The New Travel Ban on Emotional Support Animals Could Cost Airlines Billions

On December 2, the US Department of Transportation announced that it is revising the Air Carrier Access Act on the transportation of service animals by air.

According to the DOT, the ban, which came into effect earlier this year, was “to ensure a safe and accessible air transportation system.”

For over a year, airlines have been lobbying for this new rule on Emotional Support Animals, claiming passengers have taken advantage of lenient rules and discounted prices to fly their pets. They’ve also referred to several past incidents that have resulted in unhappy flyers, airplane clean-ups, and even dog bites.

In 2019, an American Airlines flight attendant received five stitches to their hand as a result of an emotional support animal. The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA responded to the incident by urging the US Department of Transportation to continue to increase regulation of ESAs for the safety of flight attendants at work.

Once again in 2019, Delta airlines was sued by a passenger who was mauled by an ESA back on a 2017 flight. Since the two incidents, airlines have become increasingly wary of lawsuits resulting from ESAs. And with the increasing number of passengers receiving ESA certificates, the risks are increasing, too.

“The number of passengers on U.S. airlines traveling with ESAs in the cabin has skyrocketed, causing a sharp increase in incidents caused by ESAs,” aid airline lobbying group, Airlines for America (A4A). “The misbehavior of some ESAs has ranged from mauling and biting to urinating and defecating.”

Although the new ban does not include service animals, like those used for blindness and other disabilities, many people are split on the decision. Some say this rule is for the benefit of passengers, saying that flying will be improved if unnecessary animals aren’t onboard. Others think the rule invalidates mental illnesses that require ESA’s, including PTSD, anxiety, and other mental disorders.

The number of ESAs has doubled since 2016 in America, from 500,000 to over one million. Access to certifications have been made easier through online certification programs from psychiatrists. Some argue that these services are a scam to fly pets for free, while others argue the legitimacy of animal support for mental health reasons. According to the National Alliance for Mental Illness, over 50 million people in the United States are affected by mental illness.

According to a recent survey by pet supplement supplier, VetNaturals, Americans are split on the rule. 39% of respondents said the rule was fair, 36% said it was unfair, while 25% remained neutral. The biggest reason respondents agree with the rule is because they believe it limits the size of the species allowed in the cabin.

However, the new rule could hinder future flights, and could potentially lose money for many airlines. According to the survey, almost 75% of ESA owners will be flying less because of the new ban. 30% of respondents said they will cancel at least one flight in 2021, and instead will be opting for other modes of transportation this year, especially cars.

If it is indeed true that 30% of people will cancel at least one flight in 2021, airlines have the potential to lose a substantial amount of revenue this year—Up to $120.4 billion dollars per year.

The disapproval of the rule and lack of future flying for ESA owners might come down to cost. Airlines charge quite a few dollars to bring a pet in the cabin, ranging from $75 to $200 depending on the airline.

One thing is for certain when it comes to the new rule, both airlines and passengers have the potential to lose money in 2021.