Delta recently announced their intention to implement “advance documentation requirements” for customers traveling with service animals. While news stories about service peacocks, comfort turkeys, and gliding possums may seem alarming and absurd, the fact is that Delta’s proposed solution is an overly broad policy with serious implementation problems. We strongly object to any extra bureaucratic hoops or paperwork, which will clearly impact the right to travel freely for people who are blind or visually impaired.
We know sales representatives who are blind, whose demanding jobs frequently require them to drop everything and head out the next morning to visit a client. This policy would directly impact their ability to fulfill their job requirements. Passengers with dog guides have long been protected under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and other laws.
We join with our colleagues at ACB and NFB in strongly opposing any policies that would create an undue burden and deny equal access of service for passengers with service animals.
