American Airlines Announces New Support Animal Policy: Goats Not Allowed, Trained Mini Horses AreCBS DFW, May 14, 2018
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 working dogs onboard our aircraft.â€
Some of the changes include additional restrictions on animal types, including sugar gliders and snakes. American will now enforce the existing 48-hour advanced notice and pre-clearance policy for emotional support animals, but will have procedures in place for emergency travel booked within 48 hours of departure.
For people traveling with service animals on flights longer than 8 hours, documentation is required stating the animal won’t need to relieve itself or can do so in a way that doesn’t create a health or sanitation issue.
AA employees are trained to ask certain questions to determine the classification applicable to the animal.
Trained service animals are specifically trained to perform life functions for individuals with disabilities such as visual impairments, deafness, seizures and mobility impairments.
To travel with an emotional support and psychiatric service animal in the cabin, customers must contact the Special Assistance Desk with all required documentation at least 48 hours before their flight. Documentation validation includes AA contacting their mental health professional.
Read more:
http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2018/05/14/no-goats-allowed-on-american-airlines/
