Alaska Airlines announces revisions to its service animal policy
On Dec. 29, 2020, Alaska Airlines announced it will stop accepting emotional support animals on flights starting Jan. 11, 2021. Under the new guidelines by the U.S. DOT, only trained service dogs will be transported. This change aims to reduce in-flight disturbances and reflects feedback from the airline industry and disability advocates. Guests can bring a maximum of two service dogs, including psychiatric service dogs, by completing a required DOT form. Emotional support animals will still be accepted for flights booked before Jan. 11 until Feb. 28, 2021.
- The policy change aligns with new DOT regulations, potentially improving in-flight safety.
- Alaska Airlines aims to enhance customer experience by reducing disturbances caused by emotional support animals.
- Discontinuation of emotional support animals may deter some customers, impacting booking preference.
- The policy change could lead to potential backlash from advocacy groups that support emotional support animals.
SEATTLE, Dec. 29, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Following recent changes to U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) rules, Alaska Airlines will no longer accept emotional support animals on its flights. Effective Jan. 11, 2021, Alaska will only transport service dogs, which are specially trained to perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability.
Earlier this month the DOT said it will no longer require airlines to make the same accommodations for emotional support animals as is required for trained service dogs. Changes to the DOT rules came after feedback from the airline industry and disability community regarding numerous instances of emotional support animal misbehavior which caused injuries, health hazards and damage to aircraft cabins.
"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," said Ray Prentice, director of customer advocacy at Alaska Airlines.
Under the revised policy, Alaska will accept a maximum of two service dogs per guest in the cabin, to include psychiatric service dogs. Guests will be required to complete a DOT form, which will be available on AlaskaAir.com beginning Jan. 11, attesting that their animal is a legitimate service dog, is trained and vaccinated and will behave appropriately during the journey. For reservations booked more than 48 hours prior to travel, guests must submit the completed form via email. For reservations booked less than 48 hours prior to travel, guests must submit the form in person to the Customer Service Agent upon arrival at the airport.
Alaska will continue to accept emotional support animals under its current policy for reservations booked prior to Jan. 11, 2021, for flights on or before Feb. 28, 2021. No emotional support animals will be accepted for travel after Feb, 28, 2021.
For more information about travel with pets, visit AlaskaAir.com.
Alaska Airlines and its regional partners serve more than 115 destinations across the United States and North America. The airline provides essential air service for our guests along with moving crucial cargo shipments, while emphasizing Next-Level Care. Alaska is known for low fares, award-winning customer service and sustainability efforts. Guests can earn and redeem miles on flights to more than 800 destinations worldwide with Alaska and its Global Partners. On March 31, 2021, Alaska will officially become a member of the oneworld global alliance. Learn more about Alaska at newsroom.alaskaair.com and blog.alaskaair.com. Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK).
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SOURCE Alaska Airlines
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