Continuing a push by airlines to restrict the presence of animals among passengers, American Airlines starting next month will allow passengers to travel only with a single emotional support animal, which must be a dog or cat.
Restrictions will not be as tight, though, for service animals, which unlike support animals must have specialized training. American said it would allow dogs, cats and — in certain cases — miniature horses, if they are service animals.
Support animals and service animals must also be at least four months old, since younger animals typically have not received vaccinations needed to protect other passengers and employees, American said. Passengers with support animals must also submit a health form documenting the animal’s immunizations, signed by a veterinarian.
“The goal of these changes is to protect customers who have a legitimate need as well as the team members who work every day to keep all customers safe,” the airline said.
American’s new rules will go into effect on flights starting April 1.
Passengers who pay to travel with a pet can still bring younger animals, since they must remain in a kennel that fits under an airplane seat and aren’t as likely to interact with other travelers or crew members, American spokeswoman Leslie Scott said.
Airlines have been tightening the rules for emotional support animals over the past year, expanding lists of animals that can’t fly and requiring passengers vouch for their animal’s ability to behave.
United Airlines, for example, adopted restrictions on the types of support and service animals it allows on board this year, as well as the four-month age limit. The move followed one passenger’s attempt last year to travel with an emotional support peacock named Dexter.
And Delta Air Lines announced restrictions late last year, banning emotional support animals on flights longer than eight hours, and prohibiting all animals under four months of age. It cited an attack by an emotional support dog on one of its passengers last year.
Federal laws require airlines to permit passengers with disabilities to travel with service and emotional support animals in the cabin. Unlike pets, service and support animals fly at no added fee. But last year the Department of Transportation indicated it was open to some additional restrictions, including limiting passengers to a single support animal or requiring documentation of vaccination or training.
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