[NAGDU] Changes coming for those who fly with emotional support animals

[Ginger Kutsch]

Changes coming for those who fly with emotional support animals

By:  Melanie Michael 

Updated: May 16, 2018 

 

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) - Passengers have plenty to deal with these days when it
comes to air travel.

 

After all, odd things happen at 32,000 feet. 

 

Travelers are finding themselves more and more frustrated when it comes to
who's sitting alongside them in the cabin.

 

Those  "passengers" being the kind with feathers, scales or fur. 

 

It seems the animals have taken center stage when flying the friendly skies.


 

Lately, some planes look more like a petting zoo with the number of animals
on board.

 

We've seen it all.

 

There's the case of the kangaroo, the peacock, the tortoise, the bunny, even
a parrot with its own ID badge, labeled "emotional support animal."

 

On Wednesday, the Department of Transportation announced continued
crackdowns on support animals allowed on flights. 

 

Right now, federal law allows passengers to travel with an emotional support
animal for free. 

 

However, the rules are now being revised. 

 

By summer, passengers are looking at tighter restrictions that include a
48-hour prior notification when traveling with an emotional support animal,
as well as providing proper paperwork to prove validity. 

 

One man is thrilled to see the feds taking action. 

 

"It's frustrating," said Marion Gwizdala, the president of the National
Association of Guide Dog Users. "They push the limit." 

 

Marion likes the new federal guidelines. He is plenty familiar with air
travel and has logged many a frequent flyer mile with his guy dog, Sarge. 

 

He says the problem with people who are abusing the system is the
possibility that an untrained animal will interfere with his legitimate
service dog.

 

"People should not be bringing animals that are trained and can't behave
into public places. It puts my service dog and my safety in jeopardy," said
Marion. 

 

Just this week, American Airlines became the first air carrier to ban
animals such as hedgehogs and reptiles.

 

With the new federal guidelines, the Department of Transportation is backing
the decision of air carriers in restricting certain creatures. 

 

The new guidelines also protect the rights and freedom of blind passengers.

 

"We want to be able to sit where we want to sit and be treated like an
adult," said Marion. 

 

 

Source:

http://www.wfla.com/news/hillsborough-county/changes-coming-for-those-who-fl
y-with-emotional-support-animals/1184009174