DALLAS (AP) – American Airlines is banning emotional support animals in a move that will force most owners to pay more if they want their animals to travel with them.
The airline said Tuesday that it will allow animals to enter the cabin free of charge only if they are trained service dogs. The change takes effect on Monday, although passengers who have already purchased tickets can fly with a pet until February 1.
The move follows a similar decision by Alaska Airlines and will likely be copied by other operators. The US Department of Transportation paved the way for repression against pet animals last month.
American said passengers with service dogs will need to complete a government form attesting to the dog’s health, training and temperament.
Other animals, including dogs not trained as service dogs, will only be able to fly in the cargo hold or in a kennel that fits under a cabin seat. Either way, American will charge a pet fee ranging from $ 125 to several hundred dollars.
Jessica Tyler, president of cargo for American, said the rules will help passengers with service animals and protect employees on planes and airports.
The number of passengers flying with pets has grown rapidly in recent years, with some saying the animals have helped them overcome anxiety and other problems. Passengers only needed a ticket from a health professional, and a homemade industry has emerged to provide these tickets, along with vests and other accessories for their animals.
Airlines, and in particular flight attendants, take a more critical view, saying passengers are exploiting a loophole in federal regulations to avoid pet fees. In some cases, including some involving serious injuries, pets bitten other passengers.
Last month, the Department of Transportation resolved the issue, mainly supporting airlines. According to the report, carriers can ban any animals except dogs formally trained to help people with physical or psychological disabilities.
The department estimates that, under the new rules, airlines will raise $ 59.6 million a year in pet fees.
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David Koenig can be contacted at www.twitter.com/airlinewriter