The Air Carrier Access Act was passed into federal law in 1986. The purpose of this act is to help protect disabled people's rights when it comes to air travel. The act states that people who are disabled and work with a service animal have a right to travel on airplanes with their dogs. This law does not provide for international travel, as the Department of Transportation can only enforce the act within the United States.
Because of this act, airlines are required to block out certain seats within the aircraft that can be used by people and their service animals. Within 24 hours of the flight's departure, the airlines are able to release the seats to the public if they are not being used by service animals. People requiring seats with room for their service animals must contact the airline in advance so accommodations can be made.
Service animals are required to successfully pass all security checkpoints. The dog must be able to undergo a body search, pat-down and metal detector security check. It is the owner's responsibility to ensure the dog remains calm and complies with all security procedures. The dog should not display aggressive behaviors toward security and airline personnel.
Dog owners are responsible for the care and behavior management of the animal. Airline personnel are not obligated to walk, feed or relieve the dog. The Department of Transportation states airlines do not have to delay a flight because of any issue the dog might have. Passengers shall keep their dogs quiet and still during each flight.
Airlines have the right to ask for evidence concerning owners' service animals. Owners can present identification of their animals in the form of ID tags, certificates, written letters from training companies or veterinarians and working harnesses.
