Does RealESALetter.com Offer ESA Letters That Work for Airlines?

Traveling with an emotional support animal (ESA) used to be easier before the airline rules changed. Many people who relied on their pets for emotional support were able to bring them into the airplane cabin just by showing an ESA letter. However, after changes made by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), not all airlines accept ESA letters anymore.

This has led many pet owners to ask: “Can I still use an ESA letter for flying?” And more importantly, “Does RealESALetter provide ESA letters that work for airlines?” Let’s look at the facts and find out what you can expect when using RealESALetter for travel.

Understanding the Airline Policy Change

In the past, airlines were required to treat emotional support animals like service animals. That meant passengers could bring their ESA (like a dog or cat) with them in the cabin without paying extra fees. But starting in 2021, the DOT allowed airlines to make their own rules.

Most major airlines—including Delta, American Airlines, United, Alaska, and others—stopped accepting ESA letters. They now treat emotional support animals as regular pets. This means:

ESA owners need to follow pet travel rules.
Fees usually apply.
Pets must travel in a carrier.
There are limits on pet size and breed.

What RealESALetter Offers

Even though airline rules have changed, RealESALetter still offers a legit ESA letter. These letters are issued by licensed mental health professionals (LMHPs) and are compliant with federal housing laws.

While these letters may no longer work for airline travel, they are still very useful for:

Housing (under the Fair Housing Act)
College dorms
Certain public accommodations
Making it easier to explain your mental health needs

So, if you're using the ESA letter only for flying, RealESALetter’s service might not help with major airlines. However, if you want the letter for housing and other needs, it’s a reliable choice.

What If I Still Want to Fly with My ESA?

Even though most U.S. airlines don’t accept ESA letters anymore, there are still a few options available:

1. Check Each Airline’s Policy

Some smaller or international airlines may still accept emotional support animals. Before booking, visit the airline’s website or call them directly.

If the airline accepts ESA letters, RealESALetter can provide the letter you need. But always double-check the airline’s latest policy as rules change often.

2. Use Pet Travel Rules

If your ESA is small enough to fit under the seat, you can bring them as a pet. You’ll need to:

Pay the pet fee (usually $100–$150 one-way)
Use an airline-approved carrier
Make sure your pet behaves calmly in public

In this case, your ESA letter won’t give you special rights, but you can still bring your pet by following the rules.

3. Explore Service Dog Options

Some people may qualify for a psychiatric service dog (PSD) if the dog is trained to perform specific mental health tasks. Airlines are still required to allow service animals with proper documentation. If this fits your situation, you may want to consult a licensed provider.

Why Choose RealESALetter?

Even with limited airline use, RealESALetter remains a strong choice for ESA letters because:

✅ 1. Licensed Professionals

All letters are written by licensed mental health professionals (LMHPs) who understand your condition. This makes the letter real and legal.

✅ 2. Quick Process

The whole process is online. You fill out a mental health form, and a professional evaluates your case. If approved, you can receive your letter within 24–48 hours.

✅ 3. Follows the Law

RealESALetter stays updated on state and federal ESA laws, including the Fair Housing Act and DOT rules. You can trust them to give you correct info.

✅ 4. Housing Protection

Even if the letter doesn’t work for airlines, it’s still very helpful for renting apartments or living in pet-restricted housing.

Many landlords are required by law to accept ESA letters. This can save you from pet fees or being denied housing.

What’s in the ESA Letter?

A real ESA letter from RealESALetter includes:

The professional’s full name, license number, and state
Confirmation of your mental health condition
A statement that your emotional support animal is part of your treatment
Letterhead and contact info of the provider
Date and signature

This kind of letter meets legal standards and can be used for housing. It may still help for airlines that allow ESAs—just check before traveling.

What to Do Before Flying with a Pet or ESA

If you plan to fly, here’s a checklist:

Check Airline’s Rules
Every airline has different pet policies. Visit their website for updated details.
Call Ahead
Confirm pet availability (many flights limit the number of pets allowed in the cabin).
Prepare Documents
Even if your ESA letter isn’t required, having it can help in case of questions.
Use the Right Carrier
Buy an airline-approved soft pet carrier. Your pet must stay inside it the whole flight.
Book Early
Pet spots fill quickly—don’t wait till the last minute.
Practice with Your Pet
Let your animal get used to the carrier before your trip.

Traveling with More Than One ESA?

If you have more than one support animal, you might wonder if it's allowed. RealESALetter offers the possibility of getting ESA letters for two animals, as long as both are part of your mental health treatment plan. To understand the process better, here’s a helpful read on ESA letters for two animals.

Support Beyond Travel

RealESALetter is more than just a place to get ESA documents. It plays a valuable role in supporting mental health. If you want to see how it helps people emotionally, check out this overview of how RealESALetter supports mental health. It explains how having an ESA can bring real comfort to people who struggle with anxiety, depression, or PTSD.

Also, you might wonder if a therapist is necessary to get approved. You’ll be surprised to know you can still get a legal ESA letter with the help of licensed professionals—even without regular therapy. This post about getting an ESA letter without a therapist clears up common doubts.

Extra Tips for Stress-Free Flying with Animals

Avoid Sedation unless advised by your vet.
Bring Treats and Toys to comfort your pet.
Arrive Early to allow enough time for check-in and airport security.
Carry Food and Water for long flights.
Use Pads for Accidents inside the carrier.

RealESALetter offers real, legally valid ESA letters written by professionals. These letters are especially helpful for housing, emotional support, and building understanding with landlords or schools.

But when it comes to airline travel, most U.S. carriers no longer accept ESA letters due to changes in government regulations. If you plan to fly, your best options include:

Traveling under regular pet rules
Looking into psychiatric service dog eligibility

If you’re unsure what fits your situation, RealESALetter provides guidance and evaluations to help you make the right choice.

So while ESA letters may not work for airlines the way they used to, they’re still a powerful tool to help you live a more comfortable and supported life.