Can you guess which support pet American Airlines just banned?

Can you guess which support pet American Airlines just banned?

Flying with support pets has not historically gone well. Remember that girl who flushed her hamster down the toilet?

Or the infamous pet peacock who was refused boarding?

Well, American Airlines have officially put a stop to it, according to indy 100

They’ve just put in place a new policy, banning a ton of emotional support pets on all American Airlines flights. Including poor lil hedgehogs. What did they ever do to deserve any hate, we ask? Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

Emotional support spiders, goats, turkeys, ferrets and rodents have been banned, as well as all animals with tusks, horns or hooves. Oh, except miniature horses.

That’s right – your emotional support hedgehog isn’t allowed on the plane, but your miniature horse is. Only if they’re properly trained as a survey animal though. Obviously.

According to the American Airlines website, “animals must be able to fit at your feet, under your seat or in your lap.”

Between 2017 and 2018, the number of people requesting to fly with support pets has been astronomical – American Airlines reported an increase of over 40 per cent.

In a statement, the airline said the animals had become a safety issue.

“We support the rights of customers, from veterans to people with disabilities, with legitimate needs for a trained service or support animal. Unfortunately, untrained animals can lead to safety issues for our team, our customers and working dogs onboard our aircraft.”

The changes go into effect on June 1, and will require a passenger to give at least 48 hours notice that they have an emotional support pet – as well as supporting documentation from their mental health professional.

But if you have an emotional support hedgehog, you’re out of luck.

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