I’ve long been of the mindset that emotional support animals should be banned from commercial aircraft. Pictures that have emerged from a recent Delta flight only demonstrate how ridiculous this game has become.
Take a look at these two pictures:
I have seen a lot over the years, but this has to take the #ESAofTheDay cake.
Wonder how the overall #PaxEx was for others in the forward cabin. 🙄 pic.twitter.com/pKEpOEqY4r
— Eric (@GoldboxATL) November 15, 2019
I mean, seriously?
Don’t be fooled by the “service animal” harness. It’s almost assuredly a fake based upon the poor behavior of the dogs. Look how they are standing on the seat with their paws on the center armrest during the breakfast service.
Real service dogs are trained to sit quietly at the feet of their guardians. A real service animal would never try to take part in the meal service.
Delta Doesn’t Even Follow Its Own Policy
I lauded Delta for cracking down on emotional support animals last year and again this year. Delta bans these animals on flights over eight hours and requires vaccination documentation and that the animals be at least four months old.
It also requires:
- Animals must be of a size to not exceed the “footprint” of the seat.
- Service and support animals may ride in the passenger’s lap for all phases of the flight, including ground movement, take off, and landing, provided the trained animal is no larger than a lap held child (under 2 years of age).
- The animal must remain with the passenger at all times.
- The animal cannot occupy a seat.
It seems to me several provisions were violated here. Why Does Delta not enforce its own rules?
> Read More: Bravo! Delta Restricts Emotional Support Animals
> Read More: Delta Seriously Restricts Emotional Support Animals
CONCLUSION
Why not live and let live on Live and Let’s Fly? Because these dogs create a malevolent safety hazard. Can you imagine how they could hinder egress during an emergency? And they also make the cabin experience unpleasant for everyone else.
Sorry for putting on my grouchy old man hat here, but these photos once again demonstrate how far out of control the emotional support animal game has become. It’s time for airlines to further push limits of accommodation versus abuse.
This is simply ridiculous. In my opinion if you are not emotionally ready to travel and needs an animal to help you should stay home. This is not about not loving animals or being sympathetic with people with problems but simply a case of making sure people are safe in case of an emergency. I don’t know how a not emotionally ready person or a huge dog like that would behave in case of an emergency landing or something similar.
No animals, period.
Where the hell is the leadership ?
If airlines are afraid of losing revenue because of a few animals, just remember what they said about Nortwest Orient when they were the first to ban smoking from all of there flights. They’ll be out of business in no time!. Well, look who followed the leader and today, thanks to NWO airlines all flights are smoke free, common sense. No animals on planes, common sense. Who will step forward this time?
So are you asking a blind person to leave their guide at home then? A SERVICE ANIMAL should be allowed. They aid disabled people. An esa just makes you happy and requires no training so in my opinion they shouldn’t be allowed but a task trained service dog is way different. That s like asking a diabetic to leave their insulin.
Some of us actually need our support animals. I’m moving out of the country, obviously I need to fly. Maybe if airlines provided a safe place for pets, this wouldn’t be abused as much. Have you looked at how many pets die during flights? Its riddiculous!
Why should a crying baby be ok, but a small dog who sleeps in a carrier under the seat the entire flight, so quietly that nobody knows there’s an animal, be disallowed?
I understand that a misbehaved or large animal is ridiculous on a flight. Why should small, well behaved animals those pose no inconvenience have to be banned?
Per the ADA, “ANY ANIMAL TRAINED TO ASSIST THE HANDLER WITH ANY TASK, (BRACING, SEIZURES, PTSD/PANIC ATTACK, ETC) & yes, anyone can LEGALLY train their own service dog. A service dog doesnt need a special certificate or specialized trainer. It is the business owners responsibility to have disruptive animals removed as necessary. However, I don’t see much accommodation here, great Danes are giant dogs, that are great with bracing and assisting with a shaky or off balanced gait.. You never know what someone else is going through. You all really just need to quit whining and just accommodate for travelers with animals. There has got to be a better way than discrediting every dog you see going into an usual “no pet” building.. Service dogs also do not need to wear special harnesses or tags.. they don’t need paperwork.
Back off their rights.
Then they should need to buy an extra seat since the animals are so large…they have overweight humans do that.
How are you going to assume that these dogs are used as ESA dogs, when their harnesses, while not necessary, say service dog, which is a clear statement that these particular dogs are being used for some type of assistance other than emotional. Ftom the looks of the owners, and their age, possible bracing, gait assistance (for those with a clubbed foot, arthritis, or Parkinson’s, and need the large dogs to be able to hold their whole weight.. maybe they are epileptics, and need those big dogs to protect their bodies while they are in a full blown seizure. You just don’t know. But owners need to step up and start removing those that are disruptive, aggressive, and outrageous in any way and start finding those that are removed.
I have a service animal and I don’t care who likes it my dog is going with me everywhere she is very well behaved but at times she is still a dog people need to stop acting like babies and get over it you don’t know my condition and no one has a right to judge or even asked me about it that is in the ADA rules I don’t like animals that are jumping everywhere and being in my food I agree with that part but an animal that is a service dog should be allowed to accompany their owner any place.
You have a trained service dog or an emotional support animal?
Many of us see the people with dogs as babies (not the people with genuine needs—vision and other types of assistance).
Important distinction.
Does your disability prevent you from using punctuation?
I had a cousin that was diagnosed with that. It was tragic.
Lisa, are you pregnant? You missed several periods.
Let’s not go there, please.
Animals don’t have rights you dirty hippie. This is just further evidence of how the elites can get away with anything.
Anyone who has an issue with service animals is an ass. They are not pets they are medical equipment. Get over yourselves.
An emotional support animal is not a service animal. Please do not confuse the two.
What about travelers that have pet dandruff allergies? I’m all for TRUE service dogs, but people are taking advantage and abusing this on airlines.
But a Great Dane, come on, on a passenger plane…give me a break.
ADA even recognize miniature horses and one recent flight had had a service horse (trained, genuine service animal). But ADA violations take place all the time on flights with passengers in wheelchairs as well as with mobility assistance devices,
I think that the easiest way to shut this down is requiring all animals in cabin to have a bond/insurance for damage or attacks in the amount of $25~50 Million – they will still be allowed as service animals but like vaccines etc – will have to have bond/insurance – legit service animals – while currently not offered AFAIK it would solve the problem, so;be a lot of the attacks by untrained animals.
A true trained service dog would NEVER behave like that… And if they did, you better get your money back for their training. My SDIT is only 6 months old and doesn’t act like that. She goes everywhere with me and you would never know she is under the taatable or at me feet.
People that say they have an ESA just because they don’t want to leave them behind should be ashamed of themselves. And the doctors saying the need one when they don’t should face falsification of medical documentation charges. There are truly people who need an ESA, but just because you want to take them is shameful…
Yes. Everybody goes through a period where something happens in life where they then find themselves in a place where they are emotionally unwell…a breakup/divorce, loss of a loved one whether expectantly or unexpectedly, some tragic accident. People in these categories should perhaps delay travel until a later day when they are emotionally ready to take a non necessary trip. That said, there are other people out there that suffer with mental illness, whether it’s genetically and they’ve had it since birth or an experience concluded with such condition. In these situations, it can be a forever situation for them and simply saying that perhaps then “they just shouldn’t travel” is not realistic. People in these situations actively try to avoid situations and environments that they know will have a little chance of triggering whatever they specifically go through. Having an emotional animal has shown to be of actual benefit for many people and it’s a positive for these people to be able to have that support with them where they go in case they go through an episode. Unfortunately, we live in a world with some not so great people where they lead with selfishness, taking advantage of situations for personal gains and ruining for some minority people who actually needs the added support. Emotional, therapy, and service dogs is a phenomenal and beneficial tool for a small minority of people actually require such service. It would be nice if pet stores (storefront/online) should stop selling service vests. There should be an actual governing body that registers and certifies animals and provides people with documentation proof and certified vest.
Luisa – this is a well thought answer.
Empathetic to those who need, aware of how it’s gamed, and pragmatic with a solution – that the vests should be based on actual certification.
Quit your crying. Lol. All i read was…
“Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa”.
They should have to pay for extra seating just like overweight riders do. Pay for the row they are in. ie 2 or 3 seats, so that their animal does not bother anyone else traveling.
Absolutely ridiculous. It’s so sad to see how things have evolved (for worse) over years.
I’m retired cabin crew. I don’t like the idea of emotional support animals in the cabin, either.
That said, I disagree that the animal would be a hindrance in an emergency. Many dogs, trained or not, have excellent survival instincts. I’d be more likely to follow the dog, while the passengers stop and gather their belongings before finding a way out.
Agree
This is ridiculous. You dont want animals on a flight because you feel the dog and thus the per pare t is unruly. Dint blame Delya blame the per parents.
I caution you attitude about getting rid if animals altogether. This pendulum has swung g too far I can agree. However, this incident and your attitude makes it difficult for those of us with well behaved dogs. I dont feel like I can take my dog anywhere because toi many people question whether she is a real service animal or not.
Maybe it’s better for organizations and people to make requests of pet parents. Such as you ought to show and proof your dog has been through basic training with a certified trainer or organization. My dog has the Canine Good Citizen desination. Meaning he or she knows and on command performs sit, down, stay, leave it, no, and so forth.
You do not need to SEE a disability or need for a person to have a service animal or need for an emotional support dog. For example, a service dog may just let its owner know when their blood sugar is low or a vet’s dog may just calm his owner when there ate loads of people on a plane or in a room.
Just quit making it so everyone who has a great dog, doesnt feel they cannot take their dog with them because I am tired of those who are not in control of their dogs and those who complain about poorly trained dogs.
Ugh. More entitled boomers.
That is an offensive term to older people. One day you will be older!
Really baby boomers regularly criticize entitled millennials but now get offended when someone says entitled boomers… hypocritical much…
LMFAO!
Ok boomer…
Wow how original. You’re probably a riot at parties….
Back to the OP. Unbelievable. Should never been allowed to board let alone take off
These people should be told never yo attempt to bring thoae dogs onboard again and will be denied boarding if they try. Finally, if they try they should be banned from Delta for life. I am shocked no passenger asked to be placed on another flight. If I were on that flight and had any flexibility at all I sure would have tried.
First, I will say that a true SD is NOT permitted to sit on the seats in an airplane…they must go “under”, tuck at your feet, or, if nobody is sitting beside you, may be a bit more relaxed when laying by your feet. If you have people sitting next to you, your dog MUST sit on the floor between your legs ). Also, SERVICE DOGS are trained to perform at least 1 specific task to directly mitigate it’s handlers disability (not all disabilities are visible….I myself have a Medical Alert dog who is a 70# Golden Retriever). Although they are well trained, they are still dogs and at the end of the day they can have an off day…they aren’t robots. They ARE the ONLY DOGS guaranteed full-access rights (except to religious temples/churches as they are privately owned) to public places and public transportation.
My Service Dog and I took a group field trip yesterday to experience an airport encounter, from start to finish. Delta even allowed us to board a plane so that we could learn how to be seated with our dogs, and where we could and could not sit with them.
ESA’s are NOT afforded rights by the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) but are afforded right by the FHA. Airlines have their own policies.
Stupidity knows no age boundaries.
You yourself prove it.
Uh, millennials are the ones who made this a thing. When boomers were kids, they dressed in suits to fly and no animals were allowed in the cabin.
What a bunch of easily-triggered snowflakes. Thanks for proving my point.
I would have been on the next flight on another airline, no matter how inconvenient or expensive: and Delta would be processing a refund. What if you had been going straight to a business meeting or a serious personal event (funeral, wedding, etc)? Seriously disgusting.
People who are not emotionally able to fly without a service animal are not mentally or physically fit to fly. They should stay home. Normal and regular people should not have to put up with ridiculous circumstances to appease a few percent of the population that has every option to stay home. We are always prostrating ourselves to groups that make unreasonable demands and cause hardship for many. Anytime you sit on a jury vote not guilty or for the defense whenever someone is sued for nonsense like this. That is the only way we will invalidate this nonsense because politicians are spineless.
Oh, remember Boomer? He was the ultimate Emotional Support Dog!
Real issue is current dog transportation standards are extremely subpar which forces people to go the emotional support route. I’m sure most people would rather not deal with their dogs in the cabin, but the alternative is rolling the dice your dog survives in cargo.
Would love to see the airlines come up with a clever solution to this and I imagine youd suddenly see most of these animals disappear.
Leave your dog at home or at a animal hotel. Bringing that big of a dog inside a metal tube for many hours is not safe to anyone. I was once on a Delta flight seating in first class and a guy brought a German shepherd to fly between his legs. Before taking of he put a baby diaper on the dog. How about the poor seatmate that had to fly with that big dog next to him for 5 hours? Nobody asked him if he was comfortable or not.
You are both right: you’re really rolling the dice when you entrust your beloved pet to the baggage handlers. And, then there’s the cargo hold. So I can see why people get this idea.
On the other hand, this has gotten ridiculous. You cannot have twin Golden Retrievers hanging out in business class coveting everyone’s meals. And it’s even worse in coach. Nobody really “needs” an emotional support animal. People flew for decades and have traveled for centuries without needing this. They’re just taking advantage of a loophole.
Generally, when we travel, we put our dogs in a kennel (we all hate doing it, but it’s a great kennel and they’re well cared for). I’ll admit that there are times when you have to ship your dog – and to that end I do think that the airlines should consider revamping the way in which they transport animals. Starting with provisions for hot and cold weather and ensuring a safe experience while in flight.
Do all this, then BAN support animals. Because they’re nonsense.
I’m constantly surprised by the lack of understanding and compassion for those of us who have pet and/or dander allergies. I am a long time Delta flier who always pays for my first class seat. More than once, I’ve have had to ask to switch seats when someone brings a small dog in a crate. True service dogs are totally okay with me because they are trained to behave and sit still, mitigating my exposure (although I’d still have to ask to be reseated). If you are unwilling or unable to leave your untrained, unnecessary dog at home, please be prepared to pay for my EpiPen or risk a medical emergency landing.
I paid roughly $300 to bring my crated cats on a plane (plus two one-way tickets for me and an empty seat) because we had to move cross-country. They stayed in their crates under the seat and were definitely less bothersome than the woman who made a scene because she didn’t want to sit next to a black man on the same flight. Crated pets are paid for and aren’t cheater emotional support animals.
It was insanely stressful getting them through the airport, on board, and to our new home, for me and the cats, and I never would have done it if there had been a reasonable alternative.
I’m sorry for your allergies, but this is public transportation.
You definitely have to deal with the general public on a plane, but it is certainly not public transportation akin to something run by a city or a County. Airlines are private companies and must abide by federal rules, such as those governing Ada service animals. Emotional support pets are not the same thing, airlines will hopefully ban them.
Yup
And what happens if a passenger is allergic to dogs?
Does the allergy sufferer have to get off or suffer for the entire flight?
Ort would the dogs be removed?
Sadly, usually the allergic person is removed.
This is what is so absurd about the entire situation. Not taking sides here but just comparing how people are treated. As you said it is very sad that if I get into a plane and a passenger decides to bring his cat onboard I will be removed from the plane because I am extremely allergic to cats. So in this case I am a customer paying for my seat but I have to be removed because someone is bringing a cat for free. Now, I have been on many flights were the FA announces that no peanuts will be served on the plane and nobody should eat their own peanut or chocolate with peanuts because there is a passenger allergic to peanuts on the plane. Do you see the interesting case here?
I’m also highly allergic to all pet dander. I’ve had Delta reseat me in the first class cabin as far away from the pet as possible – popped a couple of Benedryl and prayed for the best. I always carry an epipen as well for more serious episodes. But asking to be reseated requires a volunteer who is willing to sit next to a dog – also, it makes me feel like I’m being the jerk. I can’t see anyone who’d be willing to under this circumstance.
Sooner or later someone’s will be bitten or slip on animal excrement. God forbid a child!. Can anyone spell massive lawsuit ?. Then, everyone will say…gee, now we have a problem !. The accident waiting to happen was allowed to HAPPEN ! Baffoons.
It’s already happened.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/man-attacked-emotional-support-dog-delta-flight-sues-airline-passenger-n1011881
ugh. noisy, dirty children. They shouldn’t be allowed on planes. I would love it if the airline would restrict children – especially babies and toddlers. dirty messy things spreading germs. I’d take a bit of pet dander over baby plague any day of the week.
Just as these passengers have a duty to make sure they follow the rules, and the airlines enforce it, you, as the author of a prominent blog that is often seen as journalism, have the duty to report accurate information.
ESA and Service Dogs are very different. While your aren’t specific, you also do not correct the shared tweet.
ESA Dogs are mostly at the discretion of the airline, and if a passenger cannot fly near an animal, most likely, it is the animal that’s reaccomadated.
Service Dog are strongly protect by ADA (federal laws). Unfortunately, some try to fake their dogs as service animals, since there is less restrictions compared to ESA, thats enjoy barely any legal protection or rights.
Furthermore, this photo captures but a single brief moment. It is possible they were fake. It is also very possible these animals were perfectly trained and for but 20 seconds their owners decided to invite them up, perhaps even encourage by fellow crew or other passengers out of curious amazement. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are extremely intelligent and notoriously known for their trainability and smarts.
If you were just “sharing” a photo with a personal caption on your personal social media pages, then ok, even though as a respected aviation “expert” you are always held to higher standard.
However, being the author of a formal “news” piece, this is nothing more than sensationalist click-bait, and worst, it spews misinformation, with no research, sources, or speaking to the owners or others on this flight. You effect opinion for those that really do have service dogs that are more behaved than some human passengers. Shame on you really.
And for everyone that’s says “back in the day, blah blah…”, It is tiring and lowest common denominator of thoughts. If you believe that, then back in the day, there was no electricity, no anitbiotics, and no airplanes! Y’all should preach what you say, and this way save us from reading any of your ignorant comments.
I write about ESA issues all the time and make it a point to distinguish between the two.
https://liveandletsfly.boardingarea.com/2019/07/25/ban-emotional-support-animals/
Indeed, you are correct that the two are quite different but nevertheless often confused.
you’re a piece of [redacted by admin]
Idiotically, not sadly
Service dogs before service dogs were service dogs I have been under a doctors care for almost 20 years I’ve had to service dogs I now have one he can get up to 140 pounds but I won’t let him because of his hips he has a white German shepherd he’s 92 pounds I’m sorry he can’t sit in my lap he is for me for medical reasons if I saw if I faint or if my legs are going to go out or I am going to zone in and zone out and medical reasons he is there with his harness to catch me from falling sit in my lap give me a break there are Registered with the ADA and have a photo ID with a picture of the handler and the dog and the ID number with the ADA my dog is very well behaved but I’m sorry he’s not a lap dog he’s not a crate dog but he behaves and they are playing at all times but I have stupid people when I am going through a medical problem trying to touch my dog, Even though he is marked do not touch service dog working medical dog do you not separate from handler and I carry my medical records they’re not allowed ask for them,but if they asked for my take down names. Service dogs are not supposed to be like dogs they can but they don’t help people from falling now do they and I’m tired of people trying to get out of the system to get what they want and I end up looking bad and one other thing just because you don’t look sick or you don’t have a disability you cannot see on the outside does not mean you do not have a disability my dog is very well behaved and like I said if I am going into one of my modes And somebody tries to touch my dog he was all set up he’s normally sitting up anyway to help me he will put his head back lunch forward and bark at means back off leave me alone and my handler alone he will not bite but it’s called barking out to have a service dog sit in your lap are you kidding me where are the documents where is their ID.. And again just because somebody doesn’t look sick or have a disability that you can see and I have a service dog they’re not faking it especially if their dog is very well behaved and they are marked and I have an ID along with the handler I am getting tired of people using emotional support dogs or staying there service dogs they should be registered with the ADA and have an ID. And if the dog is big and it’s a service dog so be it there’s probably a reason for that and I don’t care what type of dog it is what type of German Shepherd it is I will tell you this if you’re going to be an idiot and mess with the handler and the dog why the handler is going through a fit you will get bet is to protect the handler and I am so tired of people telling me when I had my other German Shepherd always looks dangerous already looks scary guess what all dogsBite and then again if you get too close to the handler when they’re having a problem you don’t know if the dog is going to bite especially if you’re a man but I have a service dog I’m a palled to sit in your lap are you for real I’m going to get off now because I’m pissed and I am repeating myself. I’m a palled and so mad for your comment to have a service dog sit in your lap I follow the law the rules and my dog is very well behaved when he’s barking and jumping it’s because there’s something wrong with me he’s trying to push through the crowd that means there’s something wrong with me and it means he’s charging to get me out of the situation that I in.
You do not have to register a service dog with the ADA. That is actually a scam. Just as easy as they can get these online gear and papers the ID is not required by law. I too have a service dog for mobility issues he is in service dog school now and will soon graduate and when he does I will receive documents stating his training which are not even required by law however I also have no problem paying extra for him to fly and think we do need some type of document showing they went through the training but as of now there is not and as far as pet allergies go 3 different drs have told me it’s the pet dander that causes the reactions and service dogs are required to be bathed more then the average dog (not saying everyone follows that but should.) I have always left a rm or asked to be moved myself if someone is uncomfortable with my service dog if they were there before me however there is no right and wrong in the scenario of pre purchased travel itineraries. The airline should however educate themselves more on behavior of service animals because a service animal on a plane is there because of working and if hes working (or she) they would not be sitting on a seat purchased or not and they also never eat what we their owners are eating at the time . In other words when I’m at a restaurant the waitress never even knows I have a service dog with me. He goes under not next to but under the table out of sight and lays down unless needed to do a task but even then would return to the hidden position.
Karen; are you paid by the word?
What kind of idiot flies with 2 of those monsters. I am surprised it is even allowed and possible. Presumably this is only possible on US domestic flights. And what if during the flight the monsters decide to bent their backs and produce a smoking one? The whole cabin should share in the smell?
Absolutely crazy.
Right? People do absurdly, ridiculously thoughtless and moronic things because they think they can. Like people who once upon a time used the chase Reserve card to bring in 30 strangers into the lounge, or disgusting people who cut their nails on the plane or stick their feet through the armrest gap between the seats in front of them because there’s no sign that says otherwise. It’s like we need to legislate common sense nowadays.
I’m not sure they’re “huge”, it’s probably just the camera angle. Certainly they appear to be easily contained behind their ‘parents’, meaning they’re not like Great Dane size ( but bigger than chihuahuas…)
But they look well behaved. However, if it is outside the policy, then they shouldn’t have been allowed to fly. The policy should be enforced ( and/or toughened if people find it inappropriate….personally it wouldn’t bother me to sit near them)
On second glance, probably slightly chubby Dachshunds….??
In a crash of some sort those beasts could fly around and hurt a passenger.
If I were sitting near these people and the FA told me to fasten my seat belt I’d be tempted to respond, “right after those malamutes.
If the plane is crashing the last thing you need to worry about is the dog.
I don’t think you understand what I said. Those dogs appear to be Rhodesian ridgebacks, likely about 90 to 110 pounds.
Speak for yourself but I’d rather not have one of them flying through the cabin and hitting me on the head..
So, yeah, I would worry about them in the event of a crash.
I’d be livid if I was a passenger on that flight and had to put-up with the presence of those huge dogs. Can’t imagine the flight attendants were thrilled either…
I am not bothered by this, although I have never done it myself. I expect the owner to go out of his or her way to show thoughtfulness or consideration towards their seatmate in other aspects, but because of the cargo alternative and animals’ separation anxiety and how that affects their owners I understand it.
Why does Delta allow this? Imagine what would happen if they refuse! I can practically read the headline. Delta throws old man and his beloved dog from the plane. Delta is ageist. Delta is the worst thing since insert-an-evil-name.
It’s better pr for Delta just to allow the dogs, then compensate the unfortunate pax. They appear generous, and the dogs are to be blamed.
They are cowed by exactly those things, perpetuated by an out-of-control PC and ‘call-out’ culture which has steeped into all areas of life and not just here. Everyone is afraid. What caused it?
Easy. Social media.
At least there weren’t peanuts on the flight. So there’s that.
Peanuts. God forbid!
That’s disgusting. Dogs are filthy animals.
Well, I’m sure they’re cleaner and better behaved than you.
My daughters university roommate has a cat. They decided to change apartments next year. Their preferred apartment does not allow pets. The roommate called her mother. The mother said “no problem, because I’ll have the doctor provide proof that the cat is an emotional support animal”. So the doctor, did that and the apartment manager relented and allowed the cat. The cat is NOT an emotional support animal.
I imagine this fake service dog nonsense will continue until somebody important gets their face torn off by an out of control dog.
Sadly, you are likely correct.
They already have (also on Delta!). https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2019/05/29/an-emotional-support-dog-attacked-him-flight-hes-suing-delta-owner/
Totally disappointed on your take here. I fully support those people for taking advantage of the ADA laws and exploiting the loopholes. I don’t care if it’s not polite or whatever. As long as the government sees fit to invent “rights” out of thin air for certain special interest groups it is in the interest of those not included to find some way to join that sub-class and enjoy those “rights” as well.
The airlines know they cannot do much more in these situations because of the completely idiotic ADA laws. Start approaching analysis of these situations from that direction and you’ll find some solutions until then you’ll just be frustrated.
Don’t try to equate this to the ADA.
The ADA is the applicable law when it comes to service animals. How is it not relevant? Or are you simply passing judgement on poor behavior when you clearly don’t know any circumstances? My point is that no matter their circumstances when laws such as ADA exists then creative uses within that law will come into play.
Sad to see emotions trump any rational analysis.
@Willy You should learn the distinction between service animal and emotional support animal, and understand what is covered by the ADA, before you start spouting off on how other people are ill-informed and misinterpreting the subject.
ADA does not have any allowances for “emotional support animals.” Only real service animals are covered by ADA. Those are for people who actually need them, such as guide dogs for blind people. The dog has to have actual training for a legitimate medical need of the owner to be a real service animal protected by ADA.
They are not exploiting loopholes. Passing off a dog as a service dog when it isn’t is illegal. Plus, it makes life much more difficult for those of us with service dogs.
I have a service dog which is a very large Rottweiler and I would never even consider taking time on a commercial airline. My dog is actually very well behaved and in my opinion those dogs were not service dogs because of their behavior. Mine would be asleep at my feet the entire flight. And those rude people just slowing their dogs to act like that its sad that people ttake advantage like that. It give people like me that actially need a large service dog, mine helps me stand and switch in or out of my wheelchair. Plus he brings me stuff I need or drop, o0ens doors for me, carries all my stuff in his harness among other things and I honestly would be list wiithout him
Matthew, I would like to thank you dearly for writing so eloquently about traveling. I know that I look forward to reading your blog. (column?) Are you in print/published? Your terrific insight, ideas & stories are enjoyed & useful. Thankfully, Cody MISSOULA, MONTANA -USA
F…. shame on Delta for allowing this to happen I don’t believe one bit that those are emotional support animals! They were being cheap next time pay for your oversized dog to ride in the cargo hold like everybody else does. A Red Coat should have intervened and thought of the other passengers. Stuck in the air with those beasts crowding the space. Some people are just flat out NASTY!
Time to send a letter…
How sweetly quaint and old fashioned you are: surely you mean it’s time to “reach out”?
Heather You’re stupid. A private airline is not public transportation.
“Airplanes flown by the airlines or aircraft charter companies are considered public transport because they are licensed to offer their services to the general public and they charge money for it.”
It IS considered public transportation. Take 5 seconds to look it up before insulting someone else’s intelligence.
The boat has left the dock with reference to service animals and emotional support animals. The nature of the way the laws are written make it open for fraud and exploitation, which is the current state of things.
The only way around this is new laws punishing fakers (some states are attempting this), and a national registry for service and emotional support animals. Folks who complain about having a registry shouldn’t complain about their service animal not be taken seriously. The limit to only two questions legally ties the hands of the public having any legitimate way to identify fakers, a national registry would alleviate the guessing.
I have two legally blind family members, one having had a guiding eye dog, and another family member with a physical disability. For them, people faking disabilities is a bigger burden than any paperwork required for registry that no doctor would hesitate to fill out.
I hope for the people leaving comments here they never end up in a situation where they actually need help. People who genuinely need support should be supported and the comments “they should stay home” are absolutely ridiculous.
Two things are wrong though today in this regard I feel. 1 – airlines need to rethink how to handle these scenarios, 2 – the way this is handled by doctors needs to change. It is far too easy to get the note that allows you to take an emotional support animal. I know of someone who was moving to the other side of the world (from the US) and wanted to take their dog with them in the cabin the whole way. Within a few days they had the letter and they flew with their dog in business class no questions asked. This messes things up for people who genuinely need help.
Separate question, every single instance I have seen of ridiculous emotional support cases have all been in the US. Is this just a US problem that anyone can just go and get an emotional support animal approved to fly with them?
Jesus, get the animals off of the planes already. NONE of us want to see your stupid animal on the plane with you, regardless of how much mental anguish you may be in.
None of us? Speak for yourself, bud.
Doctors need to pass national exams and need licenses. Pilots need licenses, too. To say that dogs can be emotional support animals and if you ask for proof, they can sue you under the ADA is crazy.
If you break you leg, you BUY crutches. You are not entitled to free crutches. Same with emotional support animals. If you need it, you should pay to bring your animal. If would cut down on fake emotional support animals because then pets would pay a fee but emotional support animals would pay the same fee AND have to provide documentation. Documentation is not evil. You have a driver’s license. You may have a passport.
The alternative is Free Animal Transportation for All, paid for by the rich, the rich being frequent flyers. That wouldn’t be liked by some.
BTW… i have a Service Dog and he is my pet as well. He does partake in meals as i feed him right off the table. He is a dog not a robot. Your view on them are wrong. My Service Dog does not like male dogs as he has been victim of mumtiple attacks and now..he is an offensive dog..smartly enough…and i have his back 100%. He also doesnt like cats, squirrels, skunks, possums, etc. And sometimes, he even ignores me when i call him. He is 8 years old and ive had him trained since a puppy. We have been 2g every single day almost since i got him. He is a FULL FLEDGED LEGIT SERVICE DOG. NOT A SUPPORT DOG. SERVICE DOGS ARE NOT ROBOTS.
Emotional support animals are not recognized by the ADA for providing life saving services. The problem is that you are not allowed to ask what service the animal provides to protect privacy. Folks with emotional support animals are cheating the system. That is the bottom line. I feel like it would be prudent to allow asking if the animal is for emotional support and disallowing them from flying. Is that much of an intrusion of privacy? All humans require emotional support. Should all humans be able to fly with an animal. The answer is no.
Word!
Oh my, those aren’t well trained dogs! I’ve never had a “support” dog of any kind, but my dogs have all been trained. They were trained to walk at a heel with or without a leash, go to their “house” (kennel) if they were bad. They knew hand signals and I trained them to remain in an extended stay. I can’t imagine any dog getting up on the table and not laying at my feet once I trained them! Honestly it’s more about training the owners!
1) If the animal can’t fit into a carrier and fit under the seat in front of you, then it shouldn’t be allowed on the plane. Once I was sitting in row 1, my 5 lb purse had to go in the overhead bin “for the safety of all passengers”, just in case “we experience unexpected rough air”. Across the aisle was a 90 lb German Shepherd. Seriously! My small purse is more of a risk than a large dog?!?!
2) Where can I get one of the FAKE “service animal”, or “emotional supprt” vests for my husband so he can fly for free?? He emotionally supports me, and sometimes he can be an animal, but I have to pay for his ticket…..hmmmm.
3) If a passenger has a peanut allergy, no nuts are served on the plane. Yet, there are NO considerations for those of us that have severe allergic reactions to pet hair, saliva, dander, etc.
This is outrageous! Those are Rhodesian Ridgebacks. If they truly behave that way, they are not Service Dogs. I personally use a Rhodesian Ridgeback for mobility help and if the airlines puts a size cap on Service Dogs, then I would be forced to use a wheel chair and be dependent on others. This is one reason I have my dog. My dog has been working for me for 3 years now, he is extremely well trained and has been on a number of flights with no issues other then the airlines personnel trying to make my trip more difficult. I had the buld seat reserved, even had it verified and when I went to load the plane, they put me way in the back in a very tight row. My dog has to be large due to his tasks that he helps me with. This is the reason we need Joe Blow public to grow up and stop abusing the system. It does effect all of us!