With planning, air travel with your assistance dog can be straightforward. Airlines have specific requirements to ensure the safety, comfort and wellbeing of all passengers and crew on board.
Understanding what is involved and preparing early will help avoid delays, disruptions
or disappointment on the day of travel.
Start planning early
Airlines are responsible for deciding if an assistance dog meets the necessary requirements for travel in their aircraft cabin. All passengers, including veterans, need to work directly with airlines, allowing plenty of time before flights. It’s important to be aware that the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) does not have authority to approve assistance dogs to fly or intervene in airline decisions.
If you intend to fly with your assistance dog in the aircraft cabin, you must contact your airline well before your travel date. Airlines require advance notice to consider requests and provide approval to fly. Flights for assistance dogs cannot be arranged at the airport on the day of departure.
The approval process can take several days and may take longer if additional information is required.
You should also check the airline’s website or speak directly with their team to understand their specific requirements, as these can vary between airlines and aircraft types.
Make sure your assistance dog meets airline requirements
Airlines assess whether an assistance dog is suitable to travel in the cabin. Requirements vary between airlines, but generally your dog must:
- be trained to assist with your disability
- be calm, well behaved and under effective control at all times
- be able to remain safely at your feet for the duration of the flight
- be healthy and fit to travel
- hold a current Public Access Test (PAT).
Some airlines may also apply size, weight or space restrictions depending on the aircraft being used.
Meeting these requirements is essential. Even where a dog is an approved assistance animal, airlines may refuse cabin travel if they are not satisfied that safety, behavioural or health requirements have been met.
Accreditation can make the process easier
If your dog was trained through a recognised assistance dog organisation or accredited provider, airlines can often verify training and public access standards more easily. However, accreditation is not the only pathway.
Veterans with owner-trained or independently trained assistance dogs may still be able to travel with their dog in the cabin, but airlines will generally require additional evidence. This may include:
- documentation outlining your dog’s training
- evidence of public access and behavioural standards
- confirmation from a health professional that you require the assistance dog
- veterinary records confirming your dog is healthy and suitable for travel.
The more complete your documentation is, the smoother the assessment process is likely to be.
Bookings and seating arrangements
Airlines will generally provide space for an approved assistance dog to travel alongside you in the cabin at no additional cost.
However, airlines may limit the number of assistance animals permitted on a flight. Approval from the airline must be obtained before booking your flight as availability cannot always be guaranteed.
If you have specific seating requirements, discuss these with the airline as early as possible.
Preparing for the day of travel
Before heading to the airport:
- carry all documentation provided to, or approved by, the airline
- keep a copy of your airline approval (e.g. email confirmation) and have it accessible during your journey
- ensure your dog is clearly identifiable as an assistance dog, such as through a harness or vest
- plan ahead for feeding, hydration, toileting and exercise
- allow extra time for check-in and airport processes
- follow all instructions provided by airline staff.
It is particularly important to plan ahead for toileting. Assistance dog relief areas are available in many international and domestic airport terminals. Before travelling, check the websites of the airports you will pass through to understand what facilities are available and where they are located.
If you are travelling through smaller airports without designated facilities, plan to use appropriate outdoor areas before arriving at the airport.
A well-prepared journey can make the experience more comfortable for both you and your assistance dog.
If requirements aren’t met
It is important to understand that airlines can refuse cabin travel if approval has not been granted or required documentation is missing.
In some circumstances, an assistance dog may not be permitted to board the aircraft at all. This can result in significant travel disruption, including missed flights or the need to make alternative arrangements.
For this reason, it is always better to confirm requirements early and ensure all documentation has been provided well before your departure date.
Top tips for a smooth trip
✔ contact the airline as soon as you start planning your travel
✔ check the airline’s assistance animal requirements carefully (including on their website)
✔ ensure your Public Access Test and other documentation are current
✔ submit complete information the first time to avoid delays
✔ speak with your assistance dog provider or trainer if you need help preparing your application.
Airlines recognise the important role assistance dogs play in supporting independence and wellbeing. Taking the time to prepare early will give you the best chance of a smooth and stress-free journey.