From an email to Dave Barry's blog:
This in itself has most flight attendants saying.... what? so now anyone can have their pet in their lap for emotional support through out the flight??? better yet... WHAT contstitutes an "Emotional Support Animal"... and what authorization does someone need to carry this "ESA" with them on flights. Remember we are not talking about Dogs for the Blind or Monkeys for the Paralized. Spefically noted in the Update Pigs and Small Horses are to be allowed on board planes.... YES ... SMALL HORSES?
I googled Emotional Support Animals + Airlines and sho' 'nuff (no direct link -- it's in a PDF file about in the middle of the page), from the F.A.A.'s own lips:
• Other unusual animals such as miniature horses, pigs and monkeys should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Factors to consider are the animal’s size, weight, state and foreign country restrictions, and whether or not the animal would pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others, or cause a fundamental alteration (significant disruption) in the cabin service. If none of these factors apply, the animal may accompany the passenger in the cabin.
I wonder if my pet cobra would qualify? He usually only bites people who make sudden moves or noises.