Strategic Policy

Airlines for America Urges Support for Senator Burr’s Service Animal Bill

April 24, 2018

WASHINGTON, APRIL 24, 2018: Airlines for America (A4A), the industry organization representing the leading U.S. airlines, today issued a statement applauding Senator Richard Burr’s legislation requiring the Department of Transportation (DOT) to adopt a standard of service animal behavior training. A4A urges Members of Congress and all stakeholders to support this sensible bill. The bill ensures that the DOT’s definition of service animals is aligned with the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) definition under the Americans with Disabilities Act, enabling the airline industry to provide a healthy and safe in-flight environment for all passengers and crew.

“We strongly support Senator Burr’s bill to protect the best interest of all passengers, airline employees, and the military veterans and individuals with disabilities who travel with legitimate service animals,” said Nicholas E. Calio, president and CEO of A4A.  “This will minimize the health and safety risk to passengers and employees from animals that aren’t trained to behave properly.”