
Check carrier requirements — Size, weight, and material specifications
Prepare your animal — Familiarize them with carriers and travel environments
Arrive early — Allow extra time for check-in
Be polite and patient — Staff are following policies

Why Choose Pro ESA Letter for Your Travel Needs

At Pro ESALetter, we understand that traveling with an animal can be stressful. We’re committed to providing the right documentation for your travel needs.

✅ Licensed Therapists

We connect you with real, licensed mental health professionals who are authorized to issue travel letters.

✅ DOT-Compliant Documentation

Our PSD letters meet DOT and ACAA requirements and include guidance on completing airline forms.

✅ Fast and Confidential

Most clients receive their letters within 24-48 hours. All evaluations are confidential and HIPAA-compliant.

✅ Multi-Mode Travel Support

We provide guidance on airline policies, hotel accommodations, and other travel arrangements.

Read our reviews to hear from others who have trusted our service. We’re committed to protecting your privacy with our HIPAA Privacy Practices and Consumer Health Data Policy. You have the right to Do Not Share or Sell My Personal Information.

✈️ Start Your Evaluation Today

Legitimate, therapist-issued · Fast · Confidential · $99

Cara Bussell PhD

Licensed Clinical Psychologist · Alaska · PSYPACT Provider

Cara Bussell, PhD, is a licensed psychologist specializing in supporting older adults and caregivers through the challenges of aging, health changes, memory concerns, and life transitions. She also works with adults of all ages navigating addiction recovery.

AK Private Practice