DALLAS (AP) – Emotional support animals are no longer free to roam the Southwest Airlines cabin.
The airline said Monday it will allow passengers to bring trained service dogs into the cabin, but will no longer accept support animals as of March 1.
Guests wishing to bring a dog or cat on board as a pet will have to pay a fee and the animal must be stored in a luggage rack that fits under the seat of an aircraft.
The move comes after the Department of Transportation’s decision to reverse a year-long regulation and allow airlines to ban animals that owners say provide emotional support. Airlines said some passengers abused the old rules to avoid pet fares.
Southwest is the last of the six largest airlines in the country to change their animal policy after the action of the Department of Transportation.