American said passengers with a service dog will
need to complete a government form vouching
for the dog’s health, training and temperament.
Other animals, including dogs not trained as
service dogs, will only be able to fly in the cargo
hold or a kennel that fits under a seat in the
cabin. Either way, American will collect a pet fee
ranging from $125 to several hundred dollars.
Jessica Tyler, American’s president of cargo,
said the rules will help passengers with service
animals and protect employees on planes and
in airports.
The number of passengers flying with
companion animals grew rapidly in recent years,
with some saying the animals helped them
overcome anxiety and other issues. Passengers
only needed a note from a health professional,
and a cottage industry sprang up to provide
those notes along with vests and other
accoutrements for their animals.
Airlines and particularly flight attendants took
a more critical view, saying passengers were
exploiting a loophole in federal regulations to
avoid pet fees. In a few cases, including some
involving serious injuries, companion animals bit
other passengers.
Last month, the Transportation Department
settled the matter, siding mostly with
the airlines. It said carriers were free to
ban any animal other than dogs formally
trained to help people with physical or
psychological disabilities.
The department estimated that under the new
rules airlines will scoop up $59.6 million a year
in pet fees.Image: David McNew