New Rule Cracks Down on ESA’s on Planes

[JimMIA]

The service animal is being limited to dogs and dogs alone. Before miniature horses were included in that (and I guess they considered that as well as capuchin monkeys).

I don't know whether the FAA considered other types of animals. AFAIK, only dogs and miniature horses are recognized (and protected) by the federal ADA.

Various states have all sorts of laws that include many other species as either service animals or ESAs, and the accommodations required within those states vary all over the place.

With dogs, I think part of the argument was about Delta's policy of not allowing pit bulls on aircraft...even if the dog is a legit service animal. The FAA now says they must allow all dogs on aircraft, but Delta says they are not changing their policy. We shall see.

 

[Dan Murphy]

 

[low-key]

I guess its kind of crazy, but every time I see an animal where I am not supposed to see an animal, I get a smile on my face

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I don't know whether the FAA considered other types of animals. AFAIK, only dogs and miniature horses are recognized (and protected) by the federal ADA.

Various states have all sorts of laws that include many other species as either service animals or ESAs, and the accommodations required within those states vary all over the place.

With dogs, I think part of the argument was about Delta's policy of not allowing pit bulls on aircraft...even if the dog is a legit service animal. The FAA now says they must allow all dogs on aircraft, but Delta says they are not changing their policy. We shall see.

According to the document submitted (contained within the article the OP posted): "The Department decided against adopting a proposal that would include other species as service animals, including miniature horses and capuchin monkeys. However, the Department requested specific comment on whether it should recognize those animals under its definition of a service animal." Additionally "the Department proposed to limit the species of animals that airlines would be required to recognize as service animals to dogs. Under the Department’s proposal, while airlines could choose to transport other species of animals that assist individuals with disabilities in the cabin for free pursuant to an established airline policy, they would only be required under Federal law to recognize dogs as service animals." Before other animals were grouped in so the airlines were in a bind. So yes the airlines can add other animals but the DOT protects in their ruling dogs and only dogs.

As far as your other stuff--HUD discusses the Fair Housing Act and ADA discusses other stuff. This is about airline travel.

Yeah pitbulls and I think big big dogs I've seen people have concerns over.

 

[bcla]

Yeah pitbulls and I think big big dogs I've seen people have concerns over.

What exactly defines what a "pitbull" is really? I don't know if there's really any definitive standard.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

What exactly defines what a "pitbull" is really? I don't know if there's really any definitive standard.

What is a Pitbull?
Today there are at least five breeds of dogs that are commonly misidentified and lumped into the category of the pitbull-type dogs: the English bull terrier, the American bulldog, the boxer, the American pit bull terrier and the American Staffordshire terrier. “Pitbulls or pit bulls” are not recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC). The United Kennel Club does recognize a breed known as the American pit bull terrier, however, the term “pit bull” is commonly used to refer to mixed breed dogs with certain physical traits, such as a muscular body and broad head.
https://animalfoundation.com/whats-...en the barbaric sport of “bull baiting” arose.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

What exactly defines what a "pitbull" is really? I don't know if there's really any definitive standard.

It's not a breed least not in how people commonly think of. It's an appearance, one that can have some dogs misclassified as a pit bull.

 

[LSUmiss]

It's not a breed least not in how people commonly think of. It's an appearance, one that can have some dogs misclassified as a pit bull.

True, but it’s definitely not a golden retriever or other similar breed.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

True, but it’s definitely not a golden retriever or other similar breed.

Okay... just answering the question asked of me, wasn't making a claim that someone would see a retriever and say "oh no that's a pit bull"

 

[piccolopat]

I wish airlines were also required to provide alternate seating for people that end up seated next to someone with a support animal. This is especially important if the person is allergic to or afraid of animals and also if the support animal is too large to fit completely in the space at the feet of its owner. Perhaps the airline should leave the adjacent seat empty to provide spacing to an unrelated party.

 

[Heigh-Ho]

True, but it’s definitely not a golden retriever or other similar breed.

Is this a serious comment I'm confused

If someone is confusing a golden retriever for what is described as a pit bull I'm thinking they need stronger glasses than I do

That person posted a good source about it

 

[Heigh-Ho]

The FAA now says they must allow all dogs on aircraft, but Delta says they are not changing their policy. We shall see.

Very interesting, something to keep track of which airlines push back and what they push back on.

 

[mousefan73]

For someone that works in the industry I can only say thank God!!! Our flight attendants had to deal with situations in the past that they should never have had to.

How the FAA would even allow animals to fly that Cannot be properly “stowed”. Baffles me. If an item regardless if live or not doesn’t have its own seat or fit under the seat in front of you it’s basically blocking any type of an emergency evacuation.

 

[Micca]

If people are abusing the guidelines they should definitely crack down. But if I'm honest, I'd pay a little extra to sit next to a miniature horse on a plane.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

If people are abusing the guidelines they should definitely crack down. But if I'm honest, I'd pay a little extra to sit next to a miniature horse on a plane.

IIRC I've only seen miniature horses in person as this therapy facility where my in-laws stable their horses (one of which is used for therapy). I think I might just be up for seeing one on a plane..maybe lol.

 

[Keetchino]

I did see video once of an emotional support duck on a plane.... and he was the absolute cutest, most well-mannered duck ever! His quiet little quacks were the best

 

[Jennasis]

If people are abusing the guidelines they should definitely crack down. But if I'm honest, I'd pay a little extra to sit next to a miniature horse on a plane.

Thats a big nope. I'm a horse trainer and mini's are devious little turds. I'll take the pitbull.

 

[Micca]

I was on a flight once with a woman who had a marmoset for a service animal. Google it, they are tiny little monkeys. It was in a carrier but she said it mostly stayed on her shoulder for everyday use.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I was on a flight once with a woman who had a marmoset for a service animal. Google it, they are tiny little monkeys. It was in a carrier but she said it mostly stayed on her shoulder for everyday use.

Everyone has all these stories of peacocks, turkeys, mini horses, monkeys and more...I apparently have had boring flights in my life

 

[GreatLakes]

How will I ever survive flight without my emotional support hippopotamus that I am expecting to get for Christmas? It's really the only gift that will do.