Anybody can get a letter saying their animal is a support animal. It's a total fraud. Google "who can certify a support animal" and the top listing is an ad for a site that says "ADA Compliant for Housing and Flying on Plane We Have Helped Thousands with their ESA. Get a Free ESA Vest With All Order Dec Holiday Special 24 Hour Service..."
If someone needs a support animal to fly, they shouldn't be flying.
I think if airlines would have better service for transporting pets, there wouldn't be so many of these. I know someone who got their dog certified as a support animal because they didn't want the dog in the hold on a flight to Europe.
Agreed. A nice minivan would work just fine.
In case of an emergency, these non-crated animals are a danger.
I see them as an improvised air bag in a crash situation.