Department officials said in a briefing with
reporters that they are proposing the changes
to ensure safety on flights. They also said some
passengers have abused the current rules.
The public will have 60 days to comment on the
proposed changes, and they could take effect
any time after that.
The Transportation Department proposes a
narrow definition of a service animal — it would
be a dog that is trained to help a person with a
physical or other disability. Currently, passengers
have been allowed to bring many other animals
if they have a medical professional’s note saying
they need the animal for emotional support.
The proposal would prohibit airlines from
banning particular types of dog breeds — Delta
Air Lines bans pit bulls, for example – but airline
employees could refuse to board any animal
that they consider a threat to other people.
It would also bar the current practice by many
airlines of requiring animal owners to fill out
paperwork 48 hours in advance. A department
official said that practice can harm disabled
people by preventing them from bringing their
service dog on last-minute trips.
The proposal would also end the rarely seen
use of miniature horses as service animals,
although a Transportation Department official
indicated the agency is open to reconsidering
that provision.
Airlines could also require that service animals
be on a leash or harness and fit in its handler’s
foot space. They could limit passengers to two
service animals each, although it is unclear how
often that happens under the current rules.