NEWS
Alaska Airlines Banning all Emotional Support Animals from Flights
Source: Alaska Airlines
Beginning January 11, 2021, Alaska Airlines will no longer accept emotional support animals on any of its flights, making them one of the first major airlines to do so.
According to a statement from the airline, the decision was made “following recent changes to the Department of Transportation’s rules,” which, in part, said airlines can treat emotional support animals as pets, rather than service animals.
Earlier this month the DOT said it will no longer require airlines to make the same accommodations for emotional support animals as is required for trained service dogs. “Changes to the DOT rules came after feedback from the airline industry and disability community regarding numerous instances of emotional support animal misbehavior which caused injuries, health hazards, and damage to aircraft cabins,” Ray Prentice, director of customer advocacy at Alaska Airlines, said in a statement.
“This regulatory change is welcome news, as it will help us reduce disturbances on board, while continuing to accommodate our guests traveling with qualified service animals,” Prentice said.
Alaska Airlines will allow emotional support animals under its current policy for reservations booked prior to January 11, 2021, for flights through February 28, 2021, only.
