Last week Alaska Airlines was the first airline to ban emotional support dogs under a new Department of Transportation (DOT) ruling. This week United, American, Delta, Frontier, Jetblue, Spirit, Allegiant have joined in banning the companion cabin animals. Currently only Southwest Airlines, Sun Country and Air Canada are accepting emotional support animals.
Southwest Airlines says it applauded the new DOT rule that “permits common-sense limits on the transport of animals in the aircraft cabin.” But the airline, now the world’s largest , says that as of now, “Our Emotional Support Animals policy has not changed. Southwest will announce this year any changes and timelines for those changes to our policies.”
The airlines that are barring Emotional Support Animals (ESA) say they are simply reacting to the DOT rules change which limits support animals in the cabin to trained service animals, such as guide dogs for the blind. United says, “This change will further ensure a safe and accessible travel experience for our customers.”
In reality, the airlines themselves pushed for the change over the last year. The airlines, led by their lobbying organization, Airlines For America, did a concerted job of turning public opinion against emotional service animals and their owners, who supposedly brought aboard “comfort turkeys, gliding possums, snakes, spiders, and more.”
For most airlines, the new no-fly policy for ESAs started on January 11, although previously booked animals will be allowed to fly through February. United says, “Our new policy goes into effect on Jan. 11 and – beginning Feb. 1 – United passengers will be asked to complete a DOT-authorized form prior to travel that confirms their service animal’s training, health and certification.”
A Change.org petition has nearly a thousand signatures. Signer Kay G. wrote, “The fact that many people joke about the seriousness of how this will affect DISABLED travelers is barbaric. Our ESA IS PART OF OUR MEDICAL TREATMENT PLAN.” (ESA owners typically need to get a certifying letter from a medical professional.)
With Southwest Airlines apparently still a holdout, and with advocates threatening lawsuits, will the ban on emotional support animals stick? One thing is for sure; COVID-19 lockdowns have bonded owners and animals even more tightly. When people start traveling, they won’t want to go without their canine companions.
We are hopeful that Southwest Airlines will maintain their position to accept emotional support animals on their flights, they have always had the most fun atmosphere in the airline sector. Considering the amount of travelers in 2019 that flew with ESA’s it may be a good financial decision for South West. Other airlines charge about $100 each way to fly your pet in the cabin, this could be a huge win for SW.
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I think it is very Unfortunate that these airlines do not accept ESA’s as Service animals. Those of us that have an ESA have it for a reason! Flying without it can arise fears in us and start unwarranted anxieties that we Do Not need on our trip! Please respect us and reconsider your ban!!
I think it is Very Unfortunate that Southwest airlines does not accept ESA’s as Service animals. Those of us that have an ESA have it for a reason! Flying without it can arise fears in us and start unwarranted anxieties that we Do Not need on our trip! Please respect us and reconsider your ban. Thank you
I don’t ordinarily fly but I will definitely fly with an airline that allows my ESA to fly with me. I have mental problems that my small dog helps me with. I would not be comfortable flying without her.
I agree that some people take advantage of the ESA law but then they make it hard for people like me who really need their ESA animals with them.
Someone should find a way to adjust the law to stop the idiots from taking advantage of the law.
Get her trained as a medical support dog if she helped you with anxiety or mental illness problems she will be accepted as a medical support dog along with a letter from your psychiatrist source psychologist.
Well, I was just enquiring about which airline would support a traveler bringing an emotional support dog on board, yes or no. But reading down further, I believe it said that the flyer would be able to bring his or her support animal onboard when they prepared for the flight by going to a mental health provider who would write out a letter of support for the mental health patient. I’m hoping this is correct? Thank you
Thank God for Southwest! I always fly with them. I’ve flown with my ESA dog several times.
Love u guys
I wish to fly again but have severe anxiety problems and see under a psychiatrist care. He is willing to give me a letter for my anxiety and ptsd problem. I have a chihuahua which I would like to be able to fly in the cabin with me otherwise my anxiety and stress will be very severe and prevents me from flying. Will a letter from my psychiatrist be sufficient and allow me to fly in a Airline suitable carrying case for my dog to accompany me? I am very confused as to what I need to make this happen. Please help. Sincerely
I suffer from panic attacks, anxiety & other mental problems..I need my girl with me @ all times..She has been my emotional support for 11 years. All airlines should accept our babies on board with us. They also suffer from anxiety & panic when put in the baggage areas.