A chronic complainer took to Twitter to gripe about Delta Air Lines placing a second service dog in the same row as she and her service dog were seated. My only thought was compassion for the poor Delta passenger in the window seat dealing with two service dogs…
Three Delta Air Lines Passengers Share Two Service Dogs In One Row
A woman with a long history of complaining (just read her prior tweets) castigated Delta for placing two service dogs in the same row on her flight from Atlanta (ATL) to Houston (IAH) last week.
Hey @Delta this isn’t supposed to happen two #ServiceDogs in the same row that don’t know each other?!? Why you put us at risk of a missed medical episode & I just had two fusions! Flight1682 to Houston pic.twitter.com/6xW2cD1TWX
— Michelle Z (@SpoonieandtheSD) December 12, 2023
Personally, I think that is a great idea. A well-trained “real” service animal would not mind this…there would be little chance of commotion. So if one or both of the dogs do become combative, it is a good sign that it is not really a service animal, including a psychiatric support animal.
I do feel bad for the passenger without a service dog in the window seat who would not only have to climb over two passengers, but two dogs to get out.
Delta’s response wasn’t all that helpful (“speak to crew to see if they can reassign you to another location”), but is not even clear if this passenger asked to be moved.
I think putting all the dogs in one row is a great idea.
Are My Views Softening On Service Animals?
In all seriousness, I find my reaction rather muted to this. Regular readers know that I tend to be a fierce critic of “emotional support” dogs onboard because far too many people abuse this generous regulatory loophole.
A dear friend has a Greyhound named Sweetie Pie that always nuzzles up to me when she sees me. It reminds me of my old collie, who was a beautiful dog and had a lovely disposition. This greyhound is growing on me…
And then I read the story about Mia Leimberg, the 17-year-old Israeli who was captured from a Kibbutz near the Gaza border and held captive underground for weeks. During that time, her dog stayed by her side and helped her get through the time.
17-year-old Mia Leimberg's life changed on October 7th at Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak, when she was taken hostage, her dog Bella her only solace.
Mia recently shared how Bella silently offered comfort and warmth in captivity, never barking, always close to her.
They shared limited… pic.twitter.com/06dcfZIoJI
— Hen Mazzig (@HenMazzig) December 4, 2023
When I read stories like this I sometimes think I should let people just enjoy their dogs as long as they are not snapping at me. Maybe I should.
But then the other day I was picking up a couple of chickens at El Pollo Loco (we’re still homeless, after all) and a man and woman was sitting in a booth with a dog sitting on the floor eating food from his own plate. All of a sudden he defecated on the floor. The woman used a napkin to try to scoop it up, then dropped it right in the trash can in the center of the dining room. There was still a bunch of residue on the floor.
Another man at a nearby table piped up, “You going to clean that up?”
She responded, “He’s a service animal.”
Now I piped in and said that her claim was difficult to believe because a true service animal would not defecate on the floor of a restaurant. Nor would a dog with any sort of training…
She responded by taking a napkin and trying to wipe out the remainder of the residue on the floor.
Nope. There were still brown streaks…
Anyway, I sidetracked our conversation to say that I do quite understand and empathize with those who are very close to their dogs…I understand the love. But please don’t game the system to take your dog onboard for free or to keep him out of a doggy carrier. It’s not fair to those who actually need it.
CONCLUSION
I’ve seen so many “service animals” lately onboard my flights. I still think the issue is getting out of hand. But I do think putting all the service animals in one row or at least one zone makes a lot of sense, even if Delta did it inadvertently in this case.
(image: @SpoonieandtheSD / X // Hat Tip: View From The Wing)
Please note that there is an important legal difference between an emotional support animal and a service dog.
I would be happy to sit on a row fill of service dogs.
Correct but the “psychiatric service animals” that have replaced “emotional support animals” are classified as service dogs.
Put all of the “service animals” in one section and let them figure it out amongst themselves.
Do you notice nobody EVER takes an animal to the movies? Because it would ne a giant pain in the arse.
I have been in the DL Lounge where a couple had 3 dogs in a cart. They fed them also as they got upset when they saw the food. The staff thought it was sooo cute and made a big fuss. We were not on the same flight so do not know how that worked out!!! WHo needs 3 dogs with them????
Time for someone to start the Zoo Air. Anyone that needs an animal to be able to fly should only fly Zoo Air.
I’m a dog lover and respect the important role that legit service animals play in the life of their owners, but I see this as a legit safety issue interfering with emergency egress.. I feel having 2 service animals unable to fit completely under the seat in front represent a safety issue. Only 1 service animal per row in my opinion.
Good points – the “service animals” without proper training are a problem
It’s the “service animals” with the untrained humans that are the problem. Emphasis on the humans.
My only sympathy is with the dogs.