Service Dog

[Ajrud]

You will be happy to know that southwest, and most of the airlines, are no longer allowing emotional support dogs to travel like service animals. They are paid passengers and must be beneath the seat or under the plane.

Only service dogs are permitted to fly in bulkhead and they are trained not to be in a person's lap unless required by a medical alert trained dog of the correct size.

No more turkeys or mini horses. Just dogs.

It was not a southwest policy, it was a ADA policy that SW legally had to adhere to. The guidelines have changed in 2021.

Amanda

*actual service dog owner

[TheMiddleSeat]

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@Ajrud wrote:

It was not a southwest policy, it was a ADA policy that SW legally had to adhere to. The guidelines have changed in 2021.

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The Department of Transportation changed its guidelines and allowed airlines more flexibility to make their own rules. Southwest (and most other airlines) chose to do away with ESAs. They could have continued to allow them so it's not accurate to say it's not Southwest policy.

--TheMiddleSeat

[chgoflyer]

Also, just for clarity: Southwest allows small dogs and cats to travel as pets in a carrier under the seat in front of you, for a fee of $95. Southwest does not transport any pets in the cargo hold.

[SophiaP]

I feel the same about kids on a flight. Kicking the seat, screaming, crying. Would rather fly with dogs than kids.