Your ESA can still fly, just now as a pet. For domestic pets to fly in-cabin, there is a $125 service charge each way on United Airlines. If you have stopovers within the US for more than four hours, there may be an additional cost of $125.

In 2026, the cost to bring an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) on a plane is the same as the cost of a standard pet, as major airlines no longer recognize ESAs as service animals. Following Department of Transportation (DOT) rule changes that went into effect a few years ago, only trained service dogs (specifically for physical or psychiatric disabilities) are allowed to fly for free in the cabin. If you wish to bring your ESA on a domestic U.S. flight, you must typically pay a "pet in cabin" fee, which currently ranges from $95 to $150 per flight segment on airlines like Delta, United, and American. The animal must be small enough to fit inside a carrier that remains under the seat in front of you. If the animal is too large for a carrier, it must be transported as "cargo" or "checked baggage" (where available), which can cost between $200 and $400. It is essential to note that some international carriers have even stricter rules, and "short-nosed" breeds are often prohibited entirely due to health risks. Always check your specific airline’s 2026 pet policy before booking.