Free Republic

The airline industry pushed for new rules to restrict emotional support animals, but advocates say such a major change is "discriminatory," "burdensome" and "unconscionable." Jan. 30 (UPI) -- The U.S. airline industry is praising a move by federal regulators that would allow carriers to disqualify untrained "emotional support animals" as service animals -- a change that could lead to airlines charging travelers who bring along their pets. Airlines are among the chief supporters of the proposed rule changes this month by the Department of Transportation. Federal officials began mulling the change over concerns from carriers, flight attendants, airports and some...

I love my three-legged cat — and believe me, emotional support goes both ways especially during both of our feeding times. But the Department of Transportation has it right in proposing to allow airlines to bar passengers from bringing their self-described “support animals” on-board flights. On Jan. 22, DOT proposed narrowing regulations to require only that airlines allow specially trained dogs on planes. This planned change has already drawn plenty of ire. A vocal minority of passengers will inevitably complain that they’re being targeted by the government. But these critics are all bark and no bite.

Flying in the mane cabin! Emotional support miniature HORSE is seen sitting on a passenger's lap on flight from Chicago to Omaha - before it's filmed trotting along through the airport Two separate Twitter users filmed a woman travelling on a the 1hr 30min American Airlines flight with her miniature pony on Thursday US Department of Transport has published new guidelines allowing passengers to bring the emotional support animals on domestic flights Airlines could now face fines if they block travelers from bringing the pets onto planes if they are designated as 'service animals' Traveling with 'emotional support animals' has...

Starting July 1, ferrets, goats and hedgehogs can no longer fly American Airlines, even if they’re support animals. They’re just three of a somewhat lengthy list of barred animals the airline has put out in response to an increase in customers transporting a service or support animal onboard their aircraft — more than 40 percent from 2016 to 2017. “We support the rights of customers, from veterans to people with disabilities, with legitimate needs for a trained service or support animal,” AA said in a statement. “Unfortunately, untrained animals can lead to safety issues for our team, our customers and...