Alaska Airlines will no longer accept emotional support animals on flights following updates made to regulations by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). This change will go into effect starting Jan. 11, 2021.
The DOT announced in early December that airlines will no longer be required to accommodate emotional support animals and transport service dogs in the same way. Due to this, Alaska Airlines will only accept service dogs—which are trained specifically to aid those who are disabled—into the plane’s cabin.
The organization decided to move forward with this change after receiving negative feedback with regards to the disruptive and potentially hazardous behavior caused by a number of emotional support animals.
Alaska Airlines will therefore accept a maximum of two service dogs per guest, including dogs specializing in psychiatric services. Passengers seeking to travel with said service dog will need to complete the required form at the company’s website.
Applications for service dogs must be submitted via email for flights booked more than 48 hours prior to takeoff. Those booked less than that time period must be submitted to a Customer Service Agent upon arrival at the airport.
All service dogs must be trained, vaccinated, and deemed legitimate prior to flights.
“This regulatory change is welcome news, as it will help us reduce disturbances onboard while continuing to accommodate our guests traveling with qualified service animals,” stated Director of Customer Advocacy at Alaska Airlines, Ray Prentice.
Those who have booked flights prior to the Jan. 11 date for flights on or before Feb 28, 2021 will be still be allowed to bring their emotional support animals on board.
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