Airlines crack down on 'emotional support' pets after increase in on board incidents

@TheJetSetTV
Alexandra Richards6 February 2018

Airlines are to crack down on the number of emotional support pets allowed on planes after an increase in pet-related "incidents" on flights.

Following a recent surge in the amount of passengers asking to travel with pets for “emotional support”, airlines have had to tighten the rules as the increase in animals poses a safety risk.

United Airlines told the BBC that the number of support pet requests has risen by 75 per cent in the past year.

The airline recently hit the headlines when it refused to let a passenger bring a peacock on to a flight from Newark Airport.

But a spokesperson for the airline said that it had recognised that there needed to be tighter restrictions when it came to support pets long before a passenger tried to bring a peacock on board.

She said there had been a "significant increase in on board incidents” involving pets that are allowed on board for emotional support.

The airline revealed that from next month it will be cracking down on the number of pets allowed on flights.

Passengers who wish to bring an animal on board will have to provide United Airlines with 48 hours notice and a letter from a mental health professional.

Pet owners will also be asked to prove that their animal has been trained to “behave properly” in a public setting.

The airline also released a list of animals which will be banned including hedgehogs, ferrets, insects, rodents, snakes, spiders, reptiles and "non-household birds."

United is not the only airline increasing animal restrictions. Delta told the BBC that it will also be improving its passenger “protection” after an 84 per cent increase in the number of animal related “incidents” which included biting, growling and defecation.

But both airlines said that the restrictions would not include guide dogs or other service animals.

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