Morning Show – Support Animal Airlines! – 5/16/18

Starting July 1, ferrets, goats and hedgehogs can no longer fly American Airlines, even if they’re support animals.

They’re just three of a somewhat lengthy list of barred animals the airline has put out in response to an increase in customers transporting a service or support animal on board their aircraft — more than 40 percent from 2016 to 2017.

Trained service animals are specifically trained to perform life functions for individuals with disabilities such as visual impairments, deafness, seizures and mobility impairments.

To travel with an emotional support and psychiatric service animal in the cabin, customers must contact the Special Assistance Desk with all required documentation at least 48 hours before their flight. Documentation validation includes AA contacting their mental health professional.

The following is a breakdown of AA’s new policy

  • Ferrets
  • Goats
  • Hedgehogs
  •  Insects
  • Reptiles
  • Rodents
  • Snakes
  • Spiders
  • Sugar gliders
  • Non-household birds (farm poultry, waterfowl, game birds, & birds of prey)
  • · Animals with tusks, horns or hooves (excluding miniature horses properly trained as service animaal
  • Any animal that is unclean / has an odor.

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