Alaska Airlines clamps down on emotional support animals on flights

If you’re flying on Alaska Airlines starting in mid-January, don’t plan on boarding with your support pig or miniature horse. The airline, acting in the wake of new federal guidelines aimed at reining in a range of at times exotic animals that passengers have brought onto commercial planes as emotional support animals, kept it simple in announcing on Tuesday what it would allow: only qualified service dogs that are able to lie on the floor or be held in one’s lap. Ray Prentice, director of customer advocacy for Alaska Airlines, which said it was the first major airline to publicly change its animal policy in light of the updated federal guidelines, said the airline’s decision was a positive step. “This regulatory change is welcome news, as it will help us reduce disturbances onboard, while continuing to accommodate our guests traveling with qualified service animals,” Prentice said. The airline said that starting Jan. 11, it would permit only service dogs that are trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.<br/>