Do Airlines Allow Emotional Support Animals in the UK?

Amy Roberts, Founder @ ESA Registry UK | 22th March 2025 | hello@esaregistry.co.uk

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are pets that help people feel calmer and less anxious. They offer comfort, company, and support for mental health. In some countries, ESAs are allowed to fly in the cabin of a plane without extra fees or special training. But what about the UK? Can you take your ESA on a flight here? Let’s take a closer look.

Can You Fly with an ESA in the UK?

Maybe.

Emotional support animals are not legally recognised in the UK or explicitly protected under the Equality Act 2010, and most airlines do not treat them the same as trained assistance or service dogs. This means ESAs usually aren’t usually allowed to travel in the cabin for free or receive any special treatment. However, some airlines may be willing to make exceptions out of consideration for your wellbeing.

Usually, ESAs are treated like regular pets and must follow standard airline specific pet travel rules. Since there’s no legal requirement in the UK for airlines to make special allowances for ESAs, any support or flexibility is completely up to the individual airline.

How Do UK Airlines Handle Pet Travel?

If you want to take your ESA on a flight from the UK, we recommend you contact your airline well in advance to clarify their policy on emotional support animals. If they do not recognise ESAs, then you will likely have to follow follow the airline’s rules for travelling with pets.

Here’s how general airline pet policies usually work:

In the cabin: Some airlines let small pets travel in the cabin on short flights, but they must stay in a special pet carrier under the seat. You’ll usually have to pay a fee for this.
In the cargo hold: Bigger animals usually have to travel in the cargo hold as “checked pets.” You’ll need to arrange this before your flight and fill out some extra paperwork.
Fees and documents: Airlines usually charge a fee for pets, and you might need to show health and vaccination records.

Always check with the airline before booking, as rules can change and you may need to be flexible based on what they allow.

Do Any Airlines Make Exceptions?

Some international airlines flying to or from the UK may have different policies. For example:

✈️ Top Tip: When booking your flight, it’s a good idea to explain why your ESA matters to you. Some airlines might make small changes to help, but it’s not promised. Being polite, ready, and flexible can make a big difference. Airline rules can be strict, so plan ahead and have a backup plan just in case.

How to Explain Your Need for an ESA to your Airline

Although most airlines in the UK do not recognise emotional support animals, they may be more willing to make accommodations if provided with supporting evidence. Some of the most common forms of supporting evidence include:

Doctor's Letter: Providing a letter from a doctor or therapist may help explain your need for an ESA to your airline and help them make adjustments to accommodate you.
ESA Registry Membership: Membership documents such as an ID card and membership certificate can help explain the role your ESA plays in supporting your mental wellbeing.
Cover Letter: A cover letter written by you, explaining the importance of having your ESA with you may help the airline understand.

Specific Airline Policies for ESAs in the UK

Each UK airline has its own rules regarding emotional support animals (ESAs). Below is a summary of how the major carriers handle ESA travel:

1. British Airways

British Airways does not currently accept emotional support dogs for travel in the cabin. However, they may travel as pets under the airline’s standard pet travel policy.

2. Jet2

Jet2 only permits registered assistance dogs on board. There is no provision for emotional support animals in their current policy.

3. EasyJet

easyJet allows assistance dogs trained by accredited organisations. Emotional support animals and pets are not permitted on their flights as per their policy.

4. Ryanair

Ryanair clearly states that emotional support or therapy dogs not recognised as assistance dogs are not allowed to travel with them. You can read more about their specific policy here.

5. Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic permits accredited assistance dogs in the cabin. All other animals, including ESAs, must travel under their pet policy.

What does the UK Civil Aviation Authority Say?

In the UK, emotional support animals (ESAs) are not legally recognised as assistance animals. According to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), only trained assistance dogs — such as guide or hearing dogs — are allowed to travel in the cabin under disability rights laws.

This means airlines in the UK do not have to accept ESAs in the cabin. ESAs are usually treated like regular pets and must follow the airline’s standard pet travel rules. CAA guidance states, “Airlines are not required to accept emotional support animals, as these are not recognised as assistance animals under UK law.”

Some airlines may still make exceptions as a gesture of goodwill, but this is entirely up to them.

Tips for Travelling with Your Pet or ESA

Even though ESAs don’t usually get special accommodations when flying from the UK, there are still things you can do to make the trip easier for you and your companion:

Book early: Many airlines will have a limited space for pets on each flight, so arranging this well in advance is a good idea.
Choose direct flights: This can massively reduces stress levels and avoids any hassle that occurs as part of changing planes.
Visit the vet: Make sure your pet is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations and carry evidence with you when you fly.
Use a sturdy carrier: Choose a comfortable, airline-approved carrier for cabin or cargo travel.

What If You're Moving or Travelling Long-Term?

If you’re travelling for a long time or moving to another country with your ESA, it’s a good idea to plan ahead. Some countries have different rules and may be more accepting of ESAs than the UK.

Check the rules at your destination: Places like the US or Canada may offer more support for ESAs, especially if you have the right documents.
Get your paperwork ready: Even if ESAs aren’t officially recognised, a letter from a doctor or registry membership documents explaining why your ESA helps you can be useful.
Check pet travel rules: Your pet might need vaccines, a microchip, or even a short stay in quarantine, depending on the country.

How We Can Help You When Flying with your ESA

At ESA Registry UK, we’re not just a place to register your emotional support animal — we’re here to help you every step of the way. We care about the positive impact ESAs have on people’s lives and want to make sure you feel supported and understood.

We’ve worked with numerous ESA owners across the UK and Europe, often helping with issues like air travel. Our goal is to make things simple, provide support when needed, and help more people understand how emotional support animals play a big role in mental health and well-being.

What You Get When You Register with ESA Registry UK

When you join us, we provide you with a personalised ESA ID membership card, and an official certificate of membership. You can use these documents to help explain to airlines the important role your little companion plays in supporting your mental health, and demonstrate that you are a proactive and responsible ESA handler.

However, joining us isn’t just about getting paperwork — it’s about being part of a caring community of people who truly understand the bond between you and your emotional support animal. You’ll be connected with others who value the comfort and support ESAs bring to everyday life.

A Passionate Community

At ESA Registry UK, we’re a team of dedicated ESA owners, volunteers, and supporters who all share one goal: making sure emotional support animals are seen, valued, and understood. We’re here to offer guidance, raise awareness, and stand beside you as you navigate life with your ESA.

Whether you need help with registration, want advice on pet-friendly housing or travel, or simply want to be part of a community that gets it — we’ve got your back. Every emotional support animal deserves recognition, and we’re here to support you at every stage.

If you’re ready to get started, why not register your emotional support animal in the UK with us today?

Wrapping Up

While Emotional Support Animals can be life-changing for many people, UK airlines do not always allow them the same right as assistance or service dogs.

Hopefully, the rules will become more supportive in the future. For now, it’s important to plan ahead, provide supporting documents and negotiate with your airline to help make the journey as smooth and stress-free as possible for you and your special companion.

Join us today, all from comfort of your home — fast, simple, and worry-free.

hello@esaregistry.co.uk

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