JetBlue Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Rules & Animal Policy

Welcome to JetBlue Emotional Support Animal Rules & Animal Policy Summary

The Air Carrier Access Act has recently been updated, and with that, it’s important to understand that only fully trained service dogs are permitted in airplane cabins with their handler.

However, JetBlue in particular does allow small dogs and cats to travel in the cabin in an approved carrier – 20 pounds maximum weight for pet and carrier combined. This means smaller emotional support animals may potentially travel in the cabin in a carrier with their handler (but not as a service dog).

Does JetBlue allow emotional support animals?

JetBlue allows emotional support animals to fly in the cabin with their handler as a pet, and they must be in an approved carrier under the seat in front of you. The animal must be either a small dog or a cat. No other types of animals (besides service dogs) are accepted.

Do emotional support animals fly free on JetBlue?

Emotional support animals can fly on JetBlue as a pet, and the cost is $125 each way. The only types of animals that can fly in the cabin are small dogs and cats. Animals need to be in an FAA-approved pet carrier that will fit comfortably under the seat in front of you.

JetBlue Pet Policy

The pet fee is $125 each way
Pets can be added in the “Extras” section during booking
A maximum of two pets per traveler is allowed
Every pet must be in their own carrier
For a second pet, a second seat and pet fee must be paid
A total of six pets are allowed on each flight
It’s highly recommend to sit in a window or aisle seat
Pets are not accepted on interline/codeshare bookings
If you’re a TrueBlue member, you can earn 300 extra points per segment for adding a pet to your booking
Customers traveling with pets may not sit in an emergency exit row, bulkhead, Mint seat or any other seat that is restricted for under-seat stowage
Your pet must always remain inside the carrier while on board
Pet carriers need to be placed below the seat in front of you during taxi, and when the plane is taking-off as well as landing
You may hold the carrier on your lap during the flight
If you purchase an additional seat for your pet, then the pet carrier can be placed on the additional seat during the flight
Pet strollers are considered assistive devices. These can be checked at the ticket counter (there is no charge)
You may also gate-check your pet stroller if you prefer to keep it with you through the terminal
JetBlue accepts pets on all domestic flights
U.S. entry requirements vary based on the country of origin – if you don’t meet the requirements you may be denied entry, so a bit of homework is sometimes necessary before flying
For travel within the U.S., vaccination requirements vary from state to state. Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands require vaccination documentation for your animal
Animal owners are responsible for understanding the animal import requirements and gathering all the necessary documentation before traveling with an animal

TSA security screening

You will need to present your animal to the TSA security officers at the security checkpoint.

Pet carriers can be searched by airport security
You will be asked to hold your pet and pass through screening equipment while the carrier is inspected
Pets will not be placed through an x-ray machine
If you’re unable to hold your pet through the screening process, your animal will have to undergo a secondary screening, which may include a visual and physical inspection by security

How strict is JetBlue pet policy?

There are a few things to check before you can be confident you’re ready for a trip with JetBlue with your pet. JetBlue recommends:

You’ll need some necessary vaccinations and documentation
ID tags
Pet license
FAA-approved pet carrier (no larger than 17″ L x 12.5″ W x 8.5″ H or 43.18 cm L x 31.75 cm W x 21.59 cm H)
Pet treats and chews (pets ears can pop)
A favorite toy that has your scent
Pet supplies for the trip
A pre-flight workout for your pet

JetBlue Pet Carrier Requirements

When travelling with your pet, your pet and carrier will count as your carry-on item. Your animal must be able to stand up and move around inside the carrier.

Carriers cannot exceed 17″ L x 12.5″ W x 8.5″ H (43.18 cm L x 31.75 cm W x 21.59 cm H)
The combined weight of your pet and carrier cannot be more than 20 pounds
Carriers must have leak-proof bottoms
Carriers must be well ventilated
Soft-sided carriers are accepted
Hard-sided carriers are accepted
Any carrier that allows for a possible escape will not be accepted
Only one pet per carrier
Pet carriers may be purchased at the airport ticket counter for USD $55

Can an airline deny an emotional support animal?

Yes, airlines can deny emotional support animals in the cabin of the aircraft because they are not service dogs under the ACAA (Air Carrier Access Act). In the past, ESAs could fly in the cabin, but more recently, the ACAA has been updated to only include fully trained service dogs as eligible to fly in the cabin. ESAs can still travel as pets.

Under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) a 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.
U.S. Department of Transportation

Sam Nelson

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Sam is an experienced writer, advocate for people with disabilities and mental health, dog lover, artist, philosopher, and generally complicated human being.