Southwest Airlines Latest to Ban Emotional Support Animals

Southwest Airlines said Monday that it would no longer accept any emotional support animals on its flights.

The action follows new Department of Transportation rules that require the airline only to transport service animals.

The new policy will go into effect on March 1, 2021.

Service dogs are specially trained animals that perform specific tasks for a disabled individual.

In a statement, Southwest said that the change will “address numerous concerns raised by the public and airline employees regarding the transport of untrained animals in the cabins of aircraft.”

Only dogs will be allowed to fly as service animals, the airline emphasized, underscoring the fact that no other species will be accepted as a trained service animal.

Passengers will be required to complete a Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form at the gate or ticket counter on their day of travel in order to be allowed to take a service animal on a flight.

(Photo: Accura Media Group)