Delta Air Lines' new tighter restrictions on emotional support animals and service animals takes effect Thursday.

Atlanta-based Delta put in place the new policy effective March 1 after a passenger on one of its planes was attacked by a 70-pound emotional support dog last year. It also comes amid a rise in incidents involving animals in flights and a lack of certain regulations "creating unsafe conditions across U.S. air travel," according to Delta.

Here's how Delta describes its new policy:

About the Author

Keep Reading

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will expand to 48 teams, marking the first expansion of the field since 1998. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Featured

Managing Partner at Atlantica Properties, Darion Dunn (center) talks with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens during a tour following the ribbon cutting of Waterworks Village as part of the third phase of the city’s Rapid Housing Initiative on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.
(Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez