OK folks, there are true ESA's and service animals. For the many people traveling with their pets, it is about $$$$ and saving them. If everyone had to buy a seat (possibly for a reduced fee) for a traveling animal then the number of animals would diminish. Airlines aren't risking the bad publicity of separating "Fifi" from their emotionally needy owner or trying to determine who has a true service animal. You can't put bird food out for free then complain about the birds, Just sayin'. Most of us have figured this out, it isn't rocket science.