We’re getting to that time of year when cross-country travel picks up—and so do complaints about airlines. As we get close to Thanksgiving, new stories are coming out of airlines turning away ESAs and service dogs. Let’s look at two over this week’s emotional support animal news report.
Owners in Tears After Dogs Rejected from Flights
JetBlue has come under fire over its treatment of two disabled passengers. The travelers tried to board separate flights with their service dogs but were told they couldn’t board. Despite both showing proof that the dogs were not pets but professionally trained service dogs, airline staff wouldn’t budge.
Brian Roberts was one of those passengers. He told media outlets that airline staff asked him intrusive questions about his disability. Because he didn’t want to divulge such personal information, he was forced to board a flight with a different airline—which didn’t have any issue with Roberts’s service dog.
Alicia Williams is the other traveler who also had problems flying with JetBlue last week. She showed a representative her dog’s training certificate but was told “I’m sorry, you’re not clear to fly today, that’s not a real service dog.” She ended up boarding a later flight with JetBlue, who apologized for the delay.
These two stories have sparked conversations about what it’s like traveling with ESAs and service dogs since rules became much tighter earlier this year.
Source: nbcboston.com
Traveling with an ESA: Crash Course
Since the beginning of 2021, emotional support animals are no longer covered by the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). That means airlines don’t have to welcome ESAs aboard free of charge. Emotional support animals now have to follow the same rules that pets do—even though they’re not technically pets.
Before you travel with your support buddy, make sure to read up on the airline’s pet policy. You will likely have to pay a pet fee to travel with your pooch. On top of that, if your dog is too big, they may have to travel in the cargo hold. Even if they’re small, you need to warn the airline you’ll be traveling with a pet, or else they may not have enough room in the cabin.
Service dogs are a different story. They are still protected by the ACAA, which gives them and their owners rights that pets and ESAs don’t have. For starters, they don’t have to pay a pet fee to travel nor do they have to stay inside a pet carrier. All airlines must provide reasonable accommodation for these dogs.
CertaPet’s Thoughts on This Week’s News
A lot has changed about ESA travel since this time last year. While we do agree that ESAs and service dogs should go through stricter screening, the way airlines changed the rules isn’t fair. This holiday season, people with mental illnesses will have a hard time traveling with their companions. However, because the rules are the rules, there is little disabled people can do but comply. Knowing your rights as a pet owner and reading up on the airline’s policies is sure to make travel less turbulent.
If you’re living with mental health problems, an emotional support animal could be a great addition to your life. These loving animals can help you cope with your symptoms so you can live a happier, fuller life. To start the process, take our 5-minute pre-screening test for free. A licensed mental health professional will meet with you and, if you qualify, issue your ESA letter.