Delta restricts emotional support animals after attacks trigger rule change

PITTSBUGH — Alaska Airlines says it will no longer accept emotional support animals in the cabin on flights in the new year, while rival Delta Air Lines has adopted a partial ban and tough, new restrictions on them as well.

The airlines say they’re acting after they were both hit by huge lawsuits in 2019 arising from incidents involving physical attacks by untrained emotional support dogs traveling with their passengers.

Alaska said on Dec. 29 that it now will now only transport specially trained service dogs that perform specific tasks to assist a person with a disability, effective Jan. 11. However, it said emotional support animals could still travel on bookings made before its Jan. 11 deadline for trips that take place on or before Feb. 28.