Emotional support animals are now officially banned from all American Airlines flights and will only allow trained service dogs starting on Feb.1.
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American Airlines made the announcement on Tuesday and trained service dogs will be able to fly free of charge. However, passengers who are traveling with their service dogs must submit a form listing the dog’s health condition, training, and temperament as reported by ABC News. Non-service trained animals will only be allowed to fly in the cargo hold or a kennel that fits under a passenger seat for a pet fee starting at $125.
‘Starting February 1, 2021, only trained service animals can fly in the cabin and you’ll need to complete and submit the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Service Animal Air Transportation form before your trip. If you’re traveling with an animal that doesn’t qualify as a trained service animal, it may be transported as a pet.’
The airline’s President of Cargo Jessica Tyler said the decision was made to help passengers with service animals and to protect employees.
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Alaska Airlines made a similar decision a few days ago and it is expected that other airlines will follow suit.