After criticism, Delta tweaks new service animal policy

Puppy-in-training Escort, 8 weeks old, wears his Guide Dogs for the Blind vest for a photo in April 2015. Chloe Gonzales/American-Statesman

Puppy-in-training Escort, 8 weeks old, wears his Guide Dogs for the Blind vest for a photo in April 2015. Chloe Gonzales/American-Statesman

After criticism from groups representing blind people, Delta Air Lines is tweaking its new policy for travelers with service animals.

As part of tightened restrictions for passengers with emotional support animals starting March 1, Atlanta-based Delta was planning to require those with service or support animals to submit veterinary health forms or immunization records online 48 hours in advance.

But the National Federation of the Blind and the American Council of the Blind said the restrictions were onerous and "violate the principle of equal access" for those with disabilities. For those with service animals, Delta will now no longer require the submissions 48 hours in advance; instead, the forms can be presented at the airport if requested. However, those with emotional support or psychiatric service animals will still have to submit their forms online 48-hours in advance and must use the full-service check-in counter at the airport.

VIDEO: Previous coverage of this issue

MYAJC.COM: REAL JOURNALISM. REAL LOCAL IMPACT.

AJC Business reporter Kelly Yamanouchi keeps you updated on the latest news about Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Delta Air Lines and the airline industry in metro Atlanta and beyond. You'll find more on myAJC.com, including these stories:

Never miss a minute of what's happening in local business news. Subscribe to myAJC.com.

About the Author

Editors' Picks