If you plan to fly with an animal on Allegiant, there are some major changes to be aware of that went into effect in 2021. As a result of regulatory changes from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Allegiant Airlines no longer accepts emotional support animals on flights.
Allegiant will, however, continue to allow psychiatric service dogs to board the cabin of airplanes free of charge. There is a new process for psychiatric service dog owners to be aware of before booking your flights.
If your animal does not qualify as a service animal, it may be able to board the cabin for a fee if it is a small dog or cat that can fit in a carrier. Whether you have a service dog or pet, this article will provide a helpful guide to flying with your animal on Allegiant.
Good News! All airlines still accept Psychiatric Service Dogs on all flights.
If you are interested in a Psychiatric Service Dog Letter, we are happy to connect you with a licensed healthcare provider so they may assist you.
(Disclaimer: The information below is for educational purposes and should be confirmed directly with the airline. ESADoctors.com is not associated or affiliated with this airline or any of their subsidiaries.)
Allegiant Air Psychiatric Service Dog Policy
Psychiatric Service Dog Qualification
Under the latest D.O.T. rules, Allegiant will continue to accept psychiatric service dogs on flights, free of charge. A psychiatric service dog is a dog that has been trained to perform tasks relating to the owner’s psychiatric disability. Psychiatric service dogs assist with similar conditions that ESA owners suffer from, but the big difference is that emotional support animals do not require any specialized training.
A licensed healthcare professional can help determine whether you meet the relevant criteria for having a disability eligible for a psychiatric service dog. If you qualify, they can issue a PSD letter to you that provides documentation for your condition. It is important to note, however, that a dog is not considered a service dog until it has been fully trained to perform its task or job relating to the handler’s mental or emotional disability.
Documentation Requirements
To fly with a psychiatric service dog, the handler needs to submit a special form to Allegiant before their flight which can be downloaded at this link:
The form requires the handler to self-certify that they have a service dog that has been trained to perform tasks relating to their disability. The form requires the name of the dog’s trainer (which can be the owner or handler) and veterinarian (but the vet’s signature is not required).
Passengers on Allegiant are required to email the form to ACAA@Allegiantair.com at least 48 hours prior to their departure. Alternatively, passengers can mail the completed form to the following address: Allegiant Travel Company, Attn: ACAA Team, P.O. Box 371477, Las Vegas, NV 89137. In addition, you should keep a copy of the form to present to Allegiant staff at the ticket or gate counter for verification.
If you book a flight within 48 hours of departure, you can present the form along with your service dog to an Allegiant representative at the airport. Allegiant recommends planning to arrive at least 2 hours before departure to ensure the animal verification process is completed on time.
On Board the Flight
Whether they are a service animal or a pet, all animals on a flight must be well-behaved at the gate and during the flight. An animal that is being disruptive, aggressive, or poses a threat to the health and safety of other passengers can be banned from a flight. Examples of disruptive behaviors include growling, snarling, biting, attempting to bite, acting aggressively, or running around.
Psychiatric service dogs must be able to occupy the handler’s foot space with no encroachment on a neighboring passenger’s foot space or into the aisle.
Here are some other rules to be mindful of when flying with a psychiatric service dog on Allegiant:
- Passengers are limited to 2 fully-trained service animals.
- The dog must remain on the floor, under the seat, or can be in the passenger’s lap if the dog is no larger than a two-year-old child and less than approximately 30 pounds.
- Animals are not allowed to occupy a seat.
- Service dogs must be in the handler’s control at all times and be securely harnessed, leashed, or tethered to the passenger.
How to Get your Psychiatric Service Dog Letter from ESA Doctors
Your ESA may qualify as a PSD
Allegiant Policy for Pets
If your animal does not qualify as a psychiatric service dog, it may be able to fly in the cabin as a normal pet. Allegiant allows dogs and cats to board if they can be transported in a carrier that is no larger than 9” H x 16” W x 19” D. A passenger can have no more than two pets in one carrier (and they must be able to comfortably fit in the carrier).
A non-refundable fee of $50 each way per pet carrier applies for all pets. Each passenger is limited to one pet carrier. There are some other rules to be aware of when it comes to flying with pets in the cabin on Allegiant:
- All pets must be at least 8 weeks old.
- The pet must remain completely in the carrier while at the airport and during the flight.
- The carrier must be stowed on the floor during take-off and landing.
- Pets must be harmless, non-disruptive, and odorless.
- If you are traveling with a pet, you should check in with an Allegiant agent at the ticket counter or gate at least 1 hour prior to departure.
Final Thoughts
Allegiant will gladly accept your service dog or pet if you can meet their conditions. It can be helpful to confirm their policies when you book your flight, as airlines do from time to time update their rules. Whether you have a service dog or pet, the key to a smooth flight is making sure you have notified the airline in advance and submitted the required documentation and fees to them well before your departure.
If you’re seeking to qualify for a psychiatric service dog, ESA Doctors can put you in touch with a healthcare professional licensed for your state. They can assess whether you meet the criteria for having an ADA and ACAA disability for purposes of owning a service dog. The process is convenient, confidential, and done remotely, so you don’t have to leave your home. Just click on the link below today to get started.
Qualify for a Psychiatric Service Dog Letter Online
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