Sorry that is incorrect. Airlines do have a choice in this matter. The new Department of Transportation rule is and I quote: "Carriers are not required to recognize emotional support animals as service animals and may treat them as pets." Previous to this airlines were required to recognize ASA animals. Now they are not required to and can make their own choice in this matter. Initially SW said they would still allow them but then changed their policy. I understand that many passengers were abusing this and bringing animals that disturbed the peace & safety of other passengers and flight attendants but they could have revised their rules to allow only dogs as ESA's. By the way there are still a few smaller airlines that allow ESA's.
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