Delta Air Lines is introducing the ban after an 84% increase in animal incidents including a passenger being attacked by a dog.
Delta Air Lines says it is introducing the new rules after an 84% increase in animal incidents in 2016-17.
They include a passenger being attacked by a dog, as well as animals urinating and defecating while on-board.
The US airline is also introducing a ban on any animal under four months of age regardless of the length of the journey, including service animals which help people with disabilities.
The changes do not affect pets that customers pay to take into the cabin in enclosed carriers.
Delta says the new rules will take effect from 18 December.
Customers who had already bought tickets before the announcement will have their journey honoured until 1 February.
The airline is not alone in changing its rules on comfort animals, with others bringing in bans to restrict the type of animal allowed after goats, pigs and snakes were being brought on-board by passengers.
Delta requires passengers to prove their eligibility for emotional support animals with a form from a medical professional vouching for them.
They are different to trained service animals, which work to assist people with visual impairment, deafness, seizures and other limitations.
Both types of animals fly for free and are not required to be caged during the flight.
John Laughter, Delta’s senior vice president for corporate safety, security and compliance, said: “These updates support Delta’s commitment to safety and also protect the rights of customers with documented needs, such as veterans with disabilities, to travel with trained service and support animals.”
News source: SkyNews
