Delta Air Lines and JetBlue are the most recent major airlines to cut the collar and ban emotional support animals (ESAs) on flights.
Airlines cite the US Department of Transportation’s (DOT) final decision on the controversial topic of travel to make the change. Announced in December and effective on January 11, the DOT review of the Air Carrier Access Act declared that ESAs will no longer be considered service animals on flights, giving airlines the OK to ban them. Trained service dogs, however, are still welcome on board, with proof of proper registration.
The DOT revision to the Air Carrier Access Act is a game changer for policy and “ruff” news for some animal lovers.
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In the “ruff” news for some animal lovers, Delta and JetBlue will no longer accept new reservations for ESAs as of Monday. Carriers join Alaska Airlines and American Airlines to ban ESA travel.
In a statement, Delta applauded DOT for enabling airlines to put customer and crew safety first, citing an increasing number of incidents involving ESAs in recent years.
“Delta’s updated policy follows an almost 85% increase in animal incidents since 2016, including urinating, defecating and biting,” said David Garrison, senior vice president of Corporate Safety and Protection, in a press release. “Our top priority is the health, safety and comfort of Delta’s customers and our people. We strongly believe that this policy change will enhance the overall travel experience for everyone.”
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A JetBlue spokesman echoed similar sentiments, telling Fox News that as of Monday, ESAs will no longer be recognized as service animals by the airline.
“JetBlue is and has always been committed to serving customers who need assistance or accommodation, while maintaining a safe and comfortable experience for all customers and crew,” explained the representative. “Following the issuance of a new rule by the Department of Transportation … JetBlue will no longer accept emotional support animals for new travel reservations after that date.”
For travel booked with ESA until February 2021, the animal will be able to fly if all appropriate documentation has been submitted by December 20 of last year. In the future, customers who wish to fly with an ESA “will need to consider other options” for transit, such as changing the pet’s designation to a pet in the cabin, if it meets the carrier’s requirements.
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The subject of emotional support and service animals on planes was the main topic of travel news in 2018, after an emotional support peacock named Dexter and his owner were prevented from boarding a United Airlines flight. Months later, a French bulldog died in the sky after being placed in an upper compartment by a United flight attendant during the trip.
Thereafter, emotionally supportive cats, squirrels and hamsters continued to make headlines and create debates.