What airlines, hotels, and carriers currently require — and where your letter still protects you.
Flying out of Michigan with your animal? The rules differ sharply between ESAs and psychiatric service dogs — here’s what airlines currently require.
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County is Michigan’s hub; Gerald R. Ford International serves the west side of the state.
Since the U.S. Department of Transportation’s 2021 rule change, airlines may treat emotional support animals as pets: expect a pet fee, an under-seat carrier for small animals, and cargo restrictions for larger ones. Policies differ by airline, so check yours before booking out of Michigan.
A psychiatric service dog still flies in the cabin free of charge. Carriers can require the DOT Service Animal Transportation Form — an attestation of training and behavior, usually due 48 hours before departure — and the dog must stay within your foot space, under control.
Trains, buses, and hotels follow the ADA, which covers service animals rather than ESAs — so pet rules can apply. Your ESA letter still matters where you’ll live: short-term rentals, sublets, and leases at your Michigan destination remain covered by the Fair Housing Act.
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Task-trained psychiatric service dogs still fly free in the cabin. Airlines may require the U.S. DOT Service Animal Transportation Form, typically submitted 48 hours before departure.
Hotels are public accommodations under the ADA, which covers service animals — not ESAs — so pet policies and fees can apply. Many Michigan hotels are pet-friendly; confirm before booking.
It remains essential for housing at your destination — short-term rentals and leases — and some carriers and hosts voluntarily accommodate documented ESAs, but it doesn’t create a legal right to fly.
Treat it as pet travel — reserve early since cabin pet slots sell out, check your airline’s carrier rules, and expect a fee in each direction.
Yes — destination-country animal import rules apply on top of airline policy, and several countries require advance permits or quarantine.
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