The industry trade organization Airlines For America (A4A) is throwing its support behind a newly proposed rule from the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) and U.S Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao that would tighten the definition of the animals that would be allowed to accompany and assist passengers on flights.
The DOT is proposing limiting its definition of “service animal” to include only dogs trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.
The A4A has argued for months that the increased availability of fraudulent Emotional Support Animal credentials has enabled people who are not truly in need of animal assistance to abuse the rules and evade airline policies regarding animals in the cabin. This has led to an increase in incidents by untrained animals threatening the health and safety of passengers, crew and passengers with disabilities traveling with legitimate service animals, the organization says.
“Airlines want all passengers and crew to have a safe and comfortable flying experience, and we are confident the proposed rule will go a long way in ensuring a safer and healthier experience for everyone,” says Nicholas Calio, A4A president and CEO. “We commend Sec. Chao for her leadership providing the clarity travelers, employees and airlines need by ensuring only dogs trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities are allowed onboard aircraft.”
