American Airlines is the next airline to change their rules on emotional support animals

American Airlines is the latest to change their rules for emotional support animals

Ever since the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) changed the rules on emotional support animals (ESAs), it was only a matter of time before airlines such as American Airlines changed their own rules. And now it seems that they are joining forces with Alaska Airlines to ban ESAs from their flights.

According to CNN, now that the DOT is not requiring airlines to treat ESAs like other service animals, it seems that American Airlines is changing their own rules and guidelines. Starting on Jan. 11, airlines can stop allowing service animals which the DOT defines as, “trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability,” from flying with their owners.

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And now it seems that rule is officially rolling out. According to American Airlines themselves they, “will no longer authorize new travel for animals that do not meet that definition, such as emotional support animals.”

After Jan. 11 emotional support animals will no longer be allowed on American Airlines

While an ESA might be prescribed by a trained medical professional, there is no formal training that is required. And that is where the issue comes in. Without formal training, these animals do not fall under the guidelines of service animals.

Beginning on Feb. 1 passengers flying with American Airlines will be required to fill out and submit a DOT form for travel with their service animals. And anyone who had already booked a flight with their ESAs will still be able to do so through the rest of January.

The DOT form that airline passengers fill out will generate an authorization for their service animal which will be valid for up to a year or as long as all of the animals vaccinations are current, whichever comes first.

American Airlines is the second airline to change their rules regarding ESAs following the DOT’s guideline change and they will likely not be the last.

Are you surprised by this news? Which airline do you think will change their rules next? Tell us in the comments.