It’s been a crazy (and not so wonderful) time for pet owners bringing their beloved animals on commercial flights. First, there was the emotional support peacock. Then there was the dog who died on a United Airlines flight earlier this year, after the cabin crew made the French Bulldog’s owner keep him in an overhead bin.
Now airlines are changing the protocols for handling animals (both service and emotional support) on flights. Southwest, for example, has made its rules more clear and concise to ensure both the safety of its animal passengers and cooperation from its human travelers.
Beginning September 17, service animals on Southwest Airlines will be limited to dogs, cats, and miniature horses. Exotic animals are now banned. Emotional support animals will be limited to just dogs and cats, with travelers only allowed one emotional support pet per flight. To top it off, travelers must have proper documentation from a doctor stating that the animal is in fact used for emotional support, while only needing to give “credible verbal assurance” that your pet is a trained service animal. As expected, service and support animals will be denied boarding if they are disruptive.
Steve Goldberg, senior vice president of operations and hospitality for the airline, hopes the guidelines will be met with understanding and acceptance. “We welcome emotional support and trained service animals that provide needed assistance to our customers,” Goldberg said in a statement. “However, we want to make sure our guidelines are clear and easy to understand while providing customers and employees a comfortable and safe experience.”
The basic rules for traveling with a pet are the same, whether you’re using Southwest Airlines or any other air carrier. Pets must be up to date on their vaccinations and must be kept in an appropriate carrier that can be stowed under the seat in front of the owner. Pets are also admitted on a first-come, first-served basis, with a capacity of six animals total per flight. Lastly, pets must have their own ticket and go through security.
Photo by Carlos Yudica / Shutterstock.com