Airline Policies on Service Animals Discriminate Against Blind Travelers

New Department of Transportation rules aimed at cracking down on passengers passing off untrained pets as service or emotional support animals have made flying more difficult and inaccessible for blind passengers. The regulations require passengers with service dogs to complete forms about their dog's training at least 48 hours before their flight. However, blind travelers have encountered difficulties with the forms, which are not compatible with screen reader technology. The forms have also been rejected for simple paperwork mistakes, leading to denied boarding and increased anxiety for blind passengers. Disability advocates are calling for changes to the forms, while airlines argue that the rules are necessary for safety reasons.