Delta Air Lines’ newly announced service and support animal policy has stoked the ire of the National Federation of the Blind which calls it potentially unlawful.
It takes issue with the ‘onerous restrictions’ that is says violate the principle of equal access for passengers with disabilities.
The policy doesn’t make a clear distinction between guide dogs and other ‘service and support animals.’
Starting in March, Delta wants pet owners to show proof of their animal’s vaccinations at least 48 hours before a flight.
The airline acknowledges there is widespread abuse of the current system which allows ’emotional support animals’ in the cabin unchecked.
The group is also irked that Delta Air Lines took this action without first consulting them.
"We are particularly troubled by the requirement that guide dog users submit paperwork to Delta forty-eight hours before flying. Travelers without guide dogs are not required to plan their travel forty-eight hours in advance. Furthermore, guide dog users will no longer be able to fly Delta in family, medical, or other emergencies," a National Federation of the Blind statement said.
"We believe that this forty-eight hour requirement is both unnecessary and unlawful."
The NFB is seeking urgent consultation with the airline to work on ‘fair and reasonable policies.’
