Delta Cracking Down on Fake Service Animals?

Delta had to clarify their stance on taking service animals onboard because of a Reddit post that went viral.

User u/averagecrazyliberal wrote a post with the title “Delta cracking down on fake service animals!” on the r/Delta subreddit.

According to the poster, an altercation happened at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. A Delta agent and passenger engaged in an argument after a passenger tried to pass off a Shiba Inu as a service animal.

The user wrote that the Delta agent at the check-in counter informed the passenger that only trained service animals are allowed without charge and be out of the bags during flights.

The Redditor further disclosed that while talking to the agent, the agent revealed that the airline had been cracking down on fake service animals. That’s because some passengers are trying to bring their pets even if they’re not trained service animals.

The poster also said that there were four “support animals” in line and many were upset with Delta’s move. This post on Reddit received thousands of upvotes triggering a debate on the the topic.

Delta’s Policy on Service Animals

Because of the viral post on Reddit, Delta had to clarify its stance. According to the airline, their policy hasn’t changed. Delta said in a statement to Newsweek that “There hasn’t been any change to our policy on this, so not sure if there was some miscommunication between one customer and an agent perhaps.”

However, Delta updated its terms to prevent passengers from passing “emotional support animals” as service animals. Since 2020, airlines are no longer required to transport “emotional support” animals. In Delta’s website, it says that “Trained service animals are defined as only dogs specifically trained to assist a person with a disability.”

It also says that “Trained service animals and their associated items travel for free. The size of the animal must not exceed the “footprint” of the passenger’s seat.”

The Redditor also wrote that you might need documentation proving that the dog is a trained service animal. “It seems some sort of actual Department of Transportation documentation is required.”