[NAGDU] FW: New Regulations for Flying with your Guide Dog

Thu Jan 7 01:11:19 UTC 2021

All,

Here is the announcement just put out by GDB regarding the new DOT regulations. GDB is a bit incorrect in that the DOT does not mandate that all travelers must complete the forms. DOT leaves it up to the individual airlines as to whether or not the airline will require the form.

Best Regards,

Michael Hingson

From: Lauren Kenney 
Sent: Wednesday, January 6, 2021 5:00 PM
To: mike at michaelhingson.com
Subject: New Regulations for Flying with your Guide Dog

A message from GDB Client Services 

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New regulations for flying with your guide dog

 <http://communications.guidedogs.com/e/896181/2021-01-06/3dd1/22901456?h=FNkn_zNleJPQJhNMhO9OMl01p6iRkLT7akTxtAO_9_o> 

 <http://communications.guidedogs.com/e/896181/2021-01-06/3dd1/22901456?h=FNkn_zNleJPQJhNMhO9OMl01p6iRkLT7akTxtAO_9_o> 

Dear Michael,

We are reaching out today to share important information on Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) regulation updates that will take effect on January 11th, 2021. These updates will directly impact the steps necessary to fly with your guide dog. 

Changes being implemented on the 11th include the following: 

*	The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has aligned their definition of “Service Animal” with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), limiting the designation to dogs only. There are no breed restrictions. 
*	Emotional Support Animals will no longer be considered Service Animals by the ACAA and will need to travel as pets during flights. Psychiatric Services Animals will continue to be recognized as legitimate service animals. 

If you would like to read the final rule amending travelling by air with a service animal in its entirety, please access the document on the Department of Transportation website <http://communications.guidedogs.com/e/896181/-traveling-air-service-animals/3dc9/22901456?h=FNkn_zNleJPQJhNMhO9OMl01p6iRkLT7akTxtAO_9_o> .

As part of the new regulations, the U.S. Department of Transportation has developed two forms travelers with service animals must submit when flying (Please be aware that these forms do NOT need to be completed or signed by a Veterinarian): 

1.	A Combined Attestation form of dog behavior and dog health for all flights. 
2.	A Dog Relief form for flights lasting longer than 8 hours.

In addition to a signed declaration of responsibility for your dog, the forms require 2 critical pieces of information: 

1.	Your current Veterinarian’s name. 
2.	The expiration date of your dog’s Rabies vaccine.

When the ACAA final ruling was made public, GDB President and CEO, Christine Benninger, released the following statement:

“While we applaud this long-awaited victory for people who rely on legitimate service dogs, there are challenges ahead because the ruling requires handlers to provide more pre-boarding paperwork and validation, and the addition of extra steps for those traveling with a disability is not equal access. However, this is a move in the right direction, and we look forward to working closely with the airlines to help simplify the process around service animal documentation.” 

Please know that Guide Dogs for the Blind is in communication with representatives from the airline industry exploring possibilities for streamlining form submission; we will keep you updated on developments. In the interim, we would like to offer the following information and suggestions: 

*	The DOT forms are to be used by all U.S. airlines as well as foreign airlines on flights originating in or ending in the United States beginning January 11th, 2021.  Airlines have the right to deny boarding if the required, signed forms are not submitted. 
*	It should be noted that the form is required if your round-trip flight started before January 11th, 2021 but your return flight is after January 11th.  This applies to all domestic flights as well as international flights originating or ending in the U.S.
*	The two required forms are official federal government forms issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Although they may initially seem intimidating, they are very simple one-page forms
*	Travelers who book their flight 48 hours or more in advance of travel should complete their forms online. We recommend also bringing a printed copy with you for peace of mind.
*	If booking a flight departing within less than 48-hours, you can provide your completed form at the gate rather than submitting it online if needed. 
*	Air carriers are mandated to post accessible versions of the required forms on their website.
*	As always, it is best to check your airline’s website for detailed directions on form submission guidelines and policies.
*	Please note that the new regulations do not require The Department of Transportation or airlines to save a copy of your completed forms for future flights.
*	If you need to appeal an airline employee’s decision when booking or checking in for your flight, speak with the airline’s Complaints Resolution Official (CRO).

Should you have any questions with which we can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to call the GDB Support Center at (800) 295-4050. We are available Monday-Friday from 8 AM- 5PM Pacific Standard Time and look forward to talking with you. 

Sincerely,

The GDB Client Services Team

Our mailing address is:

Guide Dogs for the Blind
National Headquarters
P.O. Box 151200 
San Rafael, CA 94915

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