DALLAS (AP) – Emotional support animals are also no longer free to roam the Southwest Airlines cabin.
The airline said Monday that it will allow passengers to bring trained service dogs in the cabin, but will no longer accept support animals as of March 1.
Customers wishing to bring a dog or cat on board as a pet must pay a fee, and the animal must be kept in a carrier that fits under the plane’s seat.
The move follows a decision by the Department of Transportation to reverse a year-long regulation and allow airlines to ban animals that owners say provide emotional support. Airlines said some passengers had abused the old rules to avoid pet fees.
Southwest is the last of the country’s six largest airlines change your animal policy after the Department of Transportation action.