• Home
  • Reviews
    • Flight Reviews
    • Hotel Reviews
    • Lounge Reviews
    • Trip Reports
  • About
    • Press
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Award Expert
Live and Let's Fly
  • Home
  • Reviews
    • Flight Reviews
    • Hotel Reviews
    • Lounge Reviews
    • Trip Reports
  • About
    • Press
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Award Expert
Home » Pet Travel » A “Service Dog” For A “Service Dog” In Delta Air Lines First Class …
Delta Air LinesPet Travel

A “Service Dog” For A “Service Dog” In Delta Air Lines First Class …

Matthew Klint Posted onJuly 11, 2024 79 Comments

a group of dogs walking in a room

Another day, another service dog incident, this time a pair of restless “service dogs” on a Delta Air Lines flight from Miami. Or maybe the service dog was for the other dog?

One Dog, Two Dogs, Red Dogs, Blue Dogs: Two “Service Dogs” On Delta Air Lines

Video captures a woman waiting to board a flight in Miami International Airport (MIA). She is holding not one but two “service dogs.” Unfortunately, these “service dogs” were quite active…I spoke to a certified service animal trainer who remarked that the conduct of the dog in the blue collar (pulling the leash) suggests no serious training. That suggests the “service animal” is not really a service animal.

Maybe the service dog with the red collar and vest was the real service dog and assigned to provide comfort and support to the other dog?

What do we do about fake service dogs?
byu/Rukusduk11 indelta

The passenger who captured the video added, “Two obviously not service dogs sat at the feet of their owners. How does Delta allow this?? MIA to MSP flight 2150 today. Seats 4A & 4B.” (first class of course)

How does Delta allow this? Becuase it has to. It cannot ask questions beyond:

  • Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
  • What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?

As long as you can answer those questions, you are entitled to bring your dog onboard for free and need not present any sort of medical paperwork or proof of training.

Per the Air Carrier Access Act, multiple service dogs are allowed:

Generally, yes. Some people with disabilities may use more than one service animal to perform different tasks. For example, a person who has a visual disability and a seizure disorder may use one service animal to assist with way-finding and another that is trained as a seizure alert dog.

But the number of dogs can be limited to two.

Until the FAA changes the rules not much can be done. There needs to be a federal certification program for service dogs and then the FAA can require that certification

Sadly, it will probably take a fake service dog mauling a child or jumping on, knocking over, and injuring an elderly person, or perhaps a dog defecating all over the floor next to an immune-compromised seatmate for the rules to change.

All of these events are tragically foreseeable…and they will happen at one point as we see the number of “service” dogs onboard (so often flying in first class because those with more money think the rules do not apply them) proliferate.

I’m not anti-dog. I’m anti-fake service dog on airplanes. It’s not a coincidence that the fake service dogs typically are larger dogs like this, who are not allowed to otherwise fly in a passenger cabin because they cannot fit in a pet carrier.

Unethical people are ruining it for the folks who really need a service dog. Sooner or later, the whole system is going to crumble.


image: reddit // hat tip: View From The Wing

Get Daily Updates

Join our mailing list for a daily summary of posts! We never sell your info.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Previous Article Flight Attendants At American Airlines Close In On Deal, Credit Pete Buttigieg
Next Article Step Back! Alaska Airlines Agent Inflames Tense Baggage Situation

About Author

Matthew Klint

Matthew is an avid traveler who calls Los Angeles home. Each year he travels more than 200,000 miles by air and has visited more than 135 countries. Working both in the aviation industry and as a travel consultant, Matthew has been featured in major media outlets around the world and uses his Live and Let's Fly blog to share the latest news in the airline industry, commentary on frequent flyer programs, and detailed reports of his worldwide travel.

Related Posts

  • Delta CrowdStrike Lawsuit

    Delta’s $500M Lawsuit Against CrowdStrike Moves Ahead—But Passengers Are Suing Too

    May 21, 2025
  • Delta Sky Club ATL C Review

    Review: Delta Sky Club Atlanta (ATL) – Concourse C

    May 20, 2025
  • Delta Sky Club ATL B Review

    Review: Delta Sky Club Atlanta (ATL) – Concourse B (Now With Grab and Go)

    May 19, 2025

79 Comments

  1. Dan Reply
    July 11, 2024 at 12:56 pm

    Matt – Not a very thoughtful article. The caption notes there are two passengers. While they might not be service dogs, it sounds like the owners had a row to themselves and their dogs in first class. Who are they harming in this situation?

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      July 11, 2024 at 1:04 pm

      They seem to be entitled folks who simply cannot bear to be separated from their dogs so they buy service vests and slap them on. Otherwise, the dog stays home. Enough with this.

      I don’t care that “no one was harmed” in this instance. I care about the proliferation of dogs on planes and how laughably easy it is to claim that a pet is a service dog.

      • Greg Reply
        July 11, 2024 at 1:07 pm

        Or not wanting to pay for a dog sitter at home or pet hotel

      • Victor Reply
        July 12, 2024 at 7:12 am

        I take my dog to the local airport as a therapy dog and I have seen numerous times where dogs with service dog vest on are not service dogs. They pull and jump.

      • Mark Reply
        July 12, 2024 at 2:31 pm

        Matt, as a dog person (have two), they need to stay home or be put in a pet resort. Service vests should only be allowed to be given by a trained person…and there should be documentation. I saw a tea cup Yorkie with one on recently. It’s a joke now.

      • Andrew Reply
        July 17, 2024 at 4:58 pm

        So happy they can bring the dogs with them. So glad they use the system to the benefit their mental health. I love being attacked by a baby in first class and they don’t even have a seat. I always first class with my dog in my lap . And it affects nobody. Try worrying about the real issues in plane travel and the world. Little babies.

        • Matthew Klint Reply
          July 17, 2024 at 5:10 pm

          So you lie every flight and say it is a service dog?

    • Dave W. Reply
      July 11, 2024 at 2:32 pm

      Harming? First, I suggest an emergency exit is more dangerous with them present. Some have allergies or fear of animals. And, in many cases, these faux service animals occupy (or try to) other pax foot space. But, given your logic, I’m going to use a handicap parking spot at my local grocery store. They’re never all taken, so who would I have harmed?

      • Dan Reply
        July 11, 2024 at 3:51 pm

        Did you actually read the article? They weren’t seated in an exit row and as I previously stated, their owners occupied the entire row so were not getting into anyone’s foot space.

        I don’t disagree that large faux service dogs that take up other people’s space, are misbehaved or cause disruption during flight are a problem.

        My issue here is that Matt is trying to make a story that this person brought on two “service” dogs when clearly it was two passengers with one service dog each. Matt dislikes dogs to such an extent, he stretches the story to further his anti-dog narrative.

        • Matthew Klint Reply
          July 11, 2024 at 4:09 pm

          We don’t know whether was a second passenger or not. It may have just been that she booked both seats for herself and her pets. Either way, I agree that at least the dogs were not bothering others, but even so…people with money shouldn’t be able to skirt rules by deception.

          • Dan
            July 11, 2024 at 4:57 pm

            “Two obviously not service dogs sat at the feet of their owners. How does Delta allow this?? MIA to MSP flight 2150 today. Seats 4A & 4B.”

            I generally view the term “owners” to mean multiple individuals and not a single person.

          • Matthew Klint
            July 11, 2024 at 11:53 pm

            These days you never know.

    • Marie Buckley Reply
      July 12, 2024 at 1:54 pm

      It looks like the dogs recognize someone who is not in the video. I think someone else may be the owner of the dogs. They pay no attention to the man passing by. I too am against fake service dogs. It seems too easy to classify a service animal.

    • Anaphylactic Reply
      July 13, 2024 at 2:11 pm

      They’re harming those of us who have severe allergies. No, taking an Allegra doesn’t solve it for me. I am severely allergic and have severe Asthma. I can have an anaphalactic incident with these kinds of situations. I’m sick and tired of people feeling entitled and that these actions dont matter. It does matter! I’m sick and tired of this nonsense and I agree with the person that wrote this article. This system needs to crumble. It’s ridiculous and I agree. That yes, real service animals need and should be allowed wherever. However, but this fake service animal bs is ridiculous. I literally had to leave a restaurant today because of a “service animal” in the restaurant. It’s absurd and I’m tired of it and I’m sick of it. And you people need to realize that it’s not about whether you like dogs Or don’t like dogs or animals or not. there are other people with other disabilities, so stop the nonsense And the entitlement.

  2. Joseph Reply
    July 11, 2024 at 1:00 pm

    It’s a shame that people exploit this system that’s supposed to be for people who actually need to use it.

  3. Greg Reply
    July 11, 2024 at 1:06 pm

    The post says they sat in 4A/B.

    At least they didn’t inconvenience anyone else’s space which is much more consideration than some other owners.

    But non service pets outside a carrier is a risk of its own that shouldn’t happen.

  4. Malik Reply
    July 11, 2024 at 1:11 pm

    Not very thoughtful of the people who brought non-service animals on board acting like they were service animals…

  5. Ralph Reply
    July 11, 2024 at 1:33 pm

    Unfortunately neither the service dog problem or tendency for people to grab their carry ons during evacuations are likely to change until there is a tragically botched crash evacuation which results in multiple fatalities.

  6. Jerry Reply
    July 11, 2024 at 1:54 pm

    Fortunately all these dogs did was just play a little bit in the terminal as they were leashed. Nobody got hurt, nobody was actually disturbed, nobody faced any real inconvenience, and everyone made it to their destination without incident. Good for a Reddit outrage post, though.

  7. staradmiral Reply
    July 11, 2024 at 2:07 pm

    There should be be a national registry for service dogs. While people have a right to medical privacy they should be required to provide the dog’s registration number which is then checked against the database by the airline. No person with a legitimate disability would be harmed by such a rule.

    • Bridgit Reply
      July 13, 2024 at 7:54 pm

      Are you willing to pay for it? Requiring federal certification means people with service dogs will be charged for the privilege of going out of their home safely. I don’t want to be held hostage in my home just because I am disabled, do you?

      What would be involved in a federal registration?

      Money to create and maintain the data base. $$$$

      Someone determines criteria for inclusion on the list for every single reason for a service dog. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

      Who decides if your dogs training is “enough”? My SD is properly trained for public access and he is trained to help me (and has multiple times). If he is looking around while we are out, or gets excited to see my husband, is he “not trained”? He went on his first plane trip a year ago and was excited to see everything and everyone, just as most people are for their first flight. The flight crew loved him and the attendants made him an honorary flight attendant. Did he miss me having a medical issue? No. Did he do exactly what he is trained to do? Yes Because of him, I could deal with my issue before it became life threatening.

      I have had my dog save my life 3 times. He is trained to do so and knows what to do. If the need arises, he will break free and go find help for me. Yet people will see him lose and call him fake.

      As for people with allergies, I too have them and I am very sympathetic and careful. I keep him impeccably clean, and I try very hard to accommodate if someone says they are allergic.

      Yes, I am sure there are people who fake it, and that is on them. But making a ton of regulations for those of us who don’t is the same as saying we are not permitted to participate in life due to illness. There are enough laws about fake SDs. They just need to be enforced.

  8. Maryland Reply
    July 11, 2024 at 2:31 pm

    Service dog ” training academies” are the new extension of this fraud. For a couple hundred bucks and in as few as four hours they will produce airline compliant certification. Complete charlatans. Less expensive than kennels or ground transport for a pet, those that exploit this loophole will no doubt continue.

  9. Cy Reply
    July 11, 2024 at 3:52 pm

    I don’t get it Matt. You say that these owners don’t think the rules apply to them? But they are following the rules exactly as written. Your beef is with the FAA not the people.

    As the kids used to say, don’t hate the player, hate the game.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      July 11, 2024 at 4:07 pm

      If they are faking the status of their dogs as service dogs, it’s on them.

  10. dee Reply
    July 11, 2024 at 4:01 pm

    The other thing that is over the top with these “fake service dogs” is their owners behavior in the Sky Clubs.. The dogs sit on the couches and the owners feed them from the SC buffet whether on the couch or from the tables… Not fun to watch!!!

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      July 11, 2024 at 4:06 pm

      If you ever see that, please take photos and send them to me!

  11. Sylas Reply
    July 11, 2024 at 4:14 pm

    Consider that the dog in blue looks younger. It may be a service dog in training to replace the older looking dog in red, learning a new environment, and experiencing a moment where it is overwhelmed and unable to redirect or displace its behaviors. They are still dogs. I work in the most popular tourist destination on the planet (think Mouse and Castle) and see plenty of fake service animals. These dogs are far better behaved than many I have seen.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      July 11, 2024 at 5:41 pm

      I guess I think whether they behave or not doesn’t really matter…it cannot be so easy for a fake service dog to get on a plane.

    • Sleepyunicorn Reply
      July 12, 2024 at 9:46 am

      I was thinking the same thing. It is likely that the younger dog is in training and possibly being exposed to a busy airport for the first time.

  12. derek Reply
    July 11, 2024 at 4:21 pm

    Service dogs, even real service dogs, should pay extra. Not for a huge profit but for the services the dog uses.

    If I want extra space for my feet, I can buy premium economy or Comfort +. It is not free.

    • Kat S Reply
      July 12, 2024 at 6:58 pm

      Actual service dogs are classified as medical equipment and by law, an airline cannot charge for them. You’re not charged to bring a wheelchair, you can’t be charged for a service dog.

      • Matthew Klint Reply
        July 12, 2024 at 8:20 pm

        Time to change that.

  13. Leah Reply
    July 11, 2024 at 4:31 pm

    At some point in the next five years, I need to move across country. I have large dogs that will be elderly by that point and shouldn’t go in cargo because of their health. I don’t understand why I can’t purchase first class tickets for my dogs, They can limit the number of pet tickets sold per flight. I have been tolerant all my life of drunk and rude passengers or people with five kids, so I think that people can tolerate my ancient labs, who would not be taking space from any passengers.

  14. Jay Preston Reply
    July 11, 2024 at 4:41 pm

    The airlines have made flying miserable for everyone, humans and animals alike. If I want to bring my dog, I’ll drive (if I can) rather than put him in the cargo hold. There needs to be an airline that accommodates pet dogs in the cabin. People who don’t like dogs don’t need to fly on that airline.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      July 11, 2024 at 5:37 pm

      Yes, there should be a carrier who tries to do this beyond a semi-private jet operator like Bark Air.

      https://liveandletsfly.com/bark-air-routes/

      • D Pilar Reply
        July 12, 2024 at 1:45 am

        Hey Matt-the FAA doesn’t write
        It’s the rules regarding service animals. The Aviation Consumer Protection Division in the Office of the General Counsel at DOT does.

  15. Karon Reply
    July 11, 2024 at 4:47 pm

    Why in today’s society is every freaking person deciding how everyone else should behave??? Then when they don’t get their way they whinge and whine like toddlers??? Suck it up buttercup! No one knows whether those dogs were service dogs or not. No one can or should ask what a service dog does for their handler. Just mind your own business and don’t worry about it!

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      July 11, 2024 at 5:36 pm

      Why do people decide the rules don’t apply to them and they can take their pet mutt onboard if they feel like, regardless of rules to the contrary? Why do people feel like they can ruin it for those truly in need because they are so darn selfish and entitled?

    • FlyOften Reply
      July 11, 2024 at 10:48 pm

      Take some of your own medicine and meet St. Fu, Cancel karen.

  16. Mike Reply
    July 11, 2024 at 5:15 pm

    This sh*t will not end until the airlines suffer a few more lawsuits because one of the bullsh*t “service dog” owners’ dog bites the face of another pax, or FA for that matter. I’m sick of the stupid answers like “oh, well, these dogs are better behaved than the passengers, etc.” Unruly dog will not be offloaded without their pax. The airlines and the FAA need to get this solved before it gets worse, and it will get worse. There is clear guidelines found in the ADA regarding service animals, what they are defined as well as what a business can legitimately ask before accommodating. My local Safeway is staffed by chicken sh*t manager who don’t enforce the law that is actually cited on their entrance doors regarding service animal and instead just let people bring in their bullsh*t dogs and sneeze over the produce or sh*t / pee in the aisles. Enough.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      July 11, 2024 at 5:33 pm

      Mike, you gotta watch the lanugage, but I do agree with your sentiment.

      • Np Reply
        July 12, 2024 at 4:15 pm

        I have a suggestion. Refer to the people with the fake service dogs as “people pretending or faking being handicapped.” I think it has a stronger morally outragous punch. It used to be the most noncriminal immoral thing one could think of to do, fake a handicapped, or take up a handicap parking space (seinfeld episode).

    • Claire Reply
      July 11, 2024 at 7:13 pm

      The reason Safeway (or most stores) will not do anything is because of a lawsuit. I posted a story about this dog in front of me at Safeway, (she was in the cart) and freaking out. As this woman check out, this little Yorkie defecated on her big bag of shredded cheese.. when I told her that her dog had an accident, she said oh yeah because she’s a bit nervous. No kidding.

  17. Flying kiwi Reply
    July 11, 2024 at 7:14 pm

    Give it a bone, Matt. You hate dogs, we get it. If you have nothing newsworthy to write, take week off. Else find something new to talk about. Your bias is so strong you’ve lost integrity.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      July 11, 2024 at 8:14 pm

      We all have PET peeves.

      This is mine.

      There’s plenty to write about…but this is what the folks click on.

    • Dave W. Reply
      July 12, 2024 at 9:52 am

      Yes, I read the article. I said emergency exit instead of evacuation, which may have caused part of the confusion. I question whether evacuation would be hampered by dogs sitting anywhere. Yes, in this case they may have only been in the foot space on the owners, but the issue is the general case. I’m a strong believe in having proper, logical rules and enforcing them. I don’t like the “well, it’s against the rules, but what harm….” argument.

    • Matthew 808 Reply
      July 12, 2024 at 12:47 pm

      This entitled behavior endangers service animals and people with disabilities.

      “Screening out fake service animals also can help protect the safety of genuine ones, said Donald Overton Jr., executive director of the Blinded Veterans Association.
      His guide dog, a German Shepherd named Pierce, was trained for years at a cost of thousands of dollars. After Pierce was attacked multiple times by untrained pets on planes and in airports, the dog eventually became too reactive and anxious to continue working as a service animal.
      “In the blink of an eye, somebody who has just casually and carelessly decided that their pet should be out there can take all of that and destroy it,” he said.”

  18. ThellraAK Reply
    July 11, 2024 at 7:18 pm

    A service dogs behavior can control whether or not an airline has to accommodate it, but it’s behavior, good or otherwise doesn’t control whether or not it’s a service dog.

    It’s whether or not it’s been trained to perform non-pet behavior that helps mitigate a disability.

    That’s it. Disruptive behavior means they don’t have to be accommodated, but doesn’t control whether or not they are a service animal.

  19. Nicole Reply
    July 11, 2024 at 8:00 pm

    As a disabled person in a wheelchair with a SD from a national organization that went through 2.5 years of training and came from decades of selective breeding, yes there 100% needs to be federal testing done every few years on a so called service dog. First, some of the tasks they supposedly perform (or “disabilities” supposedly being used for) are ridiculous and BS, secondly, even after selective breeding for 30 years and training the dogs from day one, national groups still have only 50% success rates. I’m ok with people self training for genuine disabilities on their own but let’s be real, they aren’t going to be all successful all the time yet somehow that’s what people are claiming their dogs are. My very first dog from this group was attacked by a fake service dog; to the point he needed to be retired (costs the group about $50,000 worth of vet and training each dog, which is “lent” to the disabled handler). I’m tested regularly to make sure I’m keeping up with my dog’s training or else they’ll reclaim the dog.

    As for the harm in an out of control dog – when my dog was attacked it took 5 grown men to pull the other dog off of my dog who was completely submissive. My dog ended up with massive surgery bills and rehab. Now imagine that’s a child who just yanked the tail of an untrained dog. Also, what happens to the people with lethal animal allergies in a tin can in the air? Is it fair for them to suffer? I myself have allergies and when I’m stuck flying I announce to everyone around me that I have a plethora of various allergy medications available for them, all the way up to extra EpiPens.

    Playing devil’s advocate I will say that the group I got my dog from has a headquarters in my city. They use me as a volunteer since wheelchair dogs need specialized training with a wheelchair user. Periodically we’d go to the airport to test the dogs out in public, plus on a mock up plane the airport has in back. This could be what’s going on. Although from my experience with the group, that younger dog is way out of control for its age based on size. Even the older one is borderline behaving. I’m constantly being told by people they didn’t realize I had a dog with me, to which I’d say that’s because s/he’s trained to be discrete. I hate any attention I get with my dog or my chair, it seems like a lot of these users are in it for the attention when on the ground and free pet airfare when flying.

    I think if airlines put more into a *safe* cargo hold area and didn’t charge more for pets than some human tickets, the problem will get a little better. Unfortunately there are many out there who flaunt the rules regardless. BTW dogs that are acting up and don’t have basic training are allowed to be kicked out when on the ground in a normal location. Seeing this, if the boarding agent were an employee in a ground based business they’d be allowed to kick the dog out for not being under control. $10 says someone walking near that dog gets jumped on, so it’s easy enough to get the dog to misbehave. So a boarding agent should be allowed to stop a dog from boarding, although airlines are afraid of ADA complaints and bad publicity so they don’t. Can’t tell if the tweet meant the dogs were sitting in those seats or the humans writing the tweet were. I’d hate to think someone allowed the younger one on something that left the ground. I remember when Southwest did that reality show a decade ago, there was a national group that needed to transport a dog to the new owner in a different state. Because a dog doesn’t “graduate” from training until placement, they wouldn’t allow the dog on the plane since it was still “in training” theoretically. My how far we’ve come when an untrained hyper dog that’s clearly still a puppy is allowed on.

    BTW by law you’re allowed 2 service dogs on the ground (airline rules I have no idea about). A case where it might be used would be someone using a guiding eyes or hearing detection dog who also needed a dog for epilepsy detection. It’s maxed out at 2. I have no idea how the human would handle them, I can barely handle 1 and make sure I have all his stuff every day plus keeping him away from other dogs in case they attack, or other humans who have never seen a dog before apparently. Can’t imagine doing that with 2 dogs.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      July 11, 2024 at 8:14 pm

      Thank you for your perspective.

    • Carol Reply
      July 12, 2024 at 11:18 am

      I really appreciated hearing your point of view. It is nice to hear someone with actual knowledge reply to the comment section for a change.

      • Mark Reply
        July 12, 2024 at 8:22 pm

        Matt, as a dog person (have two), they need to stay home or be put in a pet resort. Service vests should only be allowed to be given by a trained person…and there should be documentation. I saw a tea cup Yorkie with one on recently. It’s a joke now.

  20. Carlos Guio Reply
    July 11, 2024 at 9:06 pm

    Matt, get a pet dog, enjoy its friendship and company and learn how cruel and self centered we humans are. Rules need to be changed and be fairer for all and including pets. Then people would not be inclined to abuse them.

  21. Mike Reply
    July 11, 2024 at 9:55 pm

    It’s quite simple. If you fly, you need Real ID. Is it that hard to set up a system where people can register real service animals? This whole “We can’t ask anything” is crazy. It’s why someone got all the way to the gate with their support peacock. I kid you not. It’s all these precious people in their 20s who want everything to focus on them.

    How can anyone take a support peacock seriously?

    https://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/airplane-mode/emotional-support-peacock-denied-flight-united-airlines-n842971

  22. Joana Reply
    July 11, 2024 at 10:05 pm

    Was on a United flight from LGA to MCO row 1 (first class). The couple on the opposite side of the aisle each had a service dog. Both were large dogs. They proceeded to take their shoes off and put their feet against the bulkhead wall and fall asleep. One of the dogs, a golden retriever, decided the aisle might be more comfortable. The flight attendant started to freak so I called the dog to our side. I’d much rather have dogs or cats than screaming children or obnoxious adults on a flight, and I thought the bare feet was more off putting than the dogs.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      July 11, 2024 at 11:00 pm

      Tell you something about some of the people who have “service” dogs, though.

    • Np Reply
      July 12, 2024 at 4:22 pm

      That’s great Joana, unfortunately for you the constitution provides enalliable rights to humans, so it doesn’t matter that you would rather be with dogs than people. It’s one thing to be a traitor to your country, but a traitor to your species?

  23. AKflier Reply
    July 11, 2024 at 10:23 pm

    Flew LAX-ASE on July 4th on UA. Kyle Richards was in F with her huge dog, clearly not a service dog, but he had a service animal bib on. Then one row in front of me another couple had a golden retriever who I assume had to be a “service dog” but he didn’t have a single service animal sign or anything on him. And when we were waiting for bags it was clear he wasn’t trained to be a service animal. They were both well behaved dogs and it was just two seats to each row and were both couples so they didn’t impede on anyone else, but I think the airlines need to cr*p or get off the pot. Either allow dogs to fly within certain circumstance or actually require them to follow the regulations.

  24. simmonad Reply
    July 12, 2024 at 4:46 am

    In Europe, we don’t allow such nonsense. Here’s Air Europa (for example) on the subject:

    “A service animal means a dog, regardless of breed or type, that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability or other similar medical condition. Animal species other than dogs, emotional support animals, comfort animals, companionship animals, and service animals in training are NOT service animals.”

    • Jason Reply
      July 12, 2024 at 3:47 pm

      It’s exactly the same in the US. But an owner can individually train his dog to be a service dog… There is no requirement for any certification or accreditation.

  25. mparker Reply
    July 12, 2024 at 11:16 am

    Honestly this article sounds like the writer is jealous of these dogs. Or even anti-dog. They’re flying first class and have full access to an entire row with their owners. Sounds like a nice life.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      July 12, 2024 at 12:00 pm

      It may be many things, but it is not jealousy…

  26. Dave Reply
    July 12, 2024 at 12:30 pm

    https://www.instagram.com/reel/CfUdjzKKuVx/?igsh=OWM1anYweGhjaWM1

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      July 12, 2024 at 1:20 pm

      LOL

  27. Chad Reply
    July 12, 2024 at 2:40 pm

    “because those with more money think the rules do not apply them”

    But of course that is true, generally speaking. Loads of “rules” don’t apply, exceptions are made, special conditions etc. apply to bypass typical procedure and result in special treatment not normally allowed, both informally and formally. Even flagrant violation of the law is going to see people let off with a warning, no charges, a generous plea deal, whatever.

  28. Mathew Reply
    July 12, 2024 at 2:49 pm

    I usually buy my service dog his own seat in first class. He has criss crossed the country with me for business and has flown internationally on trips over 8 hours. He has special training to relieve himself on ultra-long distance flights, with a pad in the bathroom. The best part is when passengers disembark and see him, they say, wow I had no idea a dog was even on this flight. Yup, thats the point.

    I also have a degeneraive hip condition which I had to get double bilateral hip replacements at 38 for so I have to go into the Backscatter X-ray. While he independently has to go throught the regular X-Ray machine and wait for me there, not moving an inch until I am clear to get him. He sits there for someimes up to a minute, while other passengers at the TSA walk past him. The agents are always super super impressed. So am I. I had no idea that a dog was capable of all of this, while helping me walk and balance with my orthopedic and neurological functions, or more appropriately lack of these functions.

    And he was trained by a trainer beginning when he was 8 weeks old and then me.

    And I don’t let other passengers touch him, but TSA agents, clear, Delta Crew Members.

    So far my dog has been in the cockpit of Airbus A321, Airbus A380, Boeing 777. Captain of the flights have facetimed with their kids while my dog is in the cockpit of the plane with them. And no I never have ever asked if my dog can go into the cockpit of a plane. He has always been personally invited duing the pre-boarding process.

    The writer sounds lie he is looking for click bait and what better topic. Sensationally writte article meant to stir up emotions on both sides of the aisle. So I will give him credit where that is due with his Nat Enq gossip style article.

    We have our rights. And fortunately most people in the free world, have zero problems when hearing there is a disabled person who buys his own dog a seat in first class.

    And my dog gets his own business, first class or Mint seat. I never let him fly without having his own seat.

    And no he is not from any disability dog lineage. He is a border-collie from a working line that I found myself and trained with my trainer.

    And I love how Matthew throws in Business Class to stir the pot more. And get more clicks for people that can’t afford first. I can’t either but I save up my points and buy my seats with points/cash option.

    No one except those that share your view… dog-hater, click baiter and general professional loser like you Matthew care.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      July 12, 2024 at 4:16 pm

      The analytics say otherwise…

  29. Jason Reply
    July 12, 2024 at 3:45 pm

    The constant harping on service dogs is getting old… You have no idea whether they are or are not service dogs.

    • Np Reply
      July 12, 2024 at 4:28 pm

      No idea? Lol, I think you need a service dog..

  30. Aeri Reply
    July 12, 2024 at 5:59 pm

    It’s unfortunate because people who feel that they are entitled to bring their dog everywhere because they think it’s cute makes my life 100x harder. As a service dog owner, I have to constantly face challenges because of other people’s selfishness. I am constantly on edge because I have no idea when someone’s “service dog” is going to attack me and my partner. For those of you who care, yes we have been attacked before. We have also spoken to other teams who have had to retire their dog early because of an attack. To help with some perspective, these medical devices (service dogs) can cost anywhere between $3,000-$35,000 for training alone. The amount of time (up to 5 years) and training a single dog to help us is extremely expensive. So, yes. It does matter when a dog that can’t even pass a standard obedience test is in public. These two dogs are clearly not even obedience trained.

  31. Em Reply
    July 12, 2024 at 7:47 pm

    Congratulations! You wrote an entire article based on speculation! I wonder how the folks would feel IF they really had a disability. “Not all disabilities are visible”, I’m sure you’ve heard the saying. Probably not too good.

    I think your beef is with the ADA, sir. Might want to hit them up for some answers since you’re clearly too busy minding everyone else’s business to handle your own. Anyone who knows animals (and people alike, if we’re being honest), understands there’s always that small chance that something could happen. Isn’t that the case with life? As one commenter mentioned, it’s even more likely to occur while in training, or fresh out of training.

    I’ve trained dogs all of my life, and horses all of my adult life & they don’t just magically appear as service dogs. There’s a long, invigorating process that has to take place first & not all of them make it. You’re constantly training or untraining an animal, you may just not realize it.

    Also, I take it you are unaware that “mutts” or mixed breeds are allowed to have a shot at being a training dog just like the rest of ’em.

  32. Ray Sharradh Reply
    July 12, 2024 at 10:32 pm

    Every day at work in the airport I see people with dogs that are obviously not service dogs – they’re barking, snarling, defecating, urinating, generally freaking out. And yes, single passengers with two dogs in tow are becoming a less-rare sighting. Flying is already stressful enough to a lot of people without adding this flying dog pound element.

  33. Greg Bules Reply
    July 12, 2024 at 10:56 pm

    Can we agree that not all service dogs are trained the same? My SD for PTSD is trained differently than one for someone like my son who is deaf-blind. The needs and requirements are as different as our disability. Common sense goes a long way, but that is all but forgotten when we enter into an airport.

  34. Lola Reply
    July 13, 2024 at 10:19 am

    A quick Google search would’ve let you know that Delta requires paperwork for service animals. This is not journalism. Just a man with access to a computer and his own thoughts.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      July 13, 2024 at 10:34 am

      Delta requires, per federal law, a simple attestation form with no mechanism to gauge whether the claims are valid.

      Try again, Lola.

  35. Erica Reply
    July 13, 2024 at 3:24 pm

    Why can a a baby or kid or a rude person that screen and hurt 50% of the passenger experience can pay and have their own sit (or not pay if it’s a baby). And well trained dog that doesn’t hurt anyone and you also have no idea how it assist their owner is wrong?
    Why people have to care and stuck their noses in other people business. Service dogs can be happy too if it doesn’t hurt their job.

    People get a life and sometime that make you happy and you might stop caring so much for other people joy or suffering.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      July 13, 2024 at 6:05 pm

      Because babies are human beings.

  36. Gregory Gregston Reply
    July 13, 2024 at 6:01 pm

    DELTA HAS BEEN MY CHOICE OF CARRIERS ALONG WITH KLM, AF and Tarom for years. Yes. Americans abuse the SD FEDERAL regulations. My dogs are EU Certified just to demo straight a higher standard. Delta provides an excellent noteworthy job of enforcing the DOT policy. Indeed, I have been traveling now for 15+ years on DL, AF, KL and TAROM with my Trained Service Dog . My present SD ( who speaks Dutch, German , Russian and English) will break the 1,000,000 miles of travel. She has now 9 trips to the US/EU w 4 to 11 countries each trip keeps me both mobile and breathing. We continue to move linguist and their families out of Afghanistan . The DOT required forms are adequate if the DOT would enforce these standards. There will NEVER BE A US FEDERAL CERTIFICATION as the cost are prohibitive for those with disabilities. The sad lack of integrity of passengers in the US is tragic. We have been attacked multiple times in Airports in the us by fake vested “Service Dogs”. On more than one occasion I have been ask to assist in the us with a frightened dog who is not trained. I have a SECOND trained SD that I can legally travel with- this dog does assist me with luggage and mobility. His intended purpose is to provide services for my Assistant Person …who is a Veteran adjusting to civilian live after explosive Amputations . Albeit we move slower – the polished professional leadership and skills are essential !

    Please do not be quick to judge those traveling – life threatening disabilities can be invisible. It pains me to see a stressed out untrained dog wearing an Amazon Vest being fearfully dragged through an airport. In the SAME BREATH I am compelled to say : “The passenger always as a story – (as does the Dog) – kindness and assistance are ALWAYS APPROPRIATE. This can be. sD which is a stay at home care provider and medical assistant. Fake people with fake dogs tend to easily identifiable: THE airline is only responsible for enforcing the DOT paperwork / the DOT / USG ARE THE ENFORCEMENT of penalties. Sadly anyone can claim they are disabled in America. We are a nation of entitled no longer law abiding citizens. Regarding Dog allergies: Do not even try to go there . The number of encounter we have with a passenger in row 48 a d we are in row 11/ bulkhead who have a dog allergy which is immediately resolved in Row 19 : FIRST class makes me laugh. Delta is extremely responsible for passenger health care: this is why you can complete a passenger service for for each reservation. Being entitled to a First Class Seat because you have A suddenly dog allergy is as bad as a fake Service Dog.! lol! My dog(s) are bathed weekly, I carry not a 110 and 220v volt high velocity blow dryer and we travel with. Delta blankets for covering the nasty airline floors ( keeping the blankets.). As a severe asthmatic I understand death by allergy. DELTA AND SKY TEAM ARE THE BEST! If you see a problem say something to a Superviisor – obtain assistance!

  37. emercycrite Reply
    July 16, 2024 at 10:35 pm

    It’s remarkable just how many so-called service animals are required in the US, compared to anywhere else in the world. How do these people function overseas? Or do they just not travel internationally?

Leave a Reply

Cancel reply

Search

Hot Deals for May

Note: Please see my Advertiser Disclosure

Capital One Venture X Business Card
Earn 150,000 Miles Sign Up Bonus
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Earn 100,000 Points
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Earn 75,000 Miles!
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Earn 75,000 Miles
Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Earn $750 Cash Back
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Earn 120,000 Membership Reward® Points

Recent Posts

  • Influencer Dog United Airlines
    Unreal: Influencer Brings Her Massive Great Dane “Service Dog” On United Airlines Flight May 21, 2025
  • Hawaiian Airlines Bomb Threat
    “The Guy Next To Me Has A Bomb!” Hawaiian Airlines Passenger’s Lie Sparks Tarmac Chaos May 21, 2025
  • Newark Airport Flight Caps
    How the FAA Is Determining Which Carriers Must Reduce Service At Newark May 21, 2025
  • Delta CrowdStrike Lawsuit
    Delta’s $500M Lawsuit Against CrowdStrike Moves Ahead—But Passengers Are Suing Too May 21, 2025

Categories

Popular Posts

  • a room with a table and benches
    Where To Smoke At Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport (CDG) April 26, 2025
  • United Airlines Polaris Lounge Chicago Review
    Review: United Polaris Lounge Chicago (ORD) May 1, 2025
  • United Airlines Refresh Polaris Lounge Chicago
    First Look: United Airlines Reopens Renovated Polaris Lounge In Chicago (ORD) April 29, 2025
  • a hand holding a blue card
    Chase Sapphire Preferred 100K Bonus Offer Ending Soon May 2, 2025

Archives

May 2025
M T W T F S S
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031  
« Apr    

As seen on:

facebook twitter instagram rss
Privacy Policy © Live and Let's Fly All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Live and Let's Fly with appropriate and specific directions to the original content.