SUPPORT ANIMALS
Delta Air Lines cracks down on the zoo in the sky
Airline cries foul as passengers stretch support animal credulity, writes Justin Bachman
The day of the service duck and emotional support chicken on airlines may be drawing to a close. Delta Air Lines says it will more thoroughly vet passengers’ efforts to fly with all manner of unusual animals, which often board US airlines under the guise of psychological or medical support. "Customers have attempted to fly with comfort turkeys, gliding possums known as sugar gliders, snakes, spiders and more," the airline says. "Ignoring the true intent of existing rules governing the transport of service and support animals can be a disservice to customers who have real and documented needs." From March 1, Delta customers travelling with a service or support animal must show proof of the animal’s health or vaccinations 48 hours before a flight. Besides a letter signed by a doctor or mental health worker, people with psychiatric service or emotional support animals must sign a form to attest that the animal can behave. "The measures are intended to help ensure that those customers t...
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