Key Takeaways

• Does Jetblue Airlines Accept Emotional Support Animals (ESA)?

Like most airlines, JetBlue Airlines no longer recognizes ESAs as service animals. ESAs are now treated as standard pets and must adhere to the airline’s pet policies.

• Does Jetblue Airlines Accept Psychiatric Service Dogs?

Yes, psychiatric service dogs are recognized as legitimate service animals by JetBlue Airlines. These dogs are specially trained to assist individuals with psychiatric conditions such as anxiety, PTSD, or depression. Psychiatric service dogs can travel free of charge, but passengers must provide required documentation, like the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation form, and may need to notify JetBlue before their flight.

• Do Service Dogs Fly for Free?

Service dogs, including psychiatric service dogs, that meet JetBlue’s requirements are permitted to fly in the cabin without any additional cost.

• How to Get a Psychiatric Service Dog:

To get a psychiatric service dog, the dog must be trained to perform specific tasks that assist with your disability. If you already have a dog, the professionals at ServiceDogTrainingSchool can help you to train your own dog to be the ideal service dog to meet your needs.

• How to Qualify for a Psychiatric Service Dog: 

To qualify for a psychiatric service dog, you must have a diagnosed mental or emotional disability, such as anxiety, PTSD, depression, or bipolar disorder.

• How to Get Started:

Get started by taking the simple SDTSI online PSD training assessment to see if you qualify, and enroll in the Psychiatric Service Dog Training Course to train your own dog.

Traveling with pets and service dogs can be a daunting proposition but it does not have to be.

In this article, we will try to guide you through the steps you need to take to travel domestically and internationally with your loved paw partner. We will be focusing on JetBlue Airways specifically and you can find other airlines covered in our blog section.

Emotional Support Animals (ESA) on JetBlue Airways

ESAs are no longer treated the same way as service dogs. The DOT issued an update on December 2nd, 2020 regarding service animals, emotional support animals (ESAs), and the rights of disabled passengers. The ruling of the department of transportation came into effect on March 1st, 2021 and it changed the way ESAs are treated. Emotional support animals are subject to pet travel policies now. JetBlue Airways is no exception, their pet travel policy begins with a warm greeting that reads:

“Whether you’re a dog person or a cat person (we won’t judge), we want to make trips with your furbaby a walk in the park.”

Emotional Support Animals, service dogs, and pets are expected to comply with the animal import regulations at the country of origin and arrival. Please, keep in mind that JetBlue Airways does not permit minors to travel with a pet/ESA without the supervision of a legal guardian or a parent.

JetBlue Airways operates a fleet of diverse aircraft with the backbone formed by the Airbus A320-200 and Airbus A321-200 models. The airline welcomes only dogs and cats in the passenger cabin and the cargo hold. The airline has stated their lack of capacity for large dogs. You are not likely to be allowed to travel with a Bernese Mountain Dog on board or anything larger than that.

How to Fly with a Pet or Emotional Support Animal on JetBlue Airways

As mentioned above, Emotional Support Animals are afforded the same rights and accommodations as pets. Any passenger with an ESA/pet will be expected to submit evidence for their animal being properly vaccinated, in good health, and accompanied by the proper animal entry permit for their route. We recommend you check the US Department of Agriculture's veterinary requirements for animals and consult their pet travel page.

You are advised to bring your ESA/pet in an approved carrier or you can buy one at the JFK Intentional Airport Terminal 5 ticket counter (as long supplies last, credit card payments only). Those of you looking for a useful map of the terminal are in luck! You can download the official JetBlue Airways Terminal 5 Map.

Please, remember that your pet/ESA is supposed to remain in their carrier at the airport, during boarding, for the entire duration of the flight, and at the arrival (or transit) airport. Additionally, only one pet carrier is permitted per passenger. Unlike many other airlines, JetBlue allows you to buy an extra seat for your furry friend and have them enjoy sitting/laying on the seat for the duration of the flight. However, you will have to place the carrier on the floor for take-off and landing.

Does JetBlue Airways Accept Psychiatric Service Dogs?

Yes, they do! Fully-trained service dogs will board the airplane first along with their handler/users. Service animals in training are not accepted for travel on JetBlue-operated flights. Depending on your route and completed service dog training, limitations may apply so make sure to learn about the service dog regulations at your destination.

Do Psychiatric Service Dogs Fly for Free?

Service dogs fly free of charge but you will still be expected to have an animal import permit and make sure the dog complies with the veterinary requirements of the country of origin and destination. Please, make sure to contact the JetBlue staff via the mobile app about your flight accommodation.

How to Fly with Your Psychiatric Service Dog on JetBlue Airways

JetBlue Airways requires all service animals to be under the control of the handler at all times. All visiting dogs will be expected to be leashed or wear a suitable harness. The service animals will have to be supervised at the airport and for the entire duration of the flight. You are responsible for notifying the airline about your service dog at a minimum of 48 hours prior to departure. Of course, you will have to present the appropriate paperwork to go with your dog.

You may complete the US DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form at the airport with a Complaints Resolution Official. It is important to know that if you are flying to London Heathrow or London Gatwick International Airport with a service dog, you must have Animal Reception Centre approval in advance. This letter is obtained via emailing the airport authorities at least a week prior to your flight. If you are traveling to Edinburgh Airport with a service dog, you must contact arc@extrordinair.co.uk at least two days before travel.

If you are traveling with a large service dog or two service dogs, your animal(s) must fit within the footprint of the seat(s) you have purchased. You will have to talk to the airline support staff to check the size constraints of the foot space at least a week in advance. That way you will have to switch flights in case better accommodation is available on another aircraft. Please, remember that you can buy extra seats for your pets, ESAs, and service dogs.

How to Get Your Legitimate Psychiatric Service Dog with ServiceDog Training School

Our company provides owner-trained psychiatric service dog courses to disabled citizens in the US, Canada, Ireland, the UK, and many other countries. The service dog regulations in the US permit domestic and foreign passengers to travel with self-trained service dogs within the US and to the country provided they meet the US DOT, CDC, and public safety requirements. We discuss the primary law on service dogs and disability rights – the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – and the rules for service dogs in training.

Get Your Psychiatric Service Dog Certification

You are welcome to check the learning plan (syllabus) for the Psychiatric Service Dog training course and consult our team. We would be happy to assist you in properly training your canine and meet industry standards for safe conduct. At the end of your course, you will be provided with a certificate for completed service dog training to attest to your achievements. Each certificate has a unique number that companies like JetBlue Airways can use to quickly verify the status of your service dog team.

What is the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA)?

The Air Carrier Access Act from 1986 (49 U.S.C. § 41705) (https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCODE-2022-title49/USCODE-2022-title49-subtitleVII-partA-subpartii-chap417-subchapI-sec41705) prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in air travel which includes a policy on service dogs. The Department of Transportation (DOT) is the government body that enforces and protects your rights as a passenger. The policies of the DOT apply equally to domestic and foreign-based airlines servicing flights to and from the US. We sincerely recommend reading the “Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights” and you can find a fact sheet published by the Research and Training Center on Promoting Interventions for Community Living.

What is the Difference Between an Emotional Support Animal and a Psychiatric Service Dog?

Under the ADA service animals are defined as follows:

Service animal - means a dog, regardless of breed or type, that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Animal species other than dogs, emotional support animals, comfort animals, companionship animals, and service animals in training are not service animals for the purposes of this part.

Emotional Support Animals can be any domesticated species while service dogs can be only canines. ESAs do not undergo any specialized training beyond basic obedience while service dogs undertake individual training to directly aid the daily lives of their users and be safe to use in public.

More on the subject is presented in our article: Service Animals vs Emotional Support Animals vs Therapy Animals

JetBlue Airways Service Dog Policy

JetBlue Airways features the following description of a service animal on their website:

Service animals—defined as a dog that’s individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability—are welcome on board JetBlue flights.

The airline has partnered with the Open Doors Organization to process service animal transportation requests. You will be expected to fill out the necessary Department of Transportation forms for traveling with your service dog on their portal and obtain a unique identifier for your canine. The ID number (digital and letters) will then have to be provided to your airline support via email or the mobile app.

The behavior of all service animals will be assessed at the airport to ensure safety requirements are met. Any excessive barking, whining, jumping, and disruptive behavior is sufficient for refusing boarding to any animal.

When you are visiting Terminal 5 at JFK upon request, assistance will be provided by a JetBlue crewmember to and from the animal relief area. Please ask an airport crew member for assistance when needed.

Any passengers with service dogs will board first, they will be followed by Mint passengers and everyone else. Each customer must be on board the aircraft at least 15 minutes prior to departure for domestic flights and at least 20 minutes before take-off on intentional flights.

Another important piece of information on the Service Animals Page reads:

JetBlue permits service animals to accompany you in any seat except the emergency exit row unless the animal obstructs an aisle or other area that must remain unobstructed in order to facilitate an emergency evacuation.

JetBlue Airways Required Documentations

If you are booking a flight with a Travel Certificate, please check the applicable terms in advance. Passengers are expected to meet the entry requirement for their destination and make sure that their accompanying pets, ESAs and service dogs have complete documentation and approval for entry. Depending on your destination, you will be typically expected to carry:

A boarding pass;

An animal import permit;

A vaccination record;

A health certificate for your pet/ESA/service animal;

A Visa card for intentional travel (when applicable).

If you are traveling to the US, please make sure to file your immigration form. JetBlue also has a useful Entry Documentation tool that you may want to check as you start preparing for your flight.

Please, keep in mind that when it comes to flying internationally with a service dog – you will be responsible for meeting the service dog requirements at the origin, transit, and arrival country. 

Other JetBlue Airways Pet Policies To Know

Please, keep in mind that a maximum of six pets are permitted per flight. Accommodation will be granted on a “first come first served” basis. Another important rule is that no pets/ESAs will be expected in JetBlue-Mint cabins. The Mint passenger cabin is JetBlues take on premium and first-class seating. If you are traveling with JetBlue-Mint and you are accompanied by a service dog please contact the airline after you book a flight.

JetBlue does not accept pets on flights to/from: Medellin, Colombia (MDE); Port of Spain; Trinidad & Tobago (POS); and U.K./Europe. Intentional passengers are encouraged to begin the animal import process at least 30 days prior to departure. If you bringing a dog from a high-risk country, please check the CDC regulations at least one month in advance. Pets are not accepted on interline/codeshare bookings (regardless of where or how the booking was made). 

JetBlue Airways is not going to transport any dogs and cats that appear unhealthy, are not accompanied by the appropriate entry permit or are younger than 6 months. Additionally, all dogs have to be microchipped for entry in the US. When you arrive at the airport, visit the full-service counter or speak with JetBlue staff in the self-service lobby so you can receive your JetPaws bag tag for your pet's carrier. 

You will need to present your animal to the TSA security officers at the security checkpoint. No animals will be moved through the X-ray machine. Customers traveling with pets are not going to be seated in an emergency exit row, bulkhead seat, or Mint seat. It is highly recommended you sit in a window or an aisle seat. Your pet will have to feature an ID tag on the carrier so they can be returned to you in case you are separated.

JetBlue Airways Pet Fees

You may book your pet online via your preferred web browser here or the JetBlue mobile app (Android app and iOS app). ESAs and pets can be added in the Extras section during your ticket booking. There is a pet fee of USD 125 each way. You will be expected to pay by card as you are booking your flight.

JetBlue Airways Breed Restrictions

Specifically, brachycephalic (or “snub-nosed”) breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and Shih Tzus are not permitted due to safety concerns. These breeds are prone to breathing issues, which can be exacerbated during flights. You should note that if there is an emergency your pet, ESA or service dog is not going to be supplied with their oxygen supply.

As mentioned above, no large dogs will be welcomed on the JetBlue flights. If you are not sure your dog will fit under the seat in front of you for the flight, please check the size restrictions for the aircraft scheduled for your route in advance. You may be offered to re-book your flight at no cost when a more suitable aircraft is available.

JetBlue Airways Pet Carrier Size Requirements

The airline invites passengers to check the size restrictions prior to booking a flight. You should take into account that only a pet carrier with the following dimensions is accepted: 16 in. L x 8.5 in. H x 10 in. W (43.18 cm L x 31.75 cm W x 21.59 cm H). Approximate weight is 2 lbs (about 1 kg). As mentioned above, you can buy a preapproved carrier at JFK T5. You can click here for a reference picture.

If you are bringing your carrier, make sure it is soft-sided, well-ventilated on at least three sides, and fits the size restrictions mentioned above.

FAQ

Can My Dog Sit on My Lap During a JetBlue Flight?

-They can if they are sufficiently small and approved to do so by the JetBlue crew on your flight. In general, the pets/ESAs are expected to remain in the kennel until you disembark the aircraft and leave the airport. You can call JetBlue Special Assistance at this phone number: +1 (855) 232-5463

Can JetBlue Ask for Proof of a Service Dog?

-The airline can ask you to show proof of completed training but you are not legally obligated to present one as long as you are doing a domestic flight. An evaluation can be done at the discretion of the JetBlue staff at the airport. Please, remember that when you are flying internationally on a connecting flight – you may be required by law to show a certificate for completed professional dog training depending on your route. 

Can JetBlue Airways Deny a Psychiatric Service Dog?

-Yes, they can. This usually happens based on the size of the dog as there are space limitations, the route you are taking as there are countries with strict rules when you are missing papers, and legitimate considerations for the health of the dog. Disruptive behavior from the dog at the airport can be grounds for refusing boarding too. Make sure your dog is properly trained.

Where to Call or Visit for More Information on JetBlue Airways Pet Policy?

-The pet travel policy is available at this address: https://www.jetblue.com/traveling-together/traveling-with-pets

The best way to reach the JetBlue support team is via the mobile app.

How to Alert JetBlue Airways You Will Be Bringing Your ESA/Pet/SA?

-You can do so after booking your flight and completing the US DOT Service Dog Application through Open Doors. You will have to use the mobile app (linked above) to reach the JetBlue support team or you can try this number: +1 (855) 232-5463