Delta cracks down on emotional support animals on flights

ATLANTA — Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines is cracking down on people bringing service and support animals on its flights.

Channel 2's Wendy Corona investigated problems with fake service animals more than a year ago.

Delta said it carries about 700 service or support animals each day, but not all of them are the real thing, as people try to fly while accompanied by everything from pigs to turkeys.

"One of the most irritating things is the yapping in the middle of the flight," traveler Ted Luis Levy said.

Delta said it has seen an 84 percent increase in reported animal incidents since 2016. That includes everything from dogs relieving themselves on the plane to dog bites and attacks.

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"Service dogs don't bark. They don't make a sound. People bring their dogs on, and they're barking and making noise and causing problems, and it's really an irritation for the rest of the passengers," traveler Sean Casey said.

Delta announced Thursday that starting March 1, travelers will need to send paperwork signed by a veterinarian of their animal's immunization record at least 48 hours before their flight.

Those using emotional support animals will also need to submit a signed document confirming their animal can behave.

The airline said it is creating a service animal support desk to verify the documents.

"I think that's fantastic. I will hope other airlines will follow that, even though I primarily fly Delta," Casey said.

Delta said it worked with disability advocates to come up with the new rules to keep passengers safe.

Cox Media Group