This Major Airline Is The Latest To Ban Emotional Support Animals From Flights

Traveling has been very difficult this past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it may have just gotten harder for some wishing to hop on a flight with their loyal companions.

Southwest Airlines announced Monday they are joining other major airlines in no longer allowing emotional support animals on flights.

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[Southwest Airlines] remains committed to providing a positive and accessible travel experience for all of our customers with disabilities. Southwest Airlines 

The rule comes as a part of new regulations set by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), which now only allows service dogs who are trained to perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability to travel.

Travelers will still be allowed to travel with their cats or dogs as a part of the airline's pets program for a charge, as long as they meet all the requirements regarding in-cabin stowage. 

No other species of animal will be allowed on the flight.

The new rule will take effect on March 1, 2021. 

Southwest is just the latest airline to join the growing lists of airlines enforcing this rule.

Frontier, United, American, Delta and Alaska airlines are also revoking the special privileges once given to emotional support animals.