Delta will no longer allow emotional support animals on flights starting this week

Atlanta-based Delta Airlines is making a major change to its emotional support animal policy.

Delta announced it will no longer accept emotional support animal bookings on any Delta flight starting Monday. Only trained service dogs with documentation will be allowed to fly.

This comes after the U.S. Department of Transportation ruled in December that airlines no longer have to recognize emotional support animals as service animals.

“We applaud the DOT for making this change and acknowledging the concerns that Delta and many other stakeholders have raised for the past several years,” said Delta senior vice president for in-flight service Allison Ausband. “The DOT’s final rule enables airlines to put the safety of all employees and customers first, while protecting the rights of customers who need to travel with trained service animals.”

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As part of the policy changes, Delta will also lift its ban on pit bull type dogs that meet the requirements for trained service animal.

The airline said customers can continue to travel with a pet if they meet Delta’s requirements.

Delta is not the only airline to make the policy change. Alaska Airlines, American Airlines and United Airlines are also on the list.

Since 2016, Delta said there has been an 85% increase in the number of animal incidents on flights.

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