People illegally bringing service animals on the plane is another symptom of the growing self-centered view of Americans, which is often concealed under the label of "freedom".
11
Maybe service dog owners and emotional support animals be willing to provide documentation in advance to the airlines and acknowledge it is a crime to misrepresent their dog? it seems like that could stop abuse from fakers?
6
Why do people bring dogs and cats on planes, given the risk to others (who have paid for their tickets!) and the shrinkage of airplane tickets? Leave your pets home or drive your own car!
16
Why must this be reduced to an either/or choice between those who want to fly with their dogs and those who don’t? With a modicum of respect and courtesy for others, and a bit of common sense planning, there is room in the skies for everyone.
If one knows they will be travelling with a pet, they are well aware of it beforehand and inform the airline in advance. When one who has a serious allergy to pets books a flight, why not let them inform the airline in advance as well. If there is a pet already booked, the person with the allergy can be advised and asked if they will be okay if placed on opposite ends, in the front of the plane if the dog is in the back of the plane or vice versa. If that isn't sufficient, they can be directed to the next flight. Then, that flight can marked as carrying a person with an allergy. If another person with a pet wants to book, they can be told that flight is now unavailable, but there are seats available on the next flight. So easy. It is not rocket science; it’s just learning to share your toys and we all should have learned this simple skill in kindergarten. Remember the golden rule. If you would not like being thrown off the plane at the last minute, why you think that would be okay to do to someone else who did plan for their own special needs, while you failed to do the same?
If one knows they will be travelling with a pet, they are well aware of it beforehand and inform the airline in advance. When one who has a serious allergy to pets books a flight, why not let them inform the airline in advance as well. If there is a pet already booked, the person with the allergy can be advised and asked if they will be okay if placed on opposite ends, in the front of the plane if the dog is in the back of the plane or vice versa. If that isn't sufficient, they can be directed to the next flight. Then, that flight can marked as carrying a person with an allergy. If another person with a pet wants to book, they can be told that flight is now unavailable, but there are seats available on the next flight. So easy. It is not rocket science; it’s just learning to share your toys and we all should have learned this simple skill in kindergarten. Remember the golden rule. If you would not like being thrown off the plane at the last minute, why you think that would be okay to do to someone else who did plan for their own special needs, while you failed to do the same?
8
Seriously? Seriously!?!
I love pets as much as the next person, but to kick someone who's dealing with CANCER off the plane so someone else can travel with Wuffie-puppie makes absolutely zero sense. That's prioritizing animals over humans, and it's nuts.
Pets do not belong in enclosed public spaces (buses, planes, other-than-open-air restaurants), period.
Everyone who says "if you've got allergies, deal with it" needs to understand that it works the other way. If you want to enter an enclosed public space, lose the pet. If you can't be surgically detached from Wuffie-puppie, stay home.
I love pets as much as the next person, but to kick someone who's dealing with CANCER off the plane so someone else can travel with Wuffie-puppie makes absolutely zero sense. That's prioritizing animals over humans, and it's nuts.
Pets do not belong in enclosed public spaces (buses, planes, other-than-open-air restaurants), period.
Everyone who says "if you've got allergies, deal with it" needs to understand that it works the other way. If you want to enter an enclosed public space, lose the pet. If you can't be surgically detached from Wuffie-puppie, stay home.
18
I can't understand the issue here. If you or your child has a severe allergic condition, then it is up to YOU to do what is necessary to stay safe, medications, notifications, etc, up to and including driving instead. There is no right to be on a allergen free plane, train or bus. If my child could die from exposure to a peanut, you can rest assured I would be driving and never even place them in this type of situation. Quit whining and take responsibility.
5
I was a psychotherapist for thirty years and was shocked at how easy it was for clients to have a physician and a therapist request that Massachusetts approve an animal as a service animal. I refused to do so on many occasions when the client had mild depression or ADD and basically just wanted to pet to travel with them. Please read this to see how ludicrous our "culture" has become. We need rights groups for the able-bodied or able-minded. We have gone way to far in accommodating special needs! http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/10/20/pets-allowed
8
I am severely allergic to dogs, which trigger an asthma attack. I left a job that required travel due to my limited options. I had medical documentation of my disability, yet most airlines were clueless how to resolve the conflict between accommodations. Taking Benadryl and an inhaler were not options since upon landing I needed to use a rental car to get to a meeting. Once upon a time planes were deep cleaned. No more. Animals on planes trumped my ability to fly. Many of the so called service animals are just pets flying for free. I'd love to support an airline that requires a private annual fee for membership and did not allow animals. Someone needs to grab this business opportunity.
13
If you sometimes wish people would take your claim of allergy seriously, it might behoove you to extend that same courtesy to those who have registered service animals.
5
There is now a charter service based in Calif I think. You pay a monthly fee and you can fly anywhere they are going as much as you want.
An option for people such as this, get your pilot's license and fly yourself then you don't have to worry about being around conditions that would trigger reactions.
An option for people such as this, get your pilot's license and fly yourself then you don't have to worry about being around conditions that would trigger reactions.
Yes, but people can also have some compassion who have a small well behaved pet they consider a member of their family. If one works very hard and has a bit of time off to visit their parents or loved ones they should also be able to choose a pet friendly flight (and someone with a serious allergy should be able to choose a pet free flight) so they can spend their free time with their whole family. Most people who are flying with a pet are paying for that pet to fly and not making any pretense that it is it is a service animal. Most dogs never make a sound on the plane but the same cannot be said of most babies and young children, yet we all need to be more compassionate and patient of the needs and lifestyles of other people so we can all get where we need to go.
I remain baffled as to why the boy had to leave and not the dog. Seems a strange sort of priority for the airline to have.
23
In response to choosing the dog over the boy.
If it was a service dog the airline is Federally required to allow it on and kicking off the dog may be the same thing as discriminating against his blind (insert other applicable disability here) owner. If it was a pet then the owner paid money for it's presence.
Either way the dog was permissibly on the flight and the rights in question belong to the owner of the dog.
Since the dog was allowed to be on the flight this comes down to a carrier having to choose which customer(s) it inconveniences. Since neither customer is actively in the wrong the situation isn't cut and dry. If you have a passenger who physically assaults another then clearly the aggressor must go. But in this case we have two neutral parties.
Since both parties had an equal right to be on the plane and neither was the aggressor it comes down to the carrier to make a choice.
Since it was the child who could not tolerate the presence of the dog the child needed special treatment outside the bounds of the status quo. Consequently the child and his family were the ones who needed to leave.
It's not as simple as "How could a dog take priority over a child?" because that isn't really what happened.
If it was a service dog the airline is Federally required to allow it on and kicking off the dog may be the same thing as discriminating against his blind (insert other applicable disability here) owner. If it was a pet then the owner paid money for it's presence.
Either way the dog was permissibly on the flight and the rights in question belong to the owner of the dog.
Since the dog was allowed to be on the flight this comes down to a carrier having to choose which customer(s) it inconveniences. Since neither customer is actively in the wrong the situation isn't cut and dry. If you have a passenger who physically assaults another then clearly the aggressor must go. But in this case we have two neutral parties.
Since both parties had an equal right to be on the plane and neither was the aggressor it comes down to the carrier to make a choice.
Since it was the child who could not tolerate the presence of the dog the child needed special treatment outside the bounds of the status quo. Consequently the child and his family were the ones who needed to leave.
It's not as simple as "How could a dog take priority over a child?" because that isn't really what happened.
11
Once the child began having a reaction, medical experts decided he was not safe to fly. Removing the animal, without deep cleaning the plane, would not solve the problem. No one decided the dog won and the child lost. No airline would knowingly take off with a passenger having an acute medical crisis.
8
Yes, and the person with the pet told the airline in advance of this special need and had to ask to be accommodated as there is a limit to how many pets can be on a plane. Plus they paid extra for the flight of the dog and the family it was with. Did the person with the allergy prepare the airline in advance and ask to be seated on a flight that did not have any pets on it? Why can't it be first come first serve at time of booking? You pick a flight with no pets and ask the airline to please not book any pets on that flight. Then everyone can find a flight that suits them and no one needs to be thrown off the plane.
3
This was on "Allergiant" Airlines? [Sorry!]
Perhaps we will soon have an airline that advertises itself as allergen-free. What would be a good name for it?
Perhaps we will soon have an airline that advertises itself as allergen-free. What would be a good name for it?
4
This lack of proper safety procedures to protect the child with the allergy is in agreement with the completely irregular standards regarding nuts on airplanes. While JetBlue is nut-free, American Airlines has no policy and says it is up to the passenger to notify others. My child can get anaphylaxis and die within minutes if she ingests peanuts and tree nuts, as do a growing number of children. (And yes, a nut allergy is a Disability also, and we always carry epi-pens as do all parents with children w/ food allergies.) Why the onus is on the passenger I have no idea -- it is better to protect the profits from customers who insist on eating their microwaved bowl of nuts? Just like it is better to protect an "emotional support" dog over a child who may stop breathing if exposed to dander in an enclosed space?
8
And if it's a seeing eye dog? Or a seizure alert dog? I don't think we can cavalierly dismiss all, or even most, service animals as frivolous companions. There's a reason even restaurants have to allow service animals.
Furthermore, private companies don't have a duty to you to protect you from every possible harm. They have a duty to act with the standard of care of a reasonable company in their industry. If that means they lose customers who have nut allergies then that choice is their prerogative as a private business. This isn't a public school. It's private corporation. The standards are different.
Furthermore, private companies don't have a duty to you to protect you from every possible harm. They have a duty to act with the standard of care of a reasonable company in their industry. If that means they lose customers who have nut allergies then that choice is their prerogative as a private business. This isn't a public school. It's private corporation. The standards are different.
6
I don't understand the issue with food allergies. Isn't eat easy to bring your own food and not eat anything provided by the airline? Are the fumes from others eating them a hazard?
It's easy to bring your own food, which is why, even on airlines who do not serve peanuts, we sometimes find nuts and other debris on the floor. The planes are definitely not cleaned (we wipe the seatbelt and walls and tray tables down when we get on, who knows what the previous occupant ate, and I can tell you those wipes get gross! ) my child has a peanut allergy. We also bring multiple epipens, just in case.
1
People reading this article should also read
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/02/29/turning-your-pet-into-a-therapy...®ion=bottom-well&WT.nav=bottom-well
that appears in the Well Blog on this same page.
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/02/29/turning-your-pet-into-a-therapy...®ion=bottom-well&WT.nav=bottom-well
that appears in the Well Blog on this same page.
In this article, Ms. Brody refers to a different type of therapy dog - one trained to comfort patients in hospitals and nursing homes, not how to bring your pet into public spaces.
3
If a dog on a flight has a hostile reaction to a person, such as barking or growling, who has to move or leave the plane, the dog or the person. Are dog rights trumping human rights?
12
The person!
But in that scenario the dog has done something objectionable. In THIS case the dog was simply present. Without fault a private company gets to choose who is inconvenienced when two special accommodations cannot exist on the same plane.
Moreover, where is the proof that removing the dog would have fixed the problem? The dander is already freshly on the plane, circulating through the air system. The kid wasn't necessarily safe to fly on the plane even if the dog was booted.
Better, from a business perspective, to remove the party they might not be able to help and keep at least one customer (the owner of the dog) happy rather than risk alienating the dog owner AND the kid.
Moreover, where is the proof that removing the dog would have fixed the problem? The dander is already freshly on the plane, circulating through the air system. The kid wasn't necessarily safe to fly on the plane even if the dog was booted.
Better, from a business perspective, to remove the party they might not be able to help and keep at least one customer (the owner of the dog) happy rather than risk alienating the dog owner AND the kid.
1
It's gone from the ridiculous to the utterly absurd -- we're now engaging in Special Snowflake Wars from elevators to schools to airplanes. Who's the most pitiful victim? Does an allergy or "sensitivity" of some sort (excluding the proven anaphylaxis peanut trigger) trump an "emotional need for support?" I imagine it will boil down to which sufferer can elicit the most approving attention for their terrible woes, and thus elicit the most pitying responses.
5
Animal allergy is vey real--and could be life-threatening in the case of allergic asthma, which affects about 25 percent of allergy sufferers. I cannot be in a closed space with a cat even with the help of antihistamines, air cleaners, and inhalers. Believe me, I've tried it all. Is guess my flying days are over--luckily I rarely fly anyway, but I hope I won't face a crisis where it might be critical time wise. This is not Special Snowflake pleading--my allergic asthma is medically verified; I wonder if the same is true of emotional support animals?
9
Everyone keeps mentioning emotional support animals but I've seen no details that suggest that this flight had an emotional support dog instead of, for instance, a seeing eye dog or seizure alert dog.
I hope no one would dispute medical necessity for those two examples. In which case you're just choosing between two people with ADA worthy disabilities who can't both be accommodated on the same plane at the same time.
I hope no one would dispute medical necessity for those two examples. In which case you're just choosing between two people with ADA worthy disabilities who can't both be accommodated on the same plane at the same time.
2
I think some of the pushback here has to do with the abuse of the whole service animal concept. Seeing eye dogs are superbly trained. "Emotional" support animals are not. Furthermore it's far too easy to get a certificate saying that you need an "emotional support" animal. People use this as a work around to be able to bring their pets wherever they want just because, well, they want to. So some of us have learned to look with a jaundiced eye on any service animal that's not a seeing-eye dog (or the equivalent for seizures, I guess, though I'm less familiar with those animals).
But, yes, I don't know what to do about the two people with ADA worthy disabilities who can't both be accommodated. I remember a meeting a few years ago at my university where this came up (what if you had a student who needed a service animal and another student allergic to that animal and there was only one section of a given class available) and nobody had any idea how that conflict should be resolved. we just are hoping it never comes up.
But, yes, I don't know what to do about the two people with ADA worthy disabilities who can't both be accommodated. I remember a meeting a few years ago at my university where this came up (what if you had a student who needed a service animal and another student allergic to that animal and there was only one section of a given class available) and nobody had any idea how that conflict should be resolved. we just are hoping it never comes up.
3
Regarding the "emotional support animal" issue, however did these people cope before they were allowed to bring animals on flights? There is considerable potential for abuse of the system here, with the following incident being perhaps the most absurd (recent) example: http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/30/travel/emotional-support-pig-booted-flight/
9
I am disgusted that the airline threw a passenger off a flight due to a medical condition. Flights often go without peanuts because someone onboard has an allergy. Why are the rights of those who are allergic to pet dander less important to this airline than someone who is allergic to nuts? If a nut sufferer has his or her allergies removed, shouldn't a dander sufferer be treated the same way?
I am disgusted, but I am no longer surprised at what airlines will stoop to instead of doing the right thing and explaining that due to passenger allergy, pets will not be permitted on the flight the same way they explain why peanuts are not available.
To do anything less sends the message that people with allergies, as far as the company is concerned, can just stay home in a bubble.
I hope this family is offered a free trip, with crow eaten with a smile by the airline, and the airline changes its ways. But I doubt they'll do it. Passenger mistreatment, even when the root cause is medical and not "because I hate dogs", is the default action these days.
I am disgusted, but I am no longer surprised at what airlines will stoop to instead of doing the right thing and explaining that due to passenger allergy, pets will not be permitted on the flight the same way they explain why peanuts are not available.
To do anything less sends the message that people with allergies, as far as the company is concerned, can just stay home in a bubble.
I hope this family is offered a free trip, with crow eaten with a smile by the airline, and the airline changes its ways. But I doubt they'll do it. Passenger mistreatment, even when the root cause is medical and not "because I hate dogs", is the default action these days.
5
Jennifer,
The boy had to deplane because the allergens were already circulating through the plane; whether the dog stayed or left, the boy wasn't going to get any better if he remained there.
The boy had to deplane because the allergens were already circulating through the plane; whether the dog stayed or left, the boy wasn't going to get any better if he remained there.
8
If that were so, then how did the family fly on another plane that has certainly had pets on board at some point and likely had them on board the same day that the family flew?
2
Pet allergies are a myth--a way for people to get attention. So is gluten intolerance, except in exceptionally rare cases.
If people can produce a letter from their Psychiatrist stating their PTSD is required for them to fly; can someone else produce a letter from a Psychiatrist stating that Marijuana is required for them to fly? Assuming direct travel between medical marijuana acceptable / decriminalized jurisdictions, of course.
2
People with allergies or sensitivity to certain substances must be prepared to protect their own health whether it means traveling with a mask to filter out air impurities or carrying a drug to stop the severe allergic reaction. I am very sensitive to certain odors which trigger severe headaches as well as other painful reactions. I didn't ask everyone on my airline flights to stop wearing strong fragrance; I asked for another seat if the fragrance is too strong. I carried scarves to cover areas touched by hair products, body lotions or unclean hands. Until all flights became non-smoking, I booked early (when possible) so I would not be the person sitting next to the chain smoker or in the non-smoking seat just in front of him. On long flights I took appropriate drugs to prevent what reactions I could prevent.
I traveled extensively with my Persian cat in her carrier under my seat where she stayed the entire flight rather than roaming the aisle as people do wearing strong perfumes. I paid a fee of $100+ each way for traveling with her.
I no longer travel by air but I am told that airplane cabins are rarely cleaned between flights. Those people who are allergic to service dogs might consider lobbying their airline of choice to clean their cabins more to prevent all substances which cause allergic or sensitive reactions to be cleaned. Of course cleaning products themselves can cause problems for many people--possibly more people than are allergic to service dogs.
I traveled extensively with my Persian cat in her carrier under my seat where she stayed the entire flight rather than roaming the aisle as people do wearing strong perfumes. I paid a fee of $100+ each way for traveling with her.
I no longer travel by air but I am told that airplane cabins are rarely cleaned between flights. Those people who are allergic to service dogs might consider lobbying their airline of choice to clean their cabins more to prevent all substances which cause allergic or sensitive reactions to be cleaned. Of course cleaning products themselves can cause problems for many people--possibly more people than are allergic to service dogs.
5
Bingo -- those fees explain why the airlines have never seen a pet the didn't love. Allegiant refilled the seats that the family had to give up but they couldn't recoup the $200 they would have lost if they removed the pet.
3
An extra $100. Per seat for an animal is too enticing for the airlines to pass up. I travel about once a month and the majority of pets on board are dogs that are not service animals. Since this practice appears to be here for the foreseeable future, I think a separate section for passengers traveling with animals should be considered. We used to have a smoking section to protect other passengers sensitive to the smell.
3
In addition to my last comment, I also have a letter from my Psychiatrist stating that my dog is a Psychiatric Service Dog for PTSD. I know I do not legally have to show this to anyone to prove he is a service dog, but I have done so just to avoid anxiety and questioning about whether he is really a service dog. At our company party, we went to a Padres game, and I brought my service dog. When I was questioned by security about my dog, I just pulled out my official letter so they knew that I wasn't trying to bring in a "fake" service dog. I have done this a few times just because I don't want people thinking I am one of the many people who are trying to pass their dog off as a service dog. Since the accident that almost killed me, I have skipped the company parties due to PTSD; however, since I now have a Service Dog, I attend the company outings with my Service Dog. I am still more of a recluse, but my Service Dog helps me with anxiety and anxiety attacks and I actually get out of the house when I really need to run needed errands.
4
It sounds like your dog is an emotional support dog rather than an ADA certified service dog. A service dog would be allowed with you at your grocery store job.
3
Well, he's "not" really a service dog, so stop calling it that.
2
My dog is an ADA certified service dog. I can bring my service dog to the grocery store, but it wouldn't be easy. We are incredibly busy at all times so I choose not to bring him to work. I will bring him grocery shopping on my days off, but if you saw what I did at work you would understand. He is officially at Psychiatric Service Dog for PTSD.
1
Why do passengers with dogs or cats (other than legitimate service animals) have greater rights than other passengers who don't want dogs or cats near them? If someone has a peanut allergy there are no peanuts; why to if someone has a dog or cat allergy -- no dogs!
16
This presumes that the family informed the airline of the allergy when they booked AND that, absent some law to the contrary, private businesses are required to grant rights to customers outside of what has been contracted for.
Neither assumption is valid.
If the airline wants to sell tickets to allow pets in the cabin they are entitled to do so. If you don't want to (or cannot) fly with an animal you are entitled to search for a flight or a carrier that doesn't permit them.
In this rare instance I think capitalism is the answer.
Neither assumption is valid.
If the airline wants to sell tickets to allow pets in the cabin they are entitled to do so. If you don't want to (or cannot) fly with an animal you are entitled to search for a flight or a carrier that doesn't permit them.
In this rare instance I think capitalism is the answer.
1
I have a Psychiatric Service Dog for PTSD. I have dog and cat allergies & asthma. I had to find a trained service dog that I was not allergic to; he is an Italian Greyhound mix who weighs almost 10 pounds. He was command and leashed trained by an L.A. Police Officer. My Psychiatrist & Psychotherapist recommended that I get a Service Dog because I became a recluse & I was terrified of going anywhere outside of home. My S. Dog helps me tremendously and I would probably never leave home without him. I work 5 days a week unless I am sick or have an anxiety attack, but I leave my dog at home because I work in a grocery store. Other than that, my dog goes with me everywhere: the hospital, doctor's visits, dentist, and rare shopping trips. I've been in 6 car accidents (1 as a pedestrian that almost killed me & broke my back), and none were my fault. I have yet to fly with my dog, but I will if needed. When I do have him out in public, people comment about how well trained he is. I used to run marathons and I'm just starting to get back to training. The last time I went running, I was almost killed by a car. It has been almost 7 years since that accident, and the psychological trauma is worse than the physical trauma. I used to be normal and happy, and now I'm a wreck. I was hospitalized for PTSD 7 times in the first 4 years after the main accident. I almost succeeded at suicide twice, but failed. Now I have a service dog who keeps me from trying to kill myself again.
3
There is a wonderful solution for pet owners who cannot be without their precious disease-machines: TAKE A CAR
27
People get service certification for animals as easily as they get Handicapped placards. Americans and Europeans have radically different views on dogs: their place at the table is enjoyed by the French, the Italians, and so forth. American's Puritanical Past continues to poison the Purina. But Airplanes are another matter: people who choose to have pets fly with them can afford it and they should be inconvenienced for the luxury. Indeed, it is a luxury. I suspect a few of those protesting would kick a dog when no one is looking. As for those with allergies I sympathize. Our dog, whom we treat as a family member, is hypo-allergenic (note the whom), would not be foisted upon others in a plane cabin. But we do think she should be allowed in the outdoor space of cafes.
7
Qualified service dogs are not pets. For most of those people who need trained/certified service dogs, keeping their dogs close are a life or death matter, especially those dogs trained to alert for diabetes, epilepsy and other life-threatening diseases/conditions. People who are blind or have limited vision or people who are deaf or have limited hearing also need to keep their dogs close.
It is so unfortunate that the term "service dog" has been misused for dogs which have not been trained or certified by a recognized organization. I hope that there will be progress in achieving some national consensus about who is a "service dog" and how the laws apply to them.
It is so unfortunate that the term "service dog" has been misused for dogs which have not been trained or certified by a recognized organization. I hope that there will be progress in achieving some national consensus about who is a "service dog" and how the laws apply to them.
8
There are a number of disturbing issues here, not least of which are the abominable behavior of the passengers, the crew and the system as it's set up, resulting in a perfect storm of misery for someone like the child.
First off, many of these issues would be resolved if companies were aware of crucial distinctions: a service animal is one that provides a [valid] medical service to an individual, like a blind person, someone with diabetes or epilepsy. Those animals are permitted everywhere by law.
Emotional support animals, such as they are, while seeming covered by the ADA, really don't have much legal standing outside of a person's home, physician's letter or not.
Unfortunately these individuals browbeat establishments into permitting them to go places with these animals that they have no business, either because said establishments are ignorant of the law or they're afraid of bad publicity. Either way, the number of people gaming the system seems to be increasing exponentially, and unless enough people press the issue it's only going to get worse.
Regardless of my personal feelings on the issue, more companies and establishments need to educate themselves on the nuances of the law and not be bullied by overbearing people who can't be away from their pets. What about the rights of the child and other allergy sufferers like him?
First off, many of these issues would be resolved if companies were aware of crucial distinctions: a service animal is one that provides a [valid] medical service to an individual, like a blind person, someone with diabetes or epilepsy. Those animals are permitted everywhere by law.
Emotional support animals, such as they are, while seeming covered by the ADA, really don't have much legal standing outside of a person's home, physician's letter or not.
Unfortunately these individuals browbeat establishments into permitting them to go places with these animals that they have no business, either because said establishments are ignorant of the law or they're afraid of bad publicity. Either way, the number of people gaming the system seems to be increasing exponentially, and unless enough people press the issue it's only going to get worse.
Regardless of my personal feelings on the issue, more companies and establishments need to educate themselves on the nuances of the law and not be bullied by overbearing people who can't be away from their pets. What about the rights of the child and other allergy sufferers like him?
23
You appear to be missing one of the nuances of the federal disability laws. The ADA does not apply to commercial air travel, the federal law that applies in this case is the Air Carrier's Access Act of 1986, and unlike the ADA it does cover emotional support animals.
I have a severe, lifelong allergy to cat dander. I like them, but they don't like me, you could say. If I was unfortunate enough to be seated next to some twit with a Persian on a long flight, after a while I could well go into some kind of bronchial crisis, probably asthmatic in nature; a severe enough attack could constitute a medical emergency and might even force a landing. I suppose it would be all my fault for being born this way. The clear message here is that the airlines are far more interested in accommodating pet owners than those of us with these afflictions. In other words, like it or lump it. Another symptom of the age of massive self-indulgence we're unfortunate enough to live in...
30
So someone is "a twit" for bringing their cat on the flight that you apparently own?
It's your jet, right?
It's your jet, right?
5
I think people really don't understand medicine, which is not surprising how uneducated most Americans are.
Just a quick check and, bingo, I was right: cold dry air triggers asthma. This is on top of lord only knows what is on a jet.
I know more than a couple people who have support animals, and you can laugh at them, you can make fun of them, you can decry how they are, in your narrow minds, gaming the system, but on the other hand, they have serious conditions which the dog helps with and what that is or is not is none of you freakin' business.
Many of you miss the point, it isn't about animals of humans, to get the certification for a service animal from the airline (I am aware of 2 airlines policies because I've helped my relatives in this area) and they confirm with the doctors many many many details and sometimes pull the license information on the doctor. This is about one human's needs vs. another in accommodation.
I just don't buy it, hives? HIVES? I have a friend who gets hives from the cold. Should all of us follow him around with space heaters? How absurd. Just as some of you think all people with dogs are gaming the system, I, on the other hand, am certain that many of you have psychosomatic mashuganosis which causes convenient allergies. How about some allergy shots?
Just a quick check and, bingo, I was right: cold dry air triggers asthma. This is on top of lord only knows what is on a jet.
I know more than a couple people who have support animals, and you can laugh at them, you can make fun of them, you can decry how they are, in your narrow minds, gaming the system, but on the other hand, they have serious conditions which the dog helps with and what that is or is not is none of you freakin' business.
Many of you miss the point, it isn't about animals of humans, to get the certification for a service animal from the airline (I am aware of 2 airlines policies because I've helped my relatives in this area) and they confirm with the doctors many many many details and sometimes pull the license information on the doctor. This is about one human's needs vs. another in accommodation.
I just don't buy it, hives? HIVES? I have a friend who gets hives from the cold. Should all of us follow him around with space heaters? How absurd. Just as some of you think all people with dogs are gaming the system, I, on the other hand, am certain that many of you have psychosomatic mashuganosis which causes convenient allergies. How about some allergy shots?
7
I get allergy shots. I take daily medication. When seated next to a cat on a cross country flight last month, I began wheezing and broke out on a rash on my torso and face. I think the severity was because the cat owner put the carrier on her lap, opened it, and proceeded to pet the cat for ten minutes, pretty much under my nose. Luckily, there was a seat free in a different row and after I moved and used my inhaler I stabilized a bit. I think the owner's behavior was insensitive and made an uncomfortable situation into a miserable one.
7
A little research is a dangerous thing. Cold dry air triggers asthma for some people. Other people have different triggers, including, in some cases, exposure to allergens.
1
Airlines serve food and beverages. Most states restrict pets to outdoor patios in restaurants for health, hygiene and aesthetic reasons. How do airlines get away with violating such laws?
14
In case you hadn't noticed, airlines serve very little food any more. And some of what they do serve barely qualifies as "food".
Furthermore those laws have always struck me as very odd. Humans transmit far more diseases afflicting humans than dogs do, so if we're worried about health and hygiene we should prohibit humans, especially sick ones! Rotaviruses are a good example. Seriously, dogs happily inhabit restaurants in Europe and in parts of the US and people are not dying as a result.
Ditto for aesthetics: dogs are more aesthetic than many humans. Is there a part of the Constitution that protects aesthetics?
Furthermore those laws have always struck me as very odd. Humans transmit far more diseases afflicting humans than dogs do, so if we're worried about health and hygiene we should prohibit humans, especially sick ones! Rotaviruses are a good example. Seriously, dogs happily inhabit restaurants in Europe and in parts of the US and people are not dying as a result.
Ditto for aesthetics: dogs are more aesthetic than many humans. Is there a part of the Constitution that protects aesthetics?
8
Why assume the passengers applauded to be cruel to the child (if they clapped at all)? Isn't it just as likely that they were simply happy a 90-minute delay was over, with no idea what caused the delay?
I have to say I'm surprised that a severe allergy and a condition requiring a service animal don't get the same treatment under the ADA. Seems like advertising a no-animals flight or at least offering an email/text alert to people who designate themselves as having serious animal allergies so they can reschedule would be reasonable.
I have to say I'm surprised that a severe allergy and a condition requiring a service animal don't get the same treatment under the ADA. Seems like advertising a no-animals flight or at least offering an email/text alert to people who designate themselves as having serious animal allergies so they can reschedule would be reasonable.
13
If I were a member of this family, I'd be asking a lawyer whether we had a case under the ADA for failure to accommodate. I would think that a severe allergy is a disability.
3
Any responsible lawyer would say no.
The ADA requires "reasonable" accommodations.
It isn't reasonable to ask an airline to inconvenience another guiltless passenger (instead of inconveniencing you) during the boarding of the flight if you haven't previously notified the airline of the disability for which you need the accommodation.
If the family had notified the airline of the allergy and been assured that this was a dog free flight that would be different. But we have no facts to support such a scenario.
The ADA requires "reasonable" accommodations.
It isn't reasonable to ask an airline to inconvenience another guiltless passenger (instead of inconveniencing you) during the boarding of the flight if you haven't previously notified the airline of the disability for which you need the accommodation.
If the family had notified the airline of the allergy and been assured that this was a dog free flight that would be different. But we have no facts to support such a scenario.
3
I literally had this discussion with a therapist today. I am disabled and will be getting a dog for support (mobility-related impairment). I am terrified of setting off an allergic reaction in some person and have been putting this off for quite a while -- but I'm getting to the point where I REALLY need a dog (a big one) to help me with balance and mobility and vestibular issues. My therapist made a good point: people with allergies (she has two herself) need to learn to manage their own issues and think things through in advance and make needs known BEFORE the issue arises. Good point. As a person who is allergic to penicillin, I carry a medi-alert but I also state that allergy loudly and clearly to every prescribing doctor and to pharmacists when I pick up meds --- one cannot be too cautious. At the same time, it's good to learn that airlines do have some procedures in place to help the person with a reaction. Having said that, I am so sorry to hear this boy's family members were treated like pariahs as they got off the plane. As a resident of Washington state, I'd like to extend my apologies to the family!
3
It's one thing to make allergies known to restaurants and physicians - in the end, you are controlling what you put in your mouth.
It's a different scenario, however, to be exposed in a very small space where one wouldn't normally expect exposure to allergens. It's ironic that most (all?) airlines have stopped serving peanuts because of a few passengers' severe allergies, but don't do much to help those with severe allergies to animals that may be on the flight.
With the number of service & therapy animals on flights, there may be no reasonable option other than providing animal-free flights or at least sections.
It's a different scenario, however, to be exposed in a very small space where one wouldn't normally expect exposure to allergens. It's ironic that most (all?) airlines have stopped serving peanuts because of a few passengers' severe allergies, but don't do much to help those with severe allergies to animals that may be on the flight.
With the number of service & therapy animals on flights, there may be no reasonable option other than providing animal-free flights or at least sections.
7
I am allergic to dog. While I like dogs and can be around them outdoors, being with them in a very enclosed space like an airplane can be a challenge. I guess the key these days if you have to fly is to just fly with every medication you might possibly need if one thing or another happens because there's no way to know what you're going to encounter on a plane and changing seats is usually impossible or undesireable once you've boarded.
It would help if airlines were better at disclosing ahead of time some of these potential problems -- like having a dog next to you or being in a window seat with an unaccompanied wheelchair passenger in the aisle seat who may prevent you from using the restroom during the flight or escaping in an emergency. I have had both of these things happen to me. In the case of the dog, I just went and spent a considerable portion of the transatlantic flight reading in a restroom, and in the case of the wheelchair passenger I just prayed for the flight to be safely over. I would have been nice if the seat selections of dogs and wheelchair passengers were noted on the seating chart before one makes one's own selection.
It would help if airlines were better at disclosing ahead of time some of these potential problems -- like having a dog next to you or being in a window seat with an unaccompanied wheelchair passenger in the aisle seat who may prevent you from using the restroom during the flight or escaping in an emergency. I have had both of these things happen to me. In the case of the dog, I just went and spent a considerable portion of the transatlantic flight reading in a restroom, and in the case of the wheelchair passenger I just prayed for the flight to be safely over. I would have been nice if the seat selections of dogs and wheelchair passengers were noted on the seating chart before one makes one's own selection.
I live in San Francisco, where it is technically against regulations to admit non-service animals on public transit, but what I've seen on buses and trains could fill a small zoo.
Passengers with registered and trained service animals should be required to show proof and the airline should notify the proper authorities for any fraud. And the fraud should be prosecuted. NO PETS SHOULD BE ALLOWED IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, PERIOD. There is absolutely no need for this.
Passengers with registered and trained service animals should be required to show proof and the airline should notify the proper authorities for any fraud. And the fraud should be prosecuted. NO PETS SHOULD BE ALLOWED IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, PERIOD. There is absolutely no need for this.
12
Of course there's a need for this.
Unpressurized, non-temperature controlled luggage and cargo compartments have led to many animal deaths. Just what you want for a service dog!
Unpressurized, non-temperature controlled luggage and cargo compartments have led to many animal deaths. Just what you want for a service dog!
17
Can't help but recall last year's best service animal story of the woman and her emotional support pig.
6
Heck with it. I'm getting an emotional support giraffe. And I'm going to fly coach, baby.
11
I have asthma, travel everywhere with my inhaler and am allergic to pet dander. Two years ago, I was bitten in the face and lips by a friend's dog that was sitting on her lap. It required stiches at the ER and subsequent visits to a plastic surgeon. I have a deformed lip. I still love animals although I can't enjoy having a pet of my own; have no problem with a certified Service dog traveling on a flight though I'd rather not sit next to it.
While waiting for a connecting flight at the Phoenix Airport, I overheard two women holding small dogs bragging how they got a 'therapist's' letter saying they needed their animals for 'emotional support.' They also talked about how it saved them the cost of paying for the animals' flight and the costs of boarding their dogs, getting a pet sitter, etc. Clearly a scam on their part.
Airlines need to have 'animal on board' flights and charge extra as needed; not force people with allergies or phobias to making other arrangements. People first; scammers go to the end of the line.
While waiting for a connecting flight at the Phoenix Airport, I overheard two women holding small dogs bragging how they got a 'therapist's' letter saying they needed their animals for 'emotional support.' They also talked about how it saved them the cost of paying for the animals' flight and the costs of boarding their dogs, getting a pet sitter, etc. Clearly a scam on their part.
Airlines need to have 'animal on board' flights and charge extra as needed; not force people with allergies or phobias to making other arrangements. People first; scammers go to the end of the line.
29
Here Here!! How about ALL animals in 1st class seating only. Pwecious is worth it, right?
5
Petco gives coaching on getting cheap proof you need an emotional support dog I was in one of their stores not long ago trying to find a clerk to get some info on something and the only person I could find was busy on her phone for what seemed like forever telling someone about how easy this is and giving instructions for what to do.
2
The dander on dogs and cats is lethal to asthmatics and others with severe allergies to dogs and/or cats. Exposure can escalate an allergic reactioin and even more serious reactions, such as a heart attack or death without proper immediate emergency care. I think it is preposterous that airlines would favor allowing "comfort animals" to come aboard at the health expense of other passengers.
A person who develops a serious condition because of unintended exposure to an animal should be able to hold the airlines responsible legally. And if a death occurs, a wrongful death action would be the logical steps.
Airlines are for people, not animals.
A person who develops a serious condition because of unintended exposure to an animal should be able to hold the airlines responsible legally. And if a death occurs, a wrongful death action would be the logical steps.
Airlines are for people, not animals.
19
I take my little dog on flights with me, in an airline-approved carrier and with the dog properly groomed and medicated with something to keep her calm (but not unconscious) during the flight. I put her carrier under the seat in front of me, per airline guidelines. The airline personnel should not allow pets to sit on laps or wander around the plane. A true service dog is trained to sit by the owner's side and stay there during the flight. If someone has an allergy to dogs, I'd have no problem moving to another part of the plane. Just common sense and common courtesy. I won't, however, put my pet in the cargo hold. I don't trust the baggage handlers not to just throw the carrier into the hold, maybe sideways or upside down, or to make sure that she's got enough air around the carrier so that she doesn't smother.
11
Or handle the carrier carelessly when unloading, so that the dog escapes and is lost forever. Or leave the carrier on the tarmac in the blazing sun so that the dog suffers heatstroke. No, thank you.
1
I have allergies and have had asthma attacks in the past. Allergies and asthma are no laughing matters. I have found that many people who have not experienced an asthma attack or have not had a family member who has experienced an asthma attack do not understand that it can be a life and death matter. Many times asthma attacks are depicted on television shows as a comedic event. This is a disservice to those who have allergies and asthma. Many times people around me feel inconvenienced by my asthma attack. Would the people who clapped on this airplane, clap if someone was having a heart attack or stroke? I doubt it, because that would seem heartless. Why is it any different for allergies or asthma? Do people believe that "it is their own fault" if a person has an attack? That they "should have known better than to fly"? There seems to be a lot of judgment toward people who have legitimate challenges with breathing. Until you cannot breathe yourself, you have no idea how scary it is to not be able to take a breath. Compassion and understanding would go a long way in these situations, especially for those people who may be "inconvenienced" by a delayed flight.
10
nmc -- " Why is it any different for allergies or asthma?" Newsflash from the common knowledge front: you can anticipate circumstances that might bring on an allergic reaction or asthma attack. Not so for a stroke or heart attack.
Why do the headline and article focus on dogs? What about cats? Many people, including me, have allergies against cat dander. I have seen more cats than dogs on flights I have taken.
Furthermore, the lead photo is inappropriate given that the dog shown is clearly an under-seat dog leaning out of his under-seat carrier, not a service dog. And it appears to be one of the hypoallergenic breeds whereas the article concerns dog allergies.
Furthermore, the lead photo is inappropriate given that the dog shown is clearly an under-seat dog leaning out of his under-seat carrier, not a service dog. And it appears to be one of the hypoallergenic breeds whereas the article concerns dog allergies.
5
There is no such thing as a hypoallergenic breed.
5
As both a dog and cat owner I had to laugh at the of a service cat. While there may technically be such an animal, I have yet to meet a cat in service to any human...
14
SMG I loved your reply, but the writer didn't say the cats were service animals. I have flown a few times with a cat in the cabin, and once brought one that I had rescued in France back to the US in the cabin, to the delight of people seated around me when they saw me offering him ice cubes to hydrate him.I hope I didn't cause any problems for anyone, no one spoke up. I admit I didn't think about it at the time.
I also have to say that I jumped through very numerous hoops and spent a lot of money to get him in the cabin of a trans-Atlantic flight. And then at the last minute a KLM agent in Amsterdam tried to extort even MORE money out of me before boarding.
I also have to say that I jumped through very numerous hoops and spent a lot of money to get him in the cabin of a trans-Atlantic flight. And then at the last minute a KLM agent in Amsterdam tried to extort even MORE money out of me before boarding.
I was sad to hear that a child got sick and had to leave a flight, that is a pretty scary experience, I imagine compounded by his father's very serious cancer diagnosis. There has to be some way to accommodate allergic passengers while honoring the need for a service animal. When I was a child, I flew often alone and was always seated up front, and smoking passengers were assigned the last few rows. Perhaps the dogs can be towards the back of the plane and anyone with a pet allergy can book seats up front? Also, this is part of the larger issue that flying is awful and miserable for everyone, and airlines don't seem to care at all.
9
Airlines should just designate a flight or two a day that allow animals for each route so that all passengers know which flights are animal free.
25
I have asthma and i always have pets. It really is possible. Allergies (in most casesd) don't mean: never eat something again... or never come near a dog. No, you have to train yourself to try little bits sometimes of the things you are allergic to. Next to that a healthy organic diet is very important. That way allergies can also dissapear again.
Sadly i know to many people who use allergies as an excuse to get what they want! In restaurants, on trains... you name it. When you are extremely allergic you cannot go with a plane or train or walk in a mall or so. There is dust and such everywhere! And all the dirty people!
The allergy of the boy cannot be so serious, otherwise the family would not have taken the plane with him. And medication helps straight away, it opens up your airways and everything is fine. The family could have taken seats at the other side of the plane, problem solved.
Dogs are very important to people, they are like a great support system for human kind. And we love them back. The connection is one of the most amazing things on the planet. The connection between human and animal. And another argument that might be interesting for the not-fond-of-dogs-yetters - they are way cheaper to society than medication for anxiety, depression, loneliness and such...
(I am sorry for the sickness of the dad, but that is another unrelated story.)
Sadly i know to many people who use allergies as an excuse to get what they want! In restaurants, on trains... you name it. When you are extremely allergic you cannot go with a plane or train or walk in a mall or so. There is dust and such everywhere! And all the dirty people!
The allergy of the boy cannot be so serious, otherwise the family would not have taken the plane with him. And medication helps straight away, it opens up your airways and everything is fine. The family could have taken seats at the other side of the plane, problem solved.
Dogs are very important to people, they are like a great support system for human kind. And we love them back. The connection is one of the most amazing things on the planet. The connection between human and animal. And another argument that might be interesting for the not-fond-of-dogs-yetters - they are way cheaper to society than medication for anxiety, depression, loneliness and such...
(I am sorry for the sickness of the dad, but that is another unrelated story.)
Allergies MUST be taken seriously. Asthma attacks can be fatal, and they frequently aren't a matter of medication helping straight away and everything being fine. I understand your desire to side with the passengers who had their animal companions along. I can even understand that you might prefer animals to people (especially those "dirty" ones), and that's your right, but please don't disseminate falsehoods about the potential consequences of an asthma attack.
12
I suppose the people I have seen who are blue and unable to breathe due to asthma attacks in the emergency room and intensive car units are just faking, and could get their oxygen levels up and their airways opened if they really tried. The people who had massive swelling and airway closure from allergy attacks also must be faking too, even the ones who died.
4
Are we sure the child did have a allergy to the dog? They are saying the kid previously had no allergies to dogs. So it may not have been the dog and something else. Applause my have happened because the family were acting badly themselves. Everyone seems to walk through life now looking for a reason to be a victim. Look for the lawsuit soon.
3
Why is the person with the allergy that has to move? Last time it happened to me it was a cat. I am highly allergic to cats. I was moved from a aisle seat near the front of economy to a window seat near the bathroom, last row. Shouldn't the person wit the cat have to move? Why should I give up my seat in order to be able to breathe without an asthma attack?
12
Many years ago i traveled from NY to Narita in Japan. The flight was almost 14 hours long and in those days people (mostly Japanese business men) smoked like crazy. I would add, almost the entire airplane lite-up so a non smoking area was really a ludicrous and impossible concept. I was practically in anaphylactic shock upon landing since i am allergic to smoke but back in the day there was no sensitivity to this. I toughed it out. I am also allergic to perfume, which is an impossibility to control anytime, anywhere. No one cared about my plight then. I have a support dog that I have not yet traveled with but would like to if needed. I am sensitive to the needs of others having experienced heart-ship myself. But look after yourself...this is a very impure world with germs, virus, and dog/cat dander. Assume you will come in contact with something unsavory, and take precautions and stop expecting the system to look after you, bring what you need, your allergy pills, inhaler, mask, etc. The truth is, we all have needs, whose gets met?
10
That is really the crux of the issue, Elise. The passenger who has paid from $800-8, 000/ticket to fly should be able to have a clean, peaceful ride aboard the flight. Onboard animals bring an added element of viral and bacterial disease, as well as the likelihood of defecation and urination in-flight on a longer flight. I have witnessed people removing their pet from under-seat, and giving the animal a sip of their win to comfort the animal. Twice I have watched a person remove their pet it's case under-seat just long enough to play and pat the pet on their lap until caught by the attendant and told to put the pet away. All three knew it was prohibited. All three had ZERO concern for those with/without allergies beside them. I have endured the persistent, plaintiff bark of small dogs on D.C. to L.A. long hauls. It's cruelty to all parties but the owner! The payment for dogs, cats, birds, pigs, and small horses into the cabin is ridiculously low. (yes, I called 3 years ago and asked a major carrier where they drew the line on size) There are no longer lesser fees for child passengers so why not pets? This new trend of bringing Fido along, barring a medical/psychiatric need, is quickly getting out of hand. 1) Given the imposed inconvenience upon fellow passengers, owners should pay the same price for their pets as for themselves. The money can be used to deep clean the carpets and tired interior. 2) How about "owners & animals only" flights? We could all relax.
7
well i've had the back of my chair repeatedly kicked by children, my hair pulled (albeit accidentally,nonetheless painful,) have heard crying, screaming, tantrums and children running wildly through the airplane corridor, and hours worth of children's digital toys and game noises. why is it we don't villainize these oblivious parents? i have never seen such lengthy diatribes from those who most likely have had a child completely disrupt the peace of another's travel. Yes, those that bring animals aboard have an additional responsibility to be responsible and keep the animal quiet, and within reach at all times, but how about parents responsibility for those children? It may be debatable, but in my opinion, children are typically far worse on planes, or in restaurants!
9
Elise, I am pretty sure exposure to children, no matter how much you may not like them, will land you in the hospital the way an asthma or allergy attack would. There is a difference between an annoyance and a danger. No one is allergic to kids.
3
The author of this article and many of these comments beg the same question: why are we so quick to judge another person's individual circumstances, when we know nothing about them?
Perhaps a person with a service dog doesn't "look" like they have a disability. Does that mean they should be demonized? What if they have autism or post-traumatic stress disorder? Would you respond to interacting with them on an airplane by telling them to simply be more normal and less emotional?
Or, on the other side of the coin, someone who states that they suffer from allergies may sound like a hypochondriac, but in reality they have had life-threatening anaphylactic reaction and understandably seek to avoid that while traveling.
The point is, we never really know what someone else is going through, and public transportation isn't going to get easier by blaming everyone around us. This article could have addressed this issue by discussing cooperative solutions and ways to move forward. Instead, it seems to have been written with a snide agenda, which I blame for the majority of these terrible comments.
Perhaps a person with a service dog doesn't "look" like they have a disability. Does that mean they should be demonized? What if they have autism or post-traumatic stress disorder? Would you respond to interacting with them on an airplane by telling them to simply be more normal and less emotional?
Or, on the other side of the coin, someone who states that they suffer from allergies may sound like a hypochondriac, but in reality they have had life-threatening anaphylactic reaction and understandably seek to avoid that while traveling.
The point is, we never really know what someone else is going through, and public transportation isn't going to get easier by blaming everyone around us. This article could have addressed this issue by discussing cooperative solutions and ways to move forward. Instead, it seems to have been written with a snide agenda, which I blame for the majority of these terrible comments.
10
Officially qualified service dogs for a person with a genuine physical limitation/disability such as blindness or wheelchair-bound - yes, all aboard. Otherwise, there is NO need - none! - for people to fly hither and yon with their pet. That's what kennels and teenage neighbors are for. And if they still wish to bring them along on vacation, work, whatever - well, that is what the (properly controlled & temperate) cargo hold is for. The end. A few hours' separation hurts neither pet nor owner, and an airline standing ground on a firm policy would end this ridiculous non-issue for good.
21
Did you see the story about the wild turkey accompanying its human on a recent Delta flight? I wondered if maybe the human was the turkey's companion animal, given how nervous they seem to be ...
4
"... that is what the (properly controlled & temperate) cargo hold is for."
I agree that permits for comfort support animals has gotten out of hand.
However, putting an animal in cargo hold is not a good idea. Animals die
and disappear. Rather than take steps to ensure safety of animals in the hold, many airlines are simply no longer accepting animals as checked luggage. It's a dilemma.
There have been several attempts at animal airlines, but they never seem to get off the ground (no pun intended).
I agree that permits for comfort support animals has gotten out of hand.
However, putting an animal in cargo hold is not a good idea. Animals die
and disappear. Rather than take steps to ensure safety of animals in the hold, many airlines are simply no longer accepting animals as checked luggage. It's a dilemma.
There have been several attempts at animal airlines, but they never seem to get off the ground (no pun intended).
2
"Allergies" and "Service" Animals are dueling it out in our my-needs-are-greater-than-your-needs culture.
5
Potential death is no laughing matter. Yes, allergies can be that severe.
1
Smoking reduces my stress on flights. Am I allowed to do it? No.
Yet these people are allowed to bring pets on flights which impacts the health of others.
Yet these people are allowed to bring pets on flights which impacts the health of others.
22
Solution: airlines should require people to disclose pet allergies and passengers who intend to take on a pet, be it a service animal (the certified kind) and those "emotional support" animals. The solution is a software tweak where you prioritize allergy sufferers over non-certified pets and you warn passengers that a service animal will be on a flight they're choosing. It's the only way around this problem.
11
Anyone flying with an animal must book in advance, so the airlines already know when a pet is onboard.
I do agree that software could help separate the allergy suffer from a furry passenger, however I believe the only priority given should be who booked first.
Knowing that airlines only allow so many pets on any given flight, owners often book far in advance to make sure that the animal will be accommodated. Why should such advance planning come to naught because someone booking on shorter notice has allergies?
I do agree that software could help separate the allergy suffer from a furry passenger, however I believe the only priority given should be who booked first.
Knowing that airlines only allow so many pets on any given flight, owners often book far in advance to make sure that the animal will be accommodated. Why should such advance planning come to naught because someone booking on shorter notice has allergies?
6
How do airlines define "service animals"? I know that the NYT has written articles about how folks get a "service" designation for their pet in order to be able to skirt "no pet" rules.
I'm allergic to dogs AND a bit scared of them. I have no problems with a true service animal, and I will gladly suffer to ensure that someone who truly can't function without that animal can be completely accommodated. However, I don't feel that I should be inconvenienced for someone else's non-important convenience.
I'm allergic to dogs AND a bit scared of them. I have no problems with a true service animal, and I will gladly suffer to ensure that someone who truly can't function without that animal can be completely accommodated. However, I don't feel that I should be inconvenienced for someone else's non-important convenience.
16
According to the ADA, "Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA".
Emotional support animals are not the same as service animals.
http://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm
https://adata.org/publication/service-animals-booklet
Emotional support animals are not the same as service animals.
http://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm
https://adata.org/publication/service-animals-booklet
3
That is how the ADA defines it but the ADA does not apply to commercial airlines. The federal law in this case is the Air Carrier's Access Act of 1986. The ACAA does not limit service animals to only dogs, and it includes emotional support animals.
Why on earth do the airlines not improve the old "pressurized compartment" where pets can be safely if not pleasantly kept for the duration of a flight? Our pets flew in them and I admit they were traumatized by the experience, but at least their presence in the cabin didn't traumatize the human passengers.
The airlines' advice to "keep your epinephrine on hand" is stunningly callous and ignorant.
The airlines' advice to "keep your epinephrine on hand" is stunningly callous and ignorant.
17
People with both boan fide service animals and severe allergies who want to be accommodated should be required to provide that information when they make reservations. It's just a matter of adding a few boxes to the *special services* section of an airlines web site.
The airlines can then ensure that these groups are seated in different areas of the plane. Anyone with an allergy so severe that they can't cope in a different part of the plane should probably not be flying.
I have other problems with dogs (and they with me) and fly a lot yet I've rarely encountered this problem. Genuine service animals are usually well trained and pose no problems. If an animal is not sufficiently well trained to fly without disturbing other people, then it is NOT a service animal no matter what kind of letter someone presents.
The airlines can then ensure that these groups are seated in different areas of the plane. Anyone with an allergy so severe that they can't cope in a different part of the plane should probably not be flying.
I have other problems with dogs (and they with me) and fly a lot yet I've rarely encountered this problem. Genuine service animals are usually well trained and pose no problems. If an animal is not sufficiently well trained to fly without disturbing other people, then it is NOT a service animal no matter what kind of letter someone presents.
7
As someone who had a service animal for a few years until he died, I will tell you that when flying with your service or emotional support animal you must call the airlines special services/ADA department to add your animal to your reservation. You also must fax them a copy of your doctor certification that must say certain things and be recent so they can check the validity of the letter and the doctors credentials. If they find something incorrect they are not allowed to fly with you. They also verify these letters again at checkin and at the gate to verify that your animal is under your control and well behaved. Most airlines also place someone with a dog in the first 3 rows where there is more legroom to ensure that they don't encroach into someone else space( one of the requirements for them to fly).
With that said I do sympathize with those who have pet allergies as I also have dog allergies and asthma. Only once has someone asked to be moved because my dog was on the flight and that was only after they sat down and realized that he was under the seat in front of me. If someone has an allergy to something they should always inform the airline ahead of time and again at the airport so they can be accommodated ahead of time. If you wait until you've boarded to say something, you have to assume that the only option may be to offer you another flight especially if the one you're flying on is full or another passenger is unwilling to switch seats with you.
With that said I do sympathize with those who have pet allergies as I also have dog allergies and asthma. Only once has someone asked to be moved because my dog was on the flight and that was only after they sat down and realized that he was under the seat in front of me. If someone has an allergy to something they should always inform the airline ahead of time and again at the airport so they can be accommodated ahead of time. If you wait until you've boarded to say something, you have to assume that the only option may be to offer you another flight especially if the one you're flying on is full or another passenger is unwilling to switch seats with you.
1
What's the problem with the other passengers applauding? If this family held my flight up for 90 minutes, I'd applaud when they leave the plane too. What wasn't the dog asked to leave the plane? The dog didn't have any issue. It was the kid who had the problem. You think you're seeing too many companion dogs on the plane, and people are gaming the system? I think I see too many people with "allergies" who complain every time they have a sniffle. The flight attendant smirked? Really?
13
Usually I look for a reasonable middle ground on issues but this comment convinces me that no unlicensed service dog or any other animal should be allowed on planes.
20
Gosh, Lurleen of Nashville, is that you? how's it with that pet pig of yours, Manureball, that you said you'd bring on the plane to keep you and Clyde kompny when you went back to the home folks. You know, that pig has quite a gas problem, LOL.
5
You're the kid's doctor? You know what his condition and symptoms were? I'd put prevention of a potential physical health problem above the emotional distress of being separated from a pet.
2
Traveling to Hawaii from Seattle on Alaska Airlines the passenger sitting in the bulk head row had what was presumably her therapy dog laying on the floor. Her Bull Mastiff was quiet and calm them whole trip but really a bull mastiff? I suppose that is one way around the fact that Alaska Airlines only allow one large dog per flight in cargo.
4
Actually Donna Zuba, the dog may have been blocking the emergency exit and this would be a violation of FAA regulations. But you, know, animal comfort trumps human safety.
15
There is a non-zero chance the child with the allergy will come in contact with an allergen at the airport at anytime --at the gate, in line at security, at baggage claim -- so a significant degree of responsibility rests on the sufferer or parents to safeguard in the possibility of that non-zero chance actually happening at any time. Short answer to the problem: be prepared; long answer: always be prepared.
8
Service animals are defined under federal law and regulation. A true service dog is registered and separately licensed as such. Anyone who has a true service animal knows the difficulty of obtaining a license for one and the certification of a disability to receive one. People who truly need service dogs all wish that they did not as the conditions needed to get one are usually one's which you would not wish on anyone.
Is the concept abused - undoubtedly. Does that justify the the kind of abuse and insult and insensitivity included in many of the other comments. No. And the ignorance expressed in so many of the comments says more about the commentators than they do about anyone else.
Is the concept abused - undoubtedly. Does that justify the the kind of abuse and insult and insensitivity included in many of the other comments. No. And the ignorance expressed in so many of the comments says more about the commentators than they do about anyone else.
9
I think it would be polite for a person carrying an animal to also carry some common anti-allergy medications, like an antihistamine, for other passengers who may need it.
1
I have traveled with my cat and I've traveled without my cat. I can just about guarantee that I contributed as much cat dander either way!
Meanwhile, when I traveled next to a passenger with a service dog I was asked--before the woman and dog were seated--if I had a problem with being seated next to a dog. I had no problem at all. But I wasn't similarly asked about a fellow passenger who reeked of perfume, which I am allergic to, nor (alas) did I expect to be. It's a public space--we cannot police for allergens.
Meanwhile, when I traveled next to a passenger with a service dog I was asked--before the woman and dog were seated--if I had a problem with being seated next to a dog. I had no problem at all. But I wasn't similarly asked about a fellow passenger who reeked of perfume, which I am allergic to, nor (alas) did I expect to be. It's a public space--we cannot police for allergens.
19
As an elite traveler, I've seen the airlines at their best, and frequently, at their worst. Travelers should know that airlines rarely (or so it seems) plan ahead for contingencies. When something happens, they are typically in reaction mode, and the decision can often rest with the lowest and most inexperienced airline representative in the chain. These people are hapless decision makers, and typically follow the path of least resistance. The airlines ability to take corrective action is also drastically reduced by overcrowding - e.g. it's the airlines goal to fill every seat. When something goes wrong, there are no extra seats to deal with it (take a delayed flight, for instance, when the airline is trying to rebook a passenger). For example, if you have the misfortune of being seated next to an extremely obese passenger, the airline can't just put you in another seat. If you want to make your destination, you either endure hours of being crushed against the seat arm or window, or cancel your plans (which isn't always an option when you have work obligations). I recently endured three=plus hours like this, and arrived with my clothes soaked by the other passenger's sweat. How's that compare to the pictures you see of the business executive with his/her papers and laptop spread out hither and yon? The truth is, little dogs have become more fashionable and people are bringing them on planes. Airlines, in typical fashion, are letting passengers deal with it.
11
A script for Service Dogs is an accommodation being abused by doctors and their patients. I see so many women in places where the no dogs allowed sensible rule is broken for them, because they've manipulated their doctor to say they allegedly suffer from anxiety if the dog isn't with them. How delicate women have become....they can't leave home without their pet. Yet all the clamor over equal treatment and how awful men have a bias against them. Can you imagine the CEO of GE at a board meeting with his tea cup pup? What's next, hamsters, pigs, how about a pony or a race horse. "Service Dogs, aside from aiding a blind or handicapped person is simply deceitful, manipulative and a red flag for any guy if you should see this...Crazy...avoid at all costs. Grow up. Airlines should tighten that rule that is now abused at the comfort and safety of most other people. This is why the world has become such a crazy place, accommodating no questions asked, the craziness of people. It's not inclusive and sensitive, it's capitulating to selfishness.
16
What if there were two allergy sufferers? Would they both be bumped to the next flight? What if there were 3, or 9, or 99? On the other hand, when could someone with a dog fly if most flights had lots of allergy sufferers? But that's an unlikely scenario.
Since the pet is the source of the issue, then barring a medical rationale the pet and owner should be moved to another seat as the default. The flight attendant should seek a person willing to swap with the sufferer or with the pet owner. If no one is willing, then the next flight will have to do.
Most passengers would be happy to accommodate a traveler with a disability who needs to have their service dog with them. I suspect it would be very unusual to have the passenger with a pet be bumped, particularly for a traditional disability.
Since the pet is the source of the issue, then barring a medical rationale the pet and owner should be moved to another seat as the default. The flight attendant should seek a person willing to swap with the sufferer or with the pet owner. If no one is willing, then the next flight will have to do.
Most passengers would be happy to accommodate a traveler with a disability who needs to have their service dog with them. I suspect it would be very unusual to have the passenger with a pet be bumped, particularly for a traditional disability.
5
I paid extra on Jet Blue for leg room but spent 6+ hours confined next to someone's cat. What a miserable ride. They offered to move me to a lesser quality seat, but the cat lady stayed put. Before the return flight, checked at the gate, and sure enough, row 4 held a small dog -- so again, I was moved, but the pet stayed put. Obviously Jet Blue earns more money on pets than on those with pet allergies. never again.
25
I'm a vegetarian, a really strict one. Airlines no longer guarantee a vegetarian meal. They *think* the options are vegetarian but often contain gelatin or my veggie meal just didn't make it on board. It is stupid, makes me crazy, but it isn't going to change. Therefore, I now bring along my own food.
People with allergies need to adopt the same philosophy. The airline has no way of knowing if an individual is allergic, so checking ahead to see if there is a dog on board is simply self protecting commonsense. Surely a flight a few hours earlier or later can accommodate you safely. For $24 you can purchase a reusable silk mask that will filter pet dander (painters masks won't by the way). Groomers use them all the time. If one is severely allergic, why would you not assume the worst and plan accordingly?
Why was the boy asked to leave rather than the dog on this flight? Because he was in allergic mode already - making it unsafe for him to fly - and the dog dander was already circulating around the cabin. Should the airline have done a better job of rebooking the family? I think they should have, but Allegiant is a low cost air line.
I wonder how this little boy would have fared if seated next to me. Fact is, even with a freshly laundered set of clothes and lint brushes, I still drove my car to the airport and will be carrying a substantial amount of hair and dander.
Those with special circumstances should be proactive and not assume the world will accommodate them.
People with allergies need to adopt the same philosophy. The airline has no way of knowing if an individual is allergic, so checking ahead to see if there is a dog on board is simply self protecting commonsense. Surely a flight a few hours earlier or later can accommodate you safely. For $24 you can purchase a reusable silk mask that will filter pet dander (painters masks won't by the way). Groomers use them all the time. If one is severely allergic, why would you not assume the worst and plan accordingly?
Why was the boy asked to leave rather than the dog on this flight? Because he was in allergic mode already - making it unsafe for him to fly - and the dog dander was already circulating around the cabin. Should the airline have done a better job of rebooking the family? I think they should have, but Allegiant is a low cost air line.
I wonder how this little boy would have fared if seated next to me. Fact is, even with a freshly laundered set of clothes and lint brushes, I still drove my car to the airport and will be carrying a substantial amount of hair and dander.
Those with special circumstances should be proactive and not assume the world will accommodate them.
14
Many years ago on a flight, back when one had a lot of options (kosher, etc.), I was served a vegetarian meal that had gone moldy. I called this to their attention but they had nothing to replace it with. So I went hungry.
Out of curiosity, are service animals routinely given body scans? Does the TA search them?
5
Yes. The animal must be removed from its carrier, which is x-rayed, and the animal is carried through the metal detector. The owner's hands are wiped to check for explosive residue. I assume a seeing-eye dog must have its special harness removed if it contains metal.
I thought small dogs and cats able to fit into a carrier that can go under the seat were allowed on planes - not just service animals.
Needless to say, cat allergies are far more prevalent than dog allergies, yet I have been on flights with cats several times. As I and my children are allergic, we have had to make sure that our seats were nowhere near the animals. However, I always wondered why I had to suffer or move from the seats I had chosen and payed for because someone wants to bring an animal known to be a source of allergic reaction for many people on board. I think the airlines need to rethink this policy.
Needless to say, cat allergies are far more prevalent than dog allergies, yet I have been on flights with cats several times. As I and my children are allergic, we have had to make sure that our seats were nowhere near the animals. However, I always wondered why I had to suffer or move from the seats I had chosen and payed for because someone wants to bring an animal known to be a source of allergic reaction for many people on board. I think the airlines need to rethink this policy.
13
I didn't know that cat allergies were far more prevalent than dog allergies. I am allergic to dogs, but not cats.
I flew from Philadelphia to Heathrow in the same row as a three-legged pit bull therapy dog. That's a trip I'll never forget.
4
Aren't there any attorneys who need money? I'd make this a class action suit against the airlines. It's about time. Someone could make a lot of money here.
Removing a child instead of an animal? This is as real Trump being the next President.
Removing a child instead of an animal? This is as real Trump being the next President.
4
The article says the animal in question was a service animal, as in a seeing-eye dog. They must be accommodated. If seating was available in first class they should have put one or the other in first class. Although lo-cost airlines might not have first class I suppose.
The other option is that the carrier could have, and one could argue should have, booked them on another airline and picked up the fare difference.
Finally, if this was not something the family was aware of ahead of time, OK, but if they knew the boy had allergies to dogs they should be carrying appropriate medication with them.
The other option is that the carrier could have, and one could argue should have, booked them on another airline and picked up the fare difference.
Finally, if this was not something the family was aware of ahead of time, OK, but if they knew the boy had allergies to dogs they should be carrying appropriate medication with them.
6
Severe allergies are a medical condition and can be argued to be a disability. The ADA states that businesses must make a reasonable accommodation for disability and removing an allergen (they do it for peanuts, showing they can do it) is one way to do that.
It's a complicated issue. True, most "emotional support" animals are not service animals and therefore not covered by the ADA. Also true that there ARE service animals for psychiatric support but they cost thousands of dollars so many people whose diagnosed conditions qualify for those animals can't afford them so go through the far cheaper process of registering their own animals as "emotional support" animals. Also true that registering those animals is an easy enough process that SOME people who don't really "need" them to be registered do so anyhow because it makes life easier in terms of housing, transportation, etc. (Most people benefit from the emotional support of an animal, many people have less stress and anxiety when with their animals but that doesn't mean everyone "needs" them in a psychological sense.) I'm a phobic flyer who relies on drugs or vodka (not an animal) to get me through a flight. I'm also allergic to cats though, thankfully, I've never had asthma. Speaking of phobic, I do know people who are genuinely phobic to dogs (and I've known at least one person who was genuinely phobic to cats). Aside from ADA-certified service animals, how to reconcile the legitimate needs of people who truly rely on their emotional support animals with those of people who are truly phobic of others animals? How to reconcile the needs of those with allergies? Perhaps "pet free" flights where all but registered service animals are banned? I don't have any easy answers.
2
Instead of pet free flights, why not make all flights pets free and make special flights that allow pets.
11
This would certainly cut down on the number of animals on planes, but the phobia / allergy is no less with a bona fide service animal.
Pat: I don't know if it's still operating, but there was a story in the NY Times a couple of years ago about a small airline that was carrying just animals, plus some animal attendants. Sounded like they didn't have particularly precise schedules, but flew from one coast to the other, with detours to places like Florida and Chicago, depending on demand.
As a previous writer said--"Only in america would an animal presence take precedence over the well being of a child."
ALL animals should be placed in cargo or not taken on the flight. And pray tell, how is a "service animal" for a blind person useful in getting on and off of an airplane ? I have had asthma all of my life and am allergic to dogs and cats. Allergies among the populace are increasing every year-- so WHY would the airlines allow "severe allergens" onto an airplane. They might also consider having people with strong, chemical-based fragrances wash them off before boarding !!
ALL animals should be placed in cargo or not taken on the flight. And pray tell, how is a "service animal" for a blind person useful in getting on and off of an airplane ? I have had asthma all of my life and am allergic to dogs and cats. Allergies among the populace are increasing every year-- so WHY would the airlines allow "severe allergens" onto an airplane. They might also consider having people with strong, chemical-based fragrances wash them off before boarding !!
11
The animal presence did not take precedence over the well-being of the child. The child's well-being was taken care of by putting them on a later flight. Why should a special needs person be required to leave a flight because someone who has allergies and/or asthma and choses to travel without appropriate medication?
5
Stephan brown,
Cargo hold is not safe for animals. There is documentation of animal sickness, trauma and death. Just as other people would never consider allowing their kids to be placed in cargo hold, I would never consider it for my dogs.
Cargo hold is not safe for animals. There is documentation of animal sickness, trauma and death. Just as other people would never consider allowing their kids to be placed in cargo hold, I would never consider it for my dogs.
Why should a special needs child be removed from a plane just for having special needs? Not everything can be fixed with medication. Severe allergies are disabilities in their own way.
1
It is mindboggling that the bumped family was not the family with the animal! Since when do animals take precedent over human beings?
It should have been the animal's family that was bumped to the next flight.
and what if the next flight had a dog or cat to which a human was allergic? And the flight after that?
Have we gone insane? Clearly the airlines have.
It should have been the animal's family that was bumped to the next flight.
and what if the next flight had a dog or cat to which a human was allergic? And the flight after that?
Have we gone insane? Clearly the airlines have.
14
Elsewhere the family stated that the kid had no previous dog allergies. So they could not prove it was the dog. It could have been something from a previous flight. Why make someone with a service animal move or get off the flight which would be illegal for some imaginary or guessed at allergy?
3
This would be easy enough to solve. When you book a flight with a dog, you should note in your reservation that you are bringing the dog in the cabin. If you have a severe allergy and cannot be on a plane with an animal, you should note that on the reservation. This should be easy for the airline to program. Then the airline would give precedence to whomever books first; if there is already an animal booked and you are allergic, you would be notified and you can book an alternative flight. If you have an animal that you want or need to have with you in the cabin, you would be notified that that is not allowed on that flight, and you could book an alternative.
5
Over the years I have had many people tell me that they easily obtain the paper work to claim that their dog is a service dog---when it is not. They report that their dogs are able to fly for free. There needs to be tighter restrictions on giving out the service animal authorizations.
14
First off, let me say I am a dog person and have two dogs of my own. My wife and I have flown with them after making a reservation and paying the appropriate fare for them. If someone complained about an allergy we would certainly have switched our seats. That said, the ADA service animal discrimination law has become a farce! I personally know several people who have gamed the system and laugh about it all the time. They get some phony dog cape and ID card online and then they can fly their pets anytime for free. I have been seated next to some flyers and their dogs sitting in their laps who openly admit such. Now I have never been bothered by sitting next to a pet since they are usually well behaved, but I do not have allergies. These people are just shamelessly gaming the system and making it harder for people with legitimate service animals. The answer is simple, make all service animals have official identification based on an official training program. Those with real service animals would have no problem meeting this requirement.
20
The biggest issue right now contributing to the increase in emotional support animals seems to be that people who need/want to fly with their pets are being told that they can no longer transport them in crates in airplane cargo holds. This is most likely due to the fact that many were dying and their owners suing the airlines. The alternative is to fly one's pet on a separate cargo plane flight that is climate controlled and pick it up at the airport days after you've arrived at your destination...at a hefty price. In contrast, it's quite easy to send away for a certificate or letter from psychiatrists who are willing to certify that a person's pet is "emotionally necessary" despite never having seen the person as a patient. Any wonder why people are choosing the latter? There needs to be a better solution from the airlines because issues like these are going to continue to happen as more and more animals are onboard flights.
4
The reporter did not distinguish between "service dogs" which are unusual, and the riduculous new category of "emotional support animals." These have been allowed by the airlines regulator to have precedence over the needs of people, like the child in the story. They are also a problem in apartments, due to,their reguatin by the federal Fair Housing Law, whcih also has given precedence to animals over people. The animal owners I have met seem to have no trouble going places without their "comfort" pets.
7
Only a service animal will trump an allergic passenger. Pets do not. The whole "emotional support" animal phenomenon is out of control for this reason and because fluffy can fly free and doesn't have to be in a carrier. Unlike legitimate cabin pets There can't be a limit on how many service animals are carried in the cabin. The scammers who want to declare their pet to be a "service animal" need only to go online to purchase a doctor's note and official looking accessories.
Unlike a real service animal, which must pass behavioral qualification and training, there is no such requirement for this type of pet.
As a flight attendant, I am appalled at the way many passengers and some crew put animals ahead of people.
Unlike a real service animal, which must pass behavioral qualification and training, there is no such requirement for this type of pet.
As a flight attendant, I am appalled at the way many passengers and some crew put animals ahead of people.
12
Also service animals are pretty much confined to certain breeds: shephards, labs, golden retrievers, etc. A tiny 13 pound dog is not going to be a service animal.
2
That is usually true, but there are exceptions, such as service dogs trained to detect oncoming epileptic seizures or diabetic crises.
1
I have severe allergies. I have never expected anyone to adjust their lives to accommodate me. It is my problem, not theirs. Allergic to dogs? Then don't fly when there is a dog on the plane. Your kid allergic to peanuts? Then home-school him, but don't expect other kids to give up their PBJs. Your business laid down new carpet? Get a new job if you can't control your allergic reaction. Your condo neighbor smokes? Then you pay to seal your place and install HEPA filters or move. Allergic to perfume? Then go grocery shopping at 3 am.
And if you are the type who has severe reactions to allergic triggers, then it is up to you to stay loaded up on antihistamines, and carry an Epi-Pen with you at all times. You may even consider carrying an oxygen concentrator along with a nebulizer for albuterol administration until EMS can arrive if it's that bad.
I have a lot of sympathy for those who have mobility issues. I have none for those who use allergies to force everyone else to conform to their needs.
And if you are the type who has severe reactions to allergic triggers, then it is up to you to stay loaded up on antihistamines, and carry an Epi-Pen with you at all times. You may even consider carrying an oxygen concentrator along with a nebulizer for albuterol administration until EMS can arrive if it's that bad.
I have a lot of sympathy for those who have mobility issues. I have none for those who use allergies to force everyone else to conform to their needs.
10
"Based on the advice of the third party physician, decisions are made about whether or not it is the safest course of action to allow a passenger to continue on board.”
Unbelievable. - How about based on the advice decisions are made as to whether to remove the animal to the pressurized luggage compartment??
There is an alternative for the pet but not the child, so why is the pet the first consideration? Unless of course the pet owner thinks the child should fly in the pressurized luggage compartment
Unbelievable. - How about based on the advice decisions are made as to whether to remove the animal to the pressurized luggage compartment??
There is an alternative for the pet but not the child, so why is the pet the first consideration? Unless of course the pet owner thinks the child should fly in the pressurized luggage compartment
4
I met a friend of a friend who bought an old sick dog from China, one they had planned to eat but rejected. The dog would not sit on command or allow me to walk it on a leash. The dog did not have rabies and distemper shots because the owner was convinced that dogs in New Mexico don't get rabies (???!!??). Yet I saw her bring it to an outdoor restaurant and claim it was a "service dog".
2
I met someone who knew somebody else that had a friend with a mother whose mother-in-law had a sister with a pet cat.
5
This is ridiculous! I can't believe animals ove p pole again. They even have better healthcare. Time to move Europe.
3
Move to Europe and you will find that dogs are everywhere--in restaurants, on trains and trams, in shops and museums. They are also usually well behaved and well socialised as this is routine for them.
4
@Nancy Alexanian
Animals have better health care? In that case, I hope my medical plan includes veterinarians.
Most of Europe is more animal friendly than the U.S.
Animals have better health care? In that case, I hope my medical plan includes veterinarians.
Most of Europe is more animal friendly than the U.S.
The latest scam is selfish, inconsiderate pet owners getting phony letters "certifying" that their pets are service animals. A few ten thousand dollar fines against passengers and doctors for fraud would probably nip in the bud this nonsense and return the skies to human beings.
10
Folks just look a the airline involved. Enough said.
Well I traveled this Christmas to California. I was appalled at the number of dogs on each of my flights. The airlines lie. They are allowing large sized dogs that cannot fit under the seat. I know my husband sat in a row with a woman who had to have the dog right at her feet.
Like opoid drugs doctors are abusing this "emotional support" excuse to give people an approval letter.
On one leg of the flight the dog owner loudly argued with the flight attendant that her dog MUST have a bulkhead seat.
Give me a break. I have rights to.
Like opoid drugs doctors are abusing this "emotional support" excuse to give people an approval letter.
On one leg of the flight the dog owner loudly argued with the flight attendant that her dog MUST have a bulkhead seat.
Give me a break. I have rights to.
10
Of course, seeing eye dogs are beyond reproach, but for others who travel with their "service dogs" for comfort? I see so many stressed-out animals when I fly.
I don't get it - how can a stressed animal in a cage under the seat bring any more comfort than a stuffed teddy bear. It's all in the mind. The neurotic mind.
Perhaps the people who rely on dogs to travel should take a teddy bear sanctioned by their therapist & valium instead and consider the well-being of their pets.
I don't get it - how can a stressed animal in a cage under the seat bring any more comfort than a stuffed teddy bear. It's all in the mind. The neurotic mind.
Perhaps the people who rely on dogs to travel should take a teddy bear sanctioned by their therapist & valium instead and consider the well-being of their pets.
7
The caged animals are quite likely people's pets for whom they paid extra to fly. Therapy dogs usually stay either next to or on the passenger's lap, as do service dogs.
Assuming that all dogs on flights are pets that their owners are scamming as service dogs unless the owner is blind is very wrong. Working dogs also fly on airplanes and they do not get bumped or flown under neath. A friend of mine is is a volunteer search and rescue dog handler. She and her dog have flown all over the world and always inside the cabin. If her dog is not allowed on the flight, she isn't going. Flying a dog in the cargo hold can be dangerous and subject to too many temperature/weather regulations. I've seen military dogs on flights that have actually been muzzled but are allowed to fly inside the plane.
6
As our family of 6 was boarding a flight from San Jose to Orange County, our cat (which was in a cat carrier) was denied boarding. A passenger complained of an allergy and presented some kind of paperwork to airline officials, and they said the cat couldn't be in the plane. ANYWHERE on the plane. I remained on the flight with our 4 young children, my husband stayed back and caught a later flight. Such drama, delay and inconvenience. It all could have been avoided if the airline systems kept track of who has registered allergies + who has pets. Which ever passenger books first, gets to fly or pick a different flight. Sound right?
10
Even though I'm a confirmed dog person, I believe that theoretically the dog(s) should have been removed from the plane rather than the kid. BUT would this have solved the problem, given that dog allergens certainly would have remained in the cabin after the dogs were removed. Would it have been necessary to remove everybody and clean the entire cabin? It's a question of how serious the kid's allergy was. Was this a known medical issue for the kid? Did the parents have the drugs needed to combat the reaction? I believe the air flow is from the front of the cabin to the back. Is the recirculated cabin air filtered to remove allergens? Might moving the kid to the front, first class if necessary, and the dogs at the back have solved the problem? We don't know all the details but hopefully the medical staff weighed these factors.
8
Face it: planes are tiny microcosms that are not just as bad as the "real world," but worse. Add in the usually pitiful (even if polite) treatment by the airline (read: policy), and there you go, a guaranteed good time for all because you cannot choose who sits near you much less next to you.
I would recommend taking the train, but oops! Those airline barons got rid of that mode of transport with government aid. Smart, ain't we?
I would recommend taking the train, but oops! Those airline barons got rid of that mode of transport with government aid. Smart, ain't we?
1
I have also seen loud and aggressive dogs in departure lounges, and foul-mouthed and aggressive owners threaten anyone who objects.
Not seeing-eye dogs; those are very well trained for public places. Pets.
Not seeing-eye dogs; those are very well trained for public places. Pets.
5
On a flight recently the "therapy" dog bit another dog and a child. The dog was not removed from the flight.
1
If a "therapy" dog bit my child, I would be suing everyone in reach (including the airline and the owner).
2
On one flight I began to have an asthma attack, did not know why. I told the flight attendant the only reason I have such a sudden attack is from cats. She said there were no cats on board. Later she came back and said there was a cat 17 rows back. They moved me to another section. Another time the same thing happened. I couldn't figure out why. Turned out the woman next to me had brought a huge pillow with her and she had a cat at home so the thing was covered with cat dander. When having an asthma attack I cannot breathe. Even with meds it takes two weeks for it to get better with high doses of prednisone. It feels like I am going to die and I could if it gets worse. Is it right to make me take meds for two weeks or should the person with the animal take meds or have other help for the length of the flight? I love animals but think airlines need to rethink policies.
8
The same thing has happened to me, but on a train. I have stopped flying now, it's just too dangerous.
@sylvia,
Sadly, there seems to be no resolution for you as there's no way to guarantee you won't encounter second-hand dander (such as from the woman's pillow) even on animal free flights. You can ask seat mates if they have animals and ask to be moved if they do, I suppose.
Sadly, there seems to be no resolution for you as there's no way to guarantee you won't encounter second-hand dander (such as from the woman's pillow) even on animal free flights. You can ask seat mates if they have animals and ask to be moved if they do, I suppose.
Similar thing happened to me, but with a dog that had not been registered with the airline and was sitting on an empty seat next to her owner.
Emotional support (ES) pets . . . too often just a scam. There exists a rigorous training and certification process (see the Department of Justice's ADA regulations) for true service dogs, such as those that accompany the deaf or the non-sighted. On the other hand, ES pets are commonly designated as such simply by declaration of the owner ("trust me"). Don't be taken advantage of when you're on an airplane or in a train, restaurant, store, market, or other "public accommodation." Well-trained, certified service dogs can be identified as such with documentation by their owners. Others -- well, all too often they're merely amulets for owners who simply might perish if they had to be two minutes without precious Fido. Neither has any right to impinge on your health or safety.
9
The number of people with "emotional support animals" has gone up by a factor of ten in the past few years. It's a typically American idea--the desires of the individual take precedence over the needs of the community. The vast majority of people registering their pets as emotional support animals are gaming the system at everyone else's expense--every single person I know who has registered their animal for "emotional support" is pretty open about admitting they just find it more convenient to travel that way. Service animals should be provided for and encouraged. Emotional support animals need to be either banned or subject to much greater scrutiny. I have pets, but I am not going to impose them on other people in public spaces. We need to change these regulations.
8
The airlines should have animal-free flights and indicates these as such. I am extremely allergic to cats - to the point of having breathing problems when I am seated next to someone who owns a cat, and has cat dander on them. I can take my meds to survive exposure to a cat owner, but if the cat is onboard a plane or train, I may need the flight to be diverted to save my life. That's how bad it is. I will no longer travel on Amtrak, now that they allow animals, and I wonder if it will take a death in the air or Congressional action to keep me alive on a plane flight.
4
Me too. I've given up flying for this reason, the risk just isn't worth it (asthma). It will take someone dying before the laws changes. Easy solution would just be to have some planes designated as pet-free zones for those of us with severe allergies.
A Delta pilot told me that he too was fed up with animals defecating and urinating all over the airplanes. But Delta did not even respond to my complaint about a supposed service dog which defecated on the Newark terminal floor right in front of the check in desk and barked and growled at us as we waited in line. Delta proved to me that animals have a higher priority than human passengers.
5
Only support animals should be able to fly with passengers. The medical rights of people with allergies are more important than pet comfort. We got rid of cigarettes because of the right to breathe, and having pets in the cabin is the same. I have always checked my pets, and they arrive all right.
4
Many people fly with their pets in the cabin. There is no restriction by the airlines except for the number allowed in each cabin, I.e First Class, Econonmy and/or Business, and by weight. . If you can pay the fare, you can bring your pet.
Airlines are now starting to charge additional money to transport animals, in the cabin, or to make them all travel as cargo, EXCEPT if they are support animals. Thus one reason for the phenomenal increase in pseudo-"support" animals.
There should be a right for people to travel animal-free in a clean plane, as a matter of course, rather than as an exception. Airlines should be required to make at least 80% of all flights to each destination animal-free. On other flights, they should be required to register any support animals in advance and notify all passengers of the number/type of animals well in advance of the flight. And finally, human health needs to take precedence over animals, even support dogs.
I love animals, however I truly feel for allergy sufferers, who are at serious risk of life-threatening reactions on animal laden flights.
There should be a right for people to travel animal-free in a clean plane, as a matter of course, rather than as an exception. Airlines should be required to make at least 80% of all flights to each destination animal-free. On other flights, they should be required to register any support animals in advance and notify all passengers of the number/type of animals well in advance of the flight. And finally, human health needs to take precedence over animals, even support dogs.
I love animals, however I truly feel for allergy sufferers, who are at serious risk of life-threatening reactions on animal laden flights.
8
Part of the problem is with the FAA and the rest of the US Government with regard to the ambiguous guidelines of the ADA. The airlines are rightfully scared to question anyone about a so-called service animal for fear of violating the ADA and other laws. However, as noted many times in other comments, there are "real" service dogs (for the blind and etc.) and then there are all the dogs and other animals who are not classified as actual service animals and could be excluded by the airlines. At one level the airlines do not care, since they have so many polices and procedures which they know are anti-customer in other respects. As noted, it might taker a death or two to actually bring clarity and sense to what is going on at present; unfortunately, when you see the planes with their ever-shrinking seats you understand that the airlines only care about one thing: what can they do to squeeze the most revenue from the customers. Comfort, service and enjoyment in Coach ended about 30 years ago.
2
You are not correct. The ADA does not apply to commercial air travel. The federal law in this case is the Air Carrier's Access Act of 1986. It covers emotional support animals with proper documentation from a licensed treating medical professional.
Why do people with pets take precedence over people with allergies, or even those who simply don't like pets? And I say this as a dog lover. There should be no place on a plane for an animal unless the passenger has an URGENT need for one.
37
That's how many of us feel about kids on planes. ;)
4
You should read this article more carefully. The dog on board was a service animal, not a pet, and as such is allowed without question.
Unfortunately everyone wants and has the right to fly these days, so every passenger's needs must be accommodated. Obviously, with so many passengers, individual needs are bound to conflict some point.
Unfortunately everyone wants and has the right to fly these days, so every passenger's needs must be accommodated. Obviously, with so many passengers, individual needs are bound to conflict some point.
4
Maybe it's just me but I'd be more concerned about an actual life-threatening condition and put that first. The ADA has severe consequences for a business that fails to help a disabled person, and allergies, a lawyer will probably argue, fall under that purview. The airline is likely going to be in big trouble.
Flight crews (cabin and cockpit) are trained to deal with certain severe allergic reactions as a possible precursor to anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis has a rapid onset, severely compromises vital life functions, and can lead to death. All before the pilot can get the plane on the ground to get medical treatment for the individual.
If an individual has a known allergy, then that is the probable cause, but you can't rule out other allergens in the cabin as the immediate cause of the reaction. Depending on the severity of the reaction, re-seating may not be an option. Getting the person off the plane is the safest course, for the health of the passenger and avoidance of liability law suits.
In flight, cabin crew should place the passenger in the tail of the plane in the crew area for continuous surveillance, while ground based medical assistance is requested. In the event of a re-route, the passenger should be quietly re-seated at the front of the plane for fast de-planing, as descent to landing begins.
The goal should be to minimize stress on the sick passenger and all the passengers in the cabin.
If an individual has a known allergy, then that is the probable cause, but you can't rule out other allergens in the cabin as the immediate cause of the reaction. Depending on the severity of the reaction, re-seating may not be an option. Getting the person off the plane is the safest course, for the health of the passenger and avoidance of liability law suits.
In flight, cabin crew should place the passenger in the tail of the plane in the crew area for continuous surveillance, while ground based medical assistance is requested. In the event of a re-route, the passenger should be quietly re-seated at the front of the plane for fast de-planing, as descent to landing begins.
The goal should be to minimize stress on the sick passenger and all the passengers in the cabin.
6
Human beings and human rights should always take precedence over animals.
If airlines want to be so accommodating, create air conditioned compartments below and separate them from the luggage.
Come on people, we are talking about human beings that are affected. If you are still struggling with my opinion, then change your expect ions and procedures and require one skunk to accompany 1 dog with the passenger to sit on the plan and cockpit.
If airlines want to be so accommodating, create air conditioned compartments below and separate them from the luggage.
Come on people, we are talking about human beings that are affected. If you are still struggling with my opinion, then change your expect ions and procedures and require one skunk to accompany 1 dog with the passenger to sit on the plan and cockpit.
16
But the service dog was part of one passenger's needs.
5
Aren't true service dogs usually non-allergenic breeds? Everyone absolutely respects the need for true service dogs but the fakers are unconscionable, especially to put their personal need to travel with their pet above the health of a child.
11
Technically, there are no non-allergenic breeds. Some breeds are less likely to cause an allergic reaction than others, but the hypoallergenic marketing is just that. Many different breeds are used for service - often, labs and goldens, which are definitely not on the reduced-allergenic end of the spectrum. But in recent years, as the concept of service dogs has expanded beyond guide dogs for people with vision impairments, other breeds are being used as well - smaller breeds for people who have seizure disorders, for example, or who are diabetic. But all dogs shed - either fur or dander or both - and therefore all can trigger an allergic reaction.
6
The breed of the service animal is the breed best suited for the work. Potentially these could be hypoallergenic breeds, but this isn't a prevailing selection method.
3
As a board certified allergist I would like to address some of the medically related issues and responses to animals on a plane. Allergic individuals can experience severe asthma exacerbations and even truly life-threatening anaphylaxis from animal dander exposure (including dog dander). I have seen it. Moving the animal a few rows away may not be effective. And there is no such thing as a dander free or allergy free dog. (Sorry dog owners). Coffee or chocolate will not have nearly enough bronchodilator effect to reverse this.
5
I have not had the misfortune of sharing a cabin with a cat. But the discordant, aromatic symphony of perfumes, colognes, skin cremes and hair sprays, all unnecessary as far as I'm concerned, just kills me. I'd rather deal with the odor that wafts through the cabin when the business travelers fly back to LA from San Francisco every evening around 6 and decide to slip their loafers off for the flight. At least it's organic.
7
This whole therapy animal business is so so annoying. There's no grocery story anymore where those animals freely roam and the people working there are scared to say something. This situation on the plane is just another abuse we have to endure for this silly 'emotional support animal' invention. Every 'pet' obviously gives 'emotional support' to the owner - that's not new, that's a given, that is why people own pets. But that doesn't mean those pets should be allowed into airplanes or whatever. It's a tyranny.
17
Maybe it was a seeing-eye dog.
1
There are probably more people with bogus, self-diagnosed "allergies" than there are with phony "service" animals.
5
(Not Mark) My husband and one child share the same allergies, diagnosed by medical doctors. They are severely allergic to animals with fur, for one thing. It is not a 'bogus' allergy and most people with life threatening allergies have already seen more than one doctor about it. My daughter has another allergy and goes nowhere without an epi pen. Dogs and cats to taking precedence over people is bad enough, but most people pay for their seats while these 'comfort' animals fly free. Enough already!
4
Are you accusing a little boy of faking an allergy? That's pretty harsh.
5
You can be tested for allergies, and it's pretty simple. I was tested for a range of allergies when I started having severe pollen problems about 20 years ago. Turned out I was allergic not only to pollen, but also to a range of other common allergens, including dogs, but not cats.
This article ignored an obvious question: What constitutes a "service" animal to the airlines? Does it include "emotional support animals", or does it only include animals such as seeing-eye dogs?
8
The Air Carrier's Access Act is the federal law for commercial air travel and it covers emotional support animals, with proper documentation from a licensed treating medical professional.
I was on a flight & there was a woman with a dog in a large tote bag .
I dozed off & awoke to use the rest room when I nearly tripped over that dog unexpectedly running down the aisle . The aisle of an airplane isn't a Bark Park & the crew was clearly defending the dog .. That was an accident waiting to happen . Some parameters MUST be put into place !
I dozed off & awoke to use the rest room when I nearly tripped over that dog unexpectedly running down the aisle . The aisle of an airplane isn't a Bark Park & the crew was clearly defending the dog .. That was an accident waiting to happen . Some parameters MUST be put into place !
21
These people are taking advantage of the handicap law to travel with their pets.
Some doctor writes them a statement saying they need their pet for therapy. 95% of this is a hoax.
I have always had dogs and spoil them but never would I take one on a plane and upset some other person. Planes are crowded enough without pets taking up space.
Some doctor writes them a statement saying they need their pet for therapy. 95% of this is a hoax.
I have always had dogs and spoil them but never would I take one on a plane and upset some other person. Planes are crowded enough without pets taking up space.
14
Most of the time these animals are also flying free!
6
Southwest Airlines seems to have recently changed its policy to allow pets . My girlfriend suffered an entire flight due to a cat under a seat . There is no place on a plane she would not be bothered. This is a real problem - and unnecessary. The pet can (/should..) stay home.
14
This is a poor business model and the airline should have been required to pay full price to transport this family or the 'pet + owner' on a legacy airline. As noted by many previous respondents, people are the first priority with the exception of the guide dog. i also recommend that significant validation be required for 'support' pets, just as rigorous and costly as that needed for educational accommodations.
56
These passengers were flying a "budget" airline. As with most things in a market based economy, you get what you pay for. The air in most commercial airline cabins is notoriously stale. A petrie dish of infectious, medically hazardous waste with disease transmission akin to spending hours sitting in a public toilet, Anyone with a serious medical condition should think long and hard about subjecting themselves ,and their families to these pressurized test tubes with wings .
4
I take issue with many of the responses here that place the onus of wellness on the boy and his family—
1. All allergic reactions are not the same and can change in intensity from one event to the next. He may have had slight allergic reactions all his life, and the stress of travel compounded his response or perhaps he ate something he didn't realize he was sensitive too, and that combined with the dander set him off.
2. Anytime the upper respiratory system is involved in the allergic response (coughing, sneezing, etc) you have the possibility of triggering an asthma attack—even if you've never had an asthma attack before. Asthma can turn deadly very quickly, even the first time.
Parents can't prepare for every situation, particularly if children are showing symptoms for the first time.
What if the next flight the boy traveled on had the same issue? Is he expected to deboard each time because he's allergic?
Re: Emotional support animals. People bring these pets on board so they don't have to medicate, but they also need to be mindful of those who can't tolerate their pet and have to medicate heavily themselves to be on the same flight.
IMPORTANT—If you have a sudden asthma attack or forget your meds, drink a cup of coffee, the more caffeine in it, the better. Caffeine is a natural bronco-dilater and can ease your breathing until you get to an inhaler. I often use this trick when I forget my meds. It should help within 1 or 2 minutes. Even iced coffee works, no decaf.
1. All allergic reactions are not the same and can change in intensity from one event to the next. He may have had slight allergic reactions all his life, and the stress of travel compounded his response or perhaps he ate something he didn't realize he was sensitive too, and that combined with the dander set him off.
2. Anytime the upper respiratory system is involved in the allergic response (coughing, sneezing, etc) you have the possibility of triggering an asthma attack—even if you've never had an asthma attack before. Asthma can turn deadly very quickly, even the first time.
Parents can't prepare for every situation, particularly if children are showing symptoms for the first time.
What if the next flight the boy traveled on had the same issue? Is he expected to deboard each time because he's allergic?
Re: Emotional support animals. People bring these pets on board so they don't have to medicate, but they also need to be mindful of those who can't tolerate their pet and have to medicate heavily themselves to be on the same flight.
IMPORTANT—If you have a sudden asthma attack or forget your meds, drink a cup of coffee, the more caffeine in it, the better. Caffeine is a natural bronco-dilater and can ease your breathing until you get to an inhaler. I often use this trick when I forget my meds. It should help within 1 or 2 minutes. Even iced coffee works, no decaf.
94
Excellent advice re coffee. Asthma sufferers should always travel with their rescue inhalers. Pets, the high stress levels of travel, cleaning chemicals used in airports and aboard planes, jet fuel odors, etc can trigger an attack. My asthma is well-controlled but I always feel my chest tightening from the stressful situations in airports and on planes. I find I have to manage my reactions to stress to avoid an attack yet also keep my inhalers nearby.
8
Not every one can drink coffee, even decaffeinated coffee. I react violently to it with a pounding heart and labored breathing.
The boy's condition is also quite possibly a disability under the ADA -- and businesses are required to provide reasonable accommodation. Airlines remove peanuts when someone on board is allergic to peanuts, but they refused to remove the animal -- seems to me the family's got a case there if they decide to talk to a lawyer. The ADA is there precisely so businesses can't come up with excuses to not serve the disabled.
Only in america would an animal presence take precedence over the well being of a child.
221
The child and his family were removed for the child's safety because the little boy was having an allergic attack and had developed hives. The child needed medical attention which obviously could not be provided on an airborne plane. It wasn't a matter of an animal being granted priority over human passengers. The child could have developed more serious allergic symptoms including anaphylactic shock. The airline was correct in its decision to enplane this family. As long as airlines permit animals in the passenger compartment ( which they must do for service animals), the possibility of such allergic reactions exists, as has been pointed out airlines do not routinely often conduct the sort of deep cleanings needed to eradicate animal dander. Passengers with known allergies would be well advised to take allergy medications when flying out of an abundance of caution.
10
imagine if you lived in ParkSlope?
your comment is funny! you make it sound like the pet was traveling alone! Of course it wasn't.
it would be more accurate to say, the flier who followed all the rules in bringing his or her pet on-board, took precedent over the family who apparently lacked the sense enough to travel with an epipen or other relevant allergy meds. As the article points out, there are pets in practically every flight.
it would be more accurate to say, the flier who followed all the rules in bringing his or her pet on-board, took precedent over the family who apparently lacked the sense enough to travel with an epipen or other relevant allergy meds. As the article points out, there are pets in practically every flight.
4
A few years ago I coughed the whole flight from Philadelphia to Ft Lauderdale. When passengers got up to leave the woman in front of me retrieved her cat carrier which was under the seat in front of me. A complaint to the airline did little good. It seems that pets have more privileges than people these days. As my asthma specialist said, nothing will happen till someone dies of an asthma attack on an airplane.
101
You did not notice that someone else was using the space under the seat in front of you for their carry on? That space belonged to you and you should have complained about that, which would have at least gotten the cat a row away from you, even though you didn't realize it was a cat..
4
As an asthma sufferer myself, I am highly allergic to cats and I am always appalled by cat-carrying lovers that don't listen to my urgent health crisis and instead try to show my their cats and coo about how they love them.
Airplane rides are a nightmare with cats anywhere near me. But I haven't met a cat lover that gave a darn.
All I ask is that the cat lovers respect my space and do not cause a severe asthma attack. It often seems that is too much to ask for.
We live in an insane world where pets are more important than people, and we as a society spend over $60 billion on them. Hmmm...what could that do to feed the starving and homeless?
Airplane rides are a nightmare with cats anywhere near me. But I haven't met a cat lover that gave a darn.
All I ask is that the cat lovers respect my space and do not cause a severe asthma attack. It often seems that is too much to ask for.
We live in an insane world where pets are more important than people, and we as a society spend over $60 billion on them. Hmmm...what could that do to feed the starving and homeless?
3
while it's unfortunate that you have an allergy to a pet that is almost literally ubiquitous both inside and outside, pet dander is also on a large percentage of the people you pass on the street, or stand with in an elevator, or sit next to in a restaurant or a movie screening. You should have asthma medications on you at all times and use them when appropriate. Your other option of course is to remain in your home.
3
• Putting aside the pitiless behavior of travelers (the boy’s father has throat cancer)....
A "service animal" is a NECESSITY to its companion, not a whim. That the boy's father "has throat cancer" is completely immaterial here and such a biased statement from you betrays a total lack of understanding of inter-species relationships and their value to humans with disabilities, physical or psychological.
• ...some passengers were said to have applauded when the child was leaving.
"Children should neither be seen or heard from - ever again." ~ W.C. FIELDS
Actually, I've come to the conclusion that it's parents who are the problem. I suspect that there was more the child's or his parents' behaviour that brought on the applause. People are usually sympathetic to families with children unless they make themselves a public nuisance.
Thanks for whatever information may be of future use to travelers. I, for one, didn't need to read beyond your introduction. I have made it my business to know my animals, my rights and theirs and those rights' limits.
"We can scarcely be warranted in supposing that all the productive powers of [the earth's] surface can be made subservient to the use of man, in exclusion of all the plants and animals not entering into his stock of subsistence." ~ JAMES MADISON
A "service animal" is a NECESSITY to its companion, not a whim. That the boy's father "has throat cancer" is completely immaterial here and such a biased statement from you betrays a total lack of understanding of inter-species relationships and their value to humans with disabilities, physical or psychological.
• ...some passengers were said to have applauded when the child was leaving.
"Children should neither be seen or heard from - ever again." ~ W.C. FIELDS
Actually, I've come to the conclusion that it's parents who are the problem. I suspect that there was more the child's or his parents' behaviour that brought on the applause. People are usually sympathetic to families with children unless they make themselves a public nuisance.
Thanks for whatever information may be of future use to travelers. I, for one, didn't need to read beyond your introduction. I have made it my business to know my animals, my rights and theirs and those rights' limits.
"We can scarcely be warranted in supposing that all the productive powers of [the earth's] surface can be made subservient to the use of man, in exclusion of all the plants and animals not entering into his stock of subsistence." ~ JAMES MADISON
18
There is no such thing as a "psychological disability". Just spoiled people demanding an excuse to take their pets on board, and making life hard for the genuinely disabled with their guide dogs.
Mr. Coane. You seem to have written a whole screenplay about this episode, apparently without reading the article. It's great that you like dogs - most people do. But if you think there are not a lot of phonies out there scamming the system, you really do need to get out more. And this "emotional support" business, please. Find a support group, take some xanax, don't expect people with actual life-threatening ailments to shoulder your burden for you. You give pet-lovers a bad name.
2
How did you come to the conclusion that it was the fault of the boy's parents? Where is that indicated?
2
• ...some passengers were said to have applauded when the child was leaving.
"Children should neither be seen or heard from - ever again." ~ W.C. FIELDS
Actually, I've come to the conclusion that it's parents who are the problem.
"Children should neither be seen or heard from - ever again." ~ W.C. FIELDS
Actually, I've come to the conclusion that it's parents who are the problem.
14
People deserve preference over animals. I'm increasingly skeptical about "service animals." If the person is blind, ok. But most people who claim to have a service animal are either lying (with a doctor's cooperation) or severely neurotic.
175
A disability that can't be seen is still a disability.
Some people abuse the policy but don't lump everyone together.
Some people abuse the policy but don't lump everyone together.
23
Animals that are defacating on the terminal floor and growling at passengers, as I have seen, are NOT trained service dogs by definition. There are more fakers out there than people with REAL service animals.
13
I have heard of many dog owners getting bogus " service dog" notes from their doctors. This destroys the credibility of those who have true service dogs and is extremely unfair to those of us who have allergies to dogs.
8
I think most experienced travelers with real allergies know how to navigate these issues. I have flown before with an epi-pen and never had an issue, but I always make sure to have allergy meds, eye drops, hand wipes, etc. with me to stave off issues.
16
If the dog was a service animal -- and the article says it was -- then the airline has no legal right to ask that it be removed. In fact I believe they are forbidden to do so.
10
Wrong - businesses may indeed ask if the animal is a service animal. They may also ask what it's trained to do. A dog that isn't specifically trained to address its owner's malady is not a legal service animal, by ADA law. So, the owner and that animal can be booted from that business or plane.
61
Thank you for pointing that out. Maybe a Delta executive will read your comment.
2
You have no basis for asserting that in this case the animal was not a bona fido (pun intended) service dog.
Wow, it is really disturbing to read that passengers and flight crew would applaud or smirk when a child has a medical problem on a plane. Makes you wonder what kind of self-centered people we're turning into.
46
Who are we becoming? People without empathy, compassion or mercy. People whose lives revolve solely around themselves and who view the struggles of others as entertainment or an unwelcome diversion of the attention they believe should be theirs at all times. So yes, they applaud when a inconvenient child in distress is removed. Perhaps the parents were being unreasonable but even that is no excuse for this behavior by other passengers.
2
Look, those two things probably didn't actually happen. Read again how it's described:
"some passengers were said to have applauded when the child was leaving."
"It’s said that a flight attendant “smirked” at the family"
"Were said" and "It's said." No real attribution here. The thing is, Americans struggle to find something, anything, to be a victim about. It's all about who can be the bigger vivtim and if people don't consider them, or other people, to be big enough victims then they make things up to make sure that their victimhood is elevated. So I don't believe either of those things happened.
"some passengers were said to have applauded when the child was leaving."
"It’s said that a flight attendant “smirked” at the family"
"Were said" and "It's said." No real attribution here. The thing is, Americans struggle to find something, anything, to be a victim about. It's all about who can be the bigger vivtim and if people don't consider them, or other people, to be big enough victims then they make things up to make sure that their victimhood is elevated. So I don't believe either of those things happened.
1
Airlines are not known for customer service, at least for most of us mere mortals. If I, or my child, were that allergic to anything, I would call ahead of time and let everyone know. Document, document, document. On the flight example here, it seems that the reaction had already started, at which point, removing the child from the plane was really the only option.
Let's also note that flights today are almost always overbooked, so there is no flexibility on anyone's part. Allegiant is the most basic of basic carriers, so I don't take this case as an example of all airlines. The pets on planes would be such an issue except that so many were dying when placed in badly insulated and unprotected cargo holds.
Let's also note that flights today are almost always overbooked, so there is no flexibility on anyone's part. Allegiant is the most basic of basic carriers, so I don't take this case as an example of all airlines. The pets on planes would be such an issue except that so many were dying when placed in badly insulated and unprotected cargo holds.
9
I've been on two flights recently where passengers have brought "emotional support" dogs on board. These animals were not in carriers and sat on their owner's lap throughout the flight. The flight attendants were well aware, so I assume the airlines allow this now. In addition to allergy concerns, I wonder about the safety of unrestrained dogs in case of emergency - for example, if there's a sudden drop in altitude, the pet goes flying and now there's a panicked dog running around the cabin.
115
Can you name the airlines and the routes? I fly quite a bit and have never seen an animal uncaged in the cabin of any of the larger commercial carriers.
I'm sure the airlines don't allow this "service animal" freedom for all flyers. As soon as "others" catch on and begin making these requests, the airline will be "forced" to deal with the situation as is usually the case.
On a recent flight,we were two rows behind a family with a very large (well over 70- pound) dog, who was left unrestrained on the floor in front of them. I love dogs, I really do, but I don't want to find one as a projectile in an airplane cabin.
It would seem a relatively simple reform to both tighten the bars that qualify a pet as a service animal (i.e. to fit the ADA recommendations) and to require proper safety restraints to protect the rest of us in the event of emergency.
It would seem a relatively simple reform to both tighten the bars that qualify a pet as a service animal (i.e. to fit the ADA recommendations) and to require proper safety restraints to protect the rest of us in the event of emergency.
Can someone explain to me why this doesn't violate the Americans with Disability Act? Why would the allergic person be asked to move instead of the pet owner. As to support animals who's disability takes priority? Being asked to have medicine on hand is ridiculous. Allergy medicine doesn't work instantly and no amount of allergy medicine is going to help me if someone's fluffy pet is sitting on their lap next to me. True service dogs are a different story and are rare I would always be happy to accommodate those people. But this paper has covered the poliferation of " support animals" and how many people are tricking the system and if asked to leave my chosen and paid for seat because of a support animal or a pet I I would not move.
97
I can tell you why: it's most likely because the vast majority of pets on flights are not real service animals. And owners who present fake service animals as real ones are committing a felony. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, neither comfort nor therapy animals qualify as service animals. And vests or certificates bought on the internet are meaningless, because the ADA recognizes no certificates. Real service animals must be dogs, and they also must be validly trained to mitigate their owner's documented health problems, such as blindness, deafness, balance, or seizures. Businesses are allowed to ask what the animal is trained to do - and if the owner can't answer that, they may be legally barred from the business (or plane.) The text of the ADA is online - please read it.
147
You are assuming the dog was a "support animal" when the article starts out saying it was a service dog. If it was, in fact, a trained service dog and its companion was disabled, that passenger could not be asked to leave.
6
The vast majority of pets on flights are in carriers under the seat and no one knows they are there.
6
I understand for a service animal, but whose right to fly is given priority when a "purse-dog" is brought onto the cabin? A couple of times I had been sitting next to a passenger with one of those little dogs with the dog barking pretty much the whole flight. Actually, why are people allowed to do this? It is so cruel for the poor animal.
88
Its capitalism unfettered Rosie - the discount airlines try to pack the most numbers onboard as possible.
2
On my last trip, two flights on small planes, there were dogs on board both times. One even right behind me. I had just experienced days of wheezing from dog allergy. Fortunately I had my puffer with me.
As a frequent flyer, a physician, and a person with dog allergy asthma, I have to ask the obvious question: so why is the allergic person reschedule to a different flight, rather than the person with the dog? Is there a difference between dog allergy and cigarette smoke allergy? Airplanes are all for decades non smoking. Are we becoming a bit too dog-centric?
As a frequent flyer, a physician, and a person with dog allergy asthma, I have to ask the obvious question: so why is the allergic person reschedule to a different flight, rather than the person with the dog? Is there a difference between dog allergy and cigarette smoke allergy? Airplanes are all for decades non smoking. Are we becoming a bit too dog-centric?
200
Because the dog is a service animal. Its owner may have been blind, suffer from seizures, or many of the health conditions that mean that he/she can NOT travel with their service dog.
4
the problem with your suggestion, as other people have pointed out, what's to stop this from being a problem on the next flight? Should the boy or the pet owner be continually bumped until they finally find a flight where everyone is happy?
The correct answer is that people with allergies (or any other potentially deadly malady that can be treated) should travel with the appropriate medications. While this isn't a perfect answer, it's the best it's going to get until we can genetically engineer the allergy out of the pet or the person.
The correct answer is that people with allergies (or any other potentially deadly malady that can be treated) should travel with the appropriate medications. While this isn't a perfect answer, it's the best it's going to get until we can genetically engineer the allergy out of the pet or the person.
4
What precisely are dogs spozed to do for somebody prone to seizures? Lick their ears?
By the way, it's absurd and a bit offensive to put the blind in the same category as your other "examples." Blind people aren't sick, and can get on perfectly well with the help of a dog.
By the way, it's absurd and a bit offensive to put the blind in the same category as your other "examples." Blind people aren't sick, and can get on perfectly well with the help of a dog.
2
People don't realize that dog dander follows dog owners around like Peanuts' character Pigpen is followed around by a cloud of dirt. Even if I put my dog in the cargo hold, I'm covered with enough dog hair to make you miserable if you have a dog allergy and you sit next to me.
It's tough being allergic to one's environment. I'm allergic to cats but when I visit a home and the person says, "Oh, sorry, I'll put the cat outside," it's irrelevant. Same with dogs and planes.
It's tough being allergic to one's environment. I'm allergic to cats but when I visit a home and the person says, "Oh, sorry, I'll put the cat outside," it's irrelevant. Same with dogs and planes.
34
Also, hotel rooms now are not sufficiently cleaned after a pet stay. Marriott does not have "pet free rooms". Several times I have had to move. The "travel with pet" movement is exasperating for people who have to travel and are allergic.
1
Let's have some flights be "dog-free".
112
maybe the same ones they make child free. I'd welcome both.
1
hey good idea! Then can we also have flights that are 'child-free?" Because we all know the airlines are rolling in money and can afford to offer all kinds of service.
1
Or, have a designated section of the plane for the pets, such as the last rows. The persons who have pet allergies can then reasonably expect to be seated as far away as possible.
1
This is a conflict that can only increase in the future as more Americans move house to spend part of their education or career abroad; furthermore, we are using service animals for a greater number of conditions. Some people are so highly allergic to dogs or cats that contact is a life-threatening event. I can see a future in which some flights are designated dander-free. Travelers with animals--service or not--can be considerate by ensuring that their animals are freshly cleaned and treated with an anti-allergenic that makes them less likely to cause a reaction. I can also imagine pet groomers popping up in U.S. airports to bathe and treat cats and dogs (service or not) prior to boarding.
13
The ADA specifically bars cats from being service animals at all.
Please read the ADA re service animals - it's online.
Please read the ADA re service animals - it's online.
28
Many ADA rules do no apply to DOT regulations. I had a passenger in first class with two cats, both of which she swaddled in cabin blankets. Needless to say the blankets had to be discarded after the flight and cat hair cleaned from the area as much as possible.
1
Well, if you're going to allow a dog to be an emotional crutch, why not a cat...what's good for the hound should be good enough for the feline.
Sorry, but the emotional thing is made-up poppycock for people who don't want to pay to board their darn pets when they travel. It's hard enough finding a hotel room that is dander-free these days. I can't get a good night's sleep when my nose is running, eyes itching, and head stuffed up all night. Why should I be forced to buy medication for this when I didn't cause the problem? We even had flea bites after one stay because the previous occupant's animal had fleas! The airlines should consider that scenario as well.
Sorry, but the emotional thing is made-up poppycock for people who don't want to pay to board their darn pets when they travel. It's hard enough finding a hotel room that is dander-free these days. I can't get a good night's sleep when my nose is running, eyes itching, and head stuffed up all night. Why should I be forced to buy medication for this when I didn't cause the problem? We even had flea bites after one stay because the previous occupant's animal had fleas! The airlines should consider that scenario as well.
4
There's been an explosion in the number of people getting permits for "emotional support dogs" so they can fly with their pets. I'm pretty sure this is the cause of most of these problems. I think the vast majority of people who fly with pets are just gaming the system.
223
You know what? Emotional support is real support.
Animals are also way better at giving comfort, love and support to people than other people.
They are great for reducing stress, anxiety and other conditions that can prove crippling.
Also, I have no sympathy whatsoever for people who assume their neighbors are "gaming the system."
How exactly does this hurt YOU?
Animals are also way better at giving comfort, love and support to people than other people.
They are great for reducing stress, anxiety and other conditions that can prove crippling.
Also, I have no sympathy whatsoever for people who assume their neighbors are "gaming the system."
How exactly does this hurt YOU?
11
A large "emotional support" dog accompanying a woman to a conference I attended was an interesting experience for me, as I had been viciously attacked by a dog that size (it went for my throat and tore off one earlobe). I hadn't expected to be seated next to such a creature in a professional conference!
I kind of wished I'd had an emotional support cage with me, large enough for dog and owner!
Fortunately, I was able to change seats, and after a while my adrenaline faded. I hope that one day the person who needed this animal will have excellent psychotherapy and medications to reduce her need for a creature that can scare others. My own therapy was obviously not complete, so I went back for a "booster" after that trip.
I kind of wished I'd had an emotional support cage with me, large enough for dog and owner!
Fortunately, I was able to change seats, and after a while my adrenaline faded. I hope that one day the person who needed this animal will have excellent psychotherapy and medications to reduce her need for a creature that can scare others. My own therapy was obviously not complete, so I went back for a "booster" after that trip.
33
You know what? "Emotional support" (comfort) animals are not recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act as a valid service animal. And anyone who presents their comfort animal as a service animal is actually committing a felony - you can look that up.
And yes, anyone who uses those faux "documents" and vest to act as if their dog is a real service dog, is in fact, trying to "game the system." And they are breaking the law.
"How exactly does this hurt YOU?", you ask.
I doubt you really care Sophia, but according to organizations who represent actual disabled people with real, trained service dogs: real service dogs are being physically attacked by these fake dogs on an increasing basis in businesses who let he fakers in. This is b/c real service dogs are trained not to fight. The random / fake service dogs are also misbehaving in businesses, such as peeing on merch, and pooping in airplane aisles. This is causing stores to ban all dogs - including real service dogs.
And - when people with misbehaving dogs see your cute little pup being admitted, they raise a stink about fairness to get their dog admitted inside, too. In legalese, it's called a slippery slope, and the one fake service dogs are on is covered in poop.
And yes, anyone who uses those faux "documents" and vest to act as if their dog is a real service dog, is in fact, trying to "game the system." And they are breaking the law.
"How exactly does this hurt YOU?", you ask.
I doubt you really care Sophia, but according to organizations who represent actual disabled people with real, trained service dogs: real service dogs are being physically attacked by these fake dogs on an increasing basis in businesses who let he fakers in. This is b/c real service dogs are trained not to fight. The random / fake service dogs are also misbehaving in businesses, such as peeing on merch, and pooping in airplane aisles. This is causing stores to ban all dogs - including real service dogs.
And - when people with misbehaving dogs see your cute little pup being admitted, they raise a stink about fairness to get their dog admitted inside, too. In legalese, it's called a slippery slope, and the one fake service dogs are on is covered in poop.
5
As someone with allergies who takes three daily medications in addition to having immunotherapy injections, I make sure to take necessary precautions when in public places and do not expect to be accommodated.
The boy's parents were aware of his allergy, they should have prepared for the possibility of this encounter by giving him appropriate meds beforehand and carrying an epi-pen with them.
The boy's parents were aware of his allergy, they should have prepared for the possibility of this encounter by giving him appropriate meds beforehand and carrying an epi-pen with them.
27
Thank you for your personal perspective on this. It is truly refreshing to see some one who takes responsibility for themselves.
There is a real need for a stronger definition of what constitutes a service animal. Too many people have had their pets defined as service animals through letters written by quack psychologists who classify these pets as "comfort animals.". Real service animals, such as seeing-eye dogs, undergo extensive training. Access to public places should be limited to this type of highly trained and certified animal.
99
Agreed, but how to accomplish this?
2
The service animal vs. emotional support animal debate has played out at length in Air Carrier Access Act rulemaking actions, and often has the tone of "my dog's better than your dog." This is an issue only in air travel; emotional support animals are not recognized under the ADA as service animals.
12
The federal ADA statute specifically defines service animals as dogs (only) who are trained to mitigate their owner's specific maladies: "Under the ADA, a service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person's disability."
The statute goes on to specifically bar "comfort" and "therapy" animals from the consideration as service animals - because they have not been trained to mitigate their owner's malady.
Furthermore, any owner who poses their untrained animal as a service animal is committing a felony. That's right - a felony. And yes, employees of any business may ask owners 1) whether the dog is a service animal, and 2) what it's trained to mitigate. Wrong answer - and the owner and dog may be legally escorted or barred from the premises (or plane.)
The statute goes on to specifically bar "comfort" and "therapy" animals from the consideration as service animals - because they have not been trained to mitigate their owner's malady.
Furthermore, any owner who poses their untrained animal as a service animal is committing a felony. That's right - a felony. And yes, employees of any business may ask owners 1) whether the dog is a service animal, and 2) what it's trained to mitigate. Wrong answer - and the owner and dog may be legally escorted or barred from the premises (or plane.)
28
• Putting aside the pitiless behavior of travelers (the boy’s father has throat cancer)....
A "service animal" is a NECESSITY to its companion, not a whim. That the boy's father "has throat cancer" is completely immaterial here and such a biased statement from you betrays a total lack of understanding of inter-species relationships and their value to humans with disabilities, physical or psychological.
• ...some passengers were said to have applauded when the child was leaving.
I suspect that there was more to the child's (or his parents') behaviour that brought on the applause. People are usually sympathetic to families with children unless they make themselves a public nuisance.
Thanks for whatever information may be of future use to travelers. I, for one, didn't need to read beyond your introduction. I have made it my business to know my animals, my rights and theirs and those rights' limits.
"We can scarcely be warranted in supposing that all the productive powers of [the earth's] surface can be made subservient to the use of man, in exclusion of all the plants and animals not entering into his stock of subsistence." ~ JAMES MADISON
A "service animal" is a NECESSITY to its companion, not a whim. That the boy's father "has throat cancer" is completely immaterial here and such a biased statement from you betrays a total lack of understanding of inter-species relationships and their value to humans with disabilities, physical or psychological.
• ...some passengers were said to have applauded when the child was leaving.
I suspect that there was more to the child's (or his parents') behaviour that brought on the applause. People are usually sympathetic to families with children unless they make themselves a public nuisance.
Thanks for whatever information may be of future use to travelers. I, for one, didn't need to read beyond your introduction. I have made it my business to know my animals, my rights and theirs and those rights' limits.
"We can scarcely be warranted in supposing that all the productive powers of [the earth's] surface can be made subservient to the use of man, in exclusion of all the plants and animals not entering into his stock of subsistence." ~ JAMES MADISON
7
Sorry Robert, I have to disagree with you.
If someone is incapable of being out in public without his/her "fido" at their side maybe instead of making the rest of us suffer that person needs to take charge of their life by employing the services of a competent therapist and making a real effort to get well.
If someone is incapable of being out in public without his/her "fido" at their side maybe instead of making the rest of us suffer that person needs to take charge of their life by employing the services of a competent therapist and making a real effort to get well.
59
mikenh,
Tell that to autistic children or persons with mental illness for whom therapy is ineffective.
Tell that to autistic children or persons with mental illness for whom therapy is ineffective.
4
Should a swimmer be allowed to take their service animal into the pool with them? And a doctor take their service animal into the operating room?
1
The dog in the photo is a maltese. These dogs are very rarely allergenic. Whereas sitting next to a person covered in cat fur (even absent the cat) can be highly allergenic.
8
All dogs can cause allergic reactions, though some are more likely to than others. However, most pet dander allergies can be controlled with medication and are not life threatening.
13
Nancy of NYC: the dog in the photo is not the dog on the flight.
1
> However, most pet dander allergies can be controlled with medication and are
> not life threatening.
Of course the same could be said of many or most cases of anxiety that some of the "therapy animals" are supposed to treat
> not life threatening.
Of course the same could be said of many or most cases of anxiety that some of the "therapy animals" are supposed to treat
1
"Service animals." What a crock. The sociopaths who insist on carrying these flea bitten mutts around with them have the IQ of their animals.
“We will reseat them in a place furthest from the animal or if that is not acceptable or available we will put them on the next available flight at no additional cost,” said Ross Feinstein, mouthpiece, for American Airlines.
How about putting the nutters and their dogs on the next available flight?
“We will reseat them in a place furthest from the animal or if that is not acceptable or available we will put them on the next available flight at no additional cost,” said Ross Feinstein, mouthpiece, for American Airlines.
How about putting the nutters and their dogs on the next available flight?
23
After observing the behavior of people and their obnoxious children on flights, I'll happily take my chances with dog owning "sociopaths" and "nutters".
10
True service animals are not 'flea bitten mutts' and their owners are not 'nutters.' Some are vets who suffer from PTSD. Others are blind. Some are people whose dogs notify them when they are about to have a seizure.
Not to be cruel, but anyone who has life-threatening allergies has to be prepared for more than a dog in their airplane. Allergens can be found everywhere, every store, restaurant, hotel, train station etc.
While I sympathize mightily with the family in this instance, in no way can they rationally expect allergen-free environments outside of their own home. Public transportation is just that...public and therefore with attendant risks.
While I sympathize mightily with the family in this instance, in no way can they rationally expect allergen-free environments outside of their own home. Public transportation is just that...public and therefore with attendant risks.
35
But land-bound environments offer escape or alternative routes. You can leave the building or cross the street...
1
We can expect public spaces to be animal-free - hospitals, theaters, indoor restaurants, baseball stadiums. It is very important to be knowledgeable about allergies - namely that they are usual specific, such as to cat dander (my allergy), dog dander, pollens of various types, molds. I am very allergic to cats, but I go about my day in Manhattan not expecting to end up in the ER with wheezing because there are no cats in the public spaces I pass through - commuter rail, subways, office, Starbucks. I am very allergic to cat dander, so I always have my allergy meds with me, and I know who in the office has a cat, and I don't sit beside them, even for a brief time. I know this because our office manager has helped me to learn who has a cat, and informed me (and them) so that I can control my allergy around this person. Animals are not invited to the office, so I don't have a risk of severe allergy during my day - but if I have to fly for work (Amtrak is now out of the question completely), then I have to check with the flight attendant if a cat is on board, and if one boards, then I leave. That's what I have to do to survive. The flippant idea that people cannot expect allergen-free environments is sadly out of step with reality. The kids don't take peanuts to school any more, and there should be no animals on board planes for the same reason - to save lives. There is no reason for any animal to be in the passenger cabin of a plane, none.
4
But you can walk out of a store! You can switch cars on the train!
Can someone explain to me why someone with an allergy is not protected by the American with Disabilities Act? If I have an allergy and am seated next to someone with a support animal why do I have to move instead of them? Whose disability is selected as being more disabling? And if we are talking about a pet and not a support or service (such as a guide dog) animal it seems even more absurd that the person with the disability is the one who is not accommodated but the person with a pet is In addition it is suggested that the allergic person have medication on hand just in case but no one is suggesting that the person who needs an emotional support animal take medication for their condition, I before they fly. I can tell you that no amount of medication is going to help me if a fluffy cat or dog is on my neighbor's lap.
22
Most allergies aren't disabling, though they may be uncomfortable. If you have a truly disabling allergy (eg anaphylaxis or other type I hypersensitivity) it's also incumbent upon you to be prepared beforehand. The world can't be made hypoallergenic, and somehow people managed to survive before there was Zyrtec.
11
As noted above, under U.S. disability law, if a person with an allergy serious enough to be considered a disability has a problem in an airplane with a pet (not a service animal), then it would be the pet owner who would have the obligation to move, put the animal into cargo in a carrier, or change to another flight.
10
I believe that the ADA does not require an airline to request proof that the dog is a "service" animal - the owner merely has to state that it is. Knowing my fellow Americans I would bet that the majority of animals on airplanes are not service animals, even though their owners probably say that they are.
48
It is the Air Carrier Access Act, not the ADA, that governs service animals on aircraft. Like the ADA, it does not allow company personnel to demand documentation that an animal is a service animal (the U.S., unlike some other countries, does not have a system for certifying service animals, though some private organizations may purport to do so). However, company personnel can ask questions like "What function does this animal perform for you?" If the explanation is unconvincing, the animal would be treated under the airline's pet policy, not under service animal requirements.
9
The policy on service dogs is bizarre. Many people who want to fly with their pets simply acquire an inexpensive service animal credential on line and then are permitted to bring their dog on board as a service animal despite the fact that they have absolutely no medical reason to be accompanied by a dog. This is a complete scam and should be stopped.
128
How? Airlines are not allowed to ask for proof of certification. It's not unthinkable that in light of that people might just lie and get away with that.
And think about this: miniature horses can also be certified as bona fide service animals. Where would they sit on a plane?
And think about this: miniature horses can also be certified as bona fide service animals. Where would they sit on a plane?
5
While quite rare, miniature horses would have to sit at the passenger's seat - they are not allowed to block an aisle. If they can't fit -- which is likely the case on many aircraft, especially the smaller ones -- then they can't travel. The same would be true of very large dogs (and yes, the occasional great dane does act as a service animal for blind or mobility-impaired people).
7
Please read Julie Dole's comments here about the requirements of the law.
1
This piece was pretty poorly researched given usual NYT standards. There were lots of reports saying the applause from passengers was solely because the plane was going to be moving, not because the passengers were "pitiless." No mention of that or any independent research. One quote from American on its reseating policy, zero other airlines even referenced. The end part about the smirk - unconfirmed as well - is completely devoid of value. No mention of whether FAA or ADA regs have any relevance. No quotes from government officials. No quotes from actual allergists. Advice to travelers reading this is to go do your own research, because relying on this reporting won't get you far.
73
I wonder how many allergy sufferers an airplane will deplane. Obviously one; what about two? or four? or more? This one little boy was accompanied by his parents, so that was three paying passengers removed from the plane. No doubt there are always stand-by passengers, so the airline doesn't suffer. How should an airline balance the different needs and difficulties of their passengers? What are their priorities?
5
Thank you for writing about this. Allergies are serious and quite dangerous for some sufferers. Yet many people seem to believe allergies are "all in your head," especially when it comes to their little Fluffy. As the travel industry becomes increasingly more accommodating of travelers with pets, they also must keep the well-being of allergic customers in mind. I once made reservations at a hotel that advertised itself as "pet-friendly." I asked if they had rooms set aside for people with pet allergies, since they also advertise that they had no-smoking rooms. They couldn't imagine why anyone would ask that and suggested I stay someplace else if I was concerned about pet dander. Amazing.
15
I hope you posted on the well-known review sites (don't know if I could name them here) about this hotel's callous response to you.
1
How about banning animals from the flight? Or having the person with the
animal give up his seat if someone is allergic? When did animals obtain rights over people with allergies?
animal give up his seat if someone is allergic? When did animals obtain rights over people with allergies?
31
Everything is all about money and greed. You haven't gotten that yet?
How do people with allergies manage in general? Is the entire world supposed to stop and cater to people with allergies. We ALL have allergies. I have allergies to perfumes and scents worn by the masses, but do I stop and tell the plane to turn around? Some fare worse than others with serious allergies - but most people with known allergies treat for those allergies so their own lives are tolerable - or we suck it up and put up with a cough or runny nose because the woman next to me is covered in Chanel No. 5!
20
The issue is not the convenience of a runny nose but the life-threatening difficulty in breathing.
18
This is about a child being removed rather than a DOG! No one pays attention to the ADA anymore. You can have your kid diagnosed with ADD to give them more time to take test.
I live across the street from a park. These people don't even feel need to remove the mess their animals make even though it's the law. Mom de Guerre is like all the fanatics here. I think people like her should removed along with - how many pets does she have?
if psychologists are writing these slips with regard to therapy dogs they haven't read the ADA. As person with this degree, psychologists don't have to know about the ADA.
Face it. Our best professionals are even getting more stupid. They already are!
I live across the street from a park. These people don't even feel need to remove the mess their animals make even though it's the law. Mom de Guerre is like all the fanatics here. I think people like her should removed along with - how many pets does she have?
if psychologists are writing these slips with regard to therapy dogs they haven't read the ADA. As person with this degree, psychologists don't have to know about the ADA.
Face it. Our best professionals are even getting more stupid. They already are!
2
One of my best friends is violently allergic to peanuts. He doesn't get a runny nose when exposed to peanuts, or even air-borne bits of peanuts. He goes into anaphylactic shock. Look it up.
Sorry, but if I allergic to a passengers choice of fragrance of the month at Macys, then I should be similarly accommodated. Tell the airline ahead of time and be prepared to take another flight. Same with peanut allergies. Tired of the victim syndrome.
9
Since members of certain religious groups can ask members of the opposite sex to be re-seated, perhaps people can cite a religious reason to ask the animals and their owners to be re-seated as well.
38
Why isn't the animal and its passenger asked to leave the flight rather than the 'victim?' That makes the victim the victim twice - once for getting sick and another for having to take another flight. I've traveled with my animals in the cabin and my animals in the hold. Both were fine.
17
I would NEVER subject my pets to cargo hold travel. It's traumatic, and worse, many animals have died.
11
Then leave them at home!
2
Then leave them home, or in a kennel, where they belong.
3
I have a suspicion, hopefully unfounded, that the service animal moniker is being abused by people who want plain pets on board. What are the prerequisites for a pet being certified a service animal?
70
Your suspicion is right on the money. We were on a flight to Hawaii with a Portuguese water dog who wandered the aisles. In talking to the family at the Kona airport, it turns out that they have all their dogs certified as some kind of service or therapy animals so they can take them with them when they travel. And later I met a woman with a Maltese in a store on the island who had put her dog through some kind of similar course. She had no idea what it involved, as she had not attended herself! And no one is allowed to ask for paperwork to prove the pet is a true service animal.
68
Service animals are not required to be certified in the U.S. (though other countries do impose such requirements). While no paperwork to prove that an animal is a service animal, airline personnel have the right to ask what service the animal performs for the passenger and can reject an animal traveling with a passenger if the response appears inadequate. Animals must be trained to behave appropriately in public spaces to count as service animals. Therapy animals do not qualify as service animals, however. Somewhat controversially, emotional support animals can travel on airlines if there is a letter from a mental health professional attesting to the passenger's need for them (emotional support animals are not treated as service animals for other purposes under U.S. disability law).
11
If no one is allowed to ask for paperwork, then why do the families get them certified? This story doesn't make sense.
2
This article totally misses the point. This family was not to blame. They did nothing wrong, yet they are the ones to suffer because someone allowed an animal on the plane? Where is the criticism of the airline for allowing the animal on board in the first place? Animals aren't "passengers."
97
Yes they are if they have a ticket or are therapy animals.
6
Wrong - therapy animals are not legally considered service animals by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
48
We dont really know that. We dont know how the family responded or spoke to the flight attendants. From the reactions involved, I would surmise they were probably out of line in the way they handled it. This doesnt dismiss the concerns but handling things diplomatically often goes a long way. For instance, if they had quietly and politely asked to move seats I bet passengers would have understood and helped to accommodate them.
Note, however, that if a passenger has a significant enough allergy to be considered an individual with a disability, this sets up a somewhat different situation. Under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), which DOT enforces, a carrier must make reasonable modifications to policies and procedures to ensure a nondiscriminatory opportunity for people with disabilities to travel. So if we have a passenger with a severe allergy to dogs or cats, that meets the definition of a disability, then his or her right to travel trumps the ability of another passenger to travel with a pet. In this situation, it is the person with the pet who would have to use another flight (or consent to have the pet travel in the cargo compartment).
The situation would be more complex if the same flight contained both a passenger with a disability-level allergy and a service animal for another individual with a disability. Neither would have clear priority over the other under the ACAA rules. The passengers and the airline would be left to their own devices to sort things out (as one approach, priority might be given to the passenger who had reserved first, or who had arrived first).
The situation would be more complex if the same flight contained both a passenger with a disability-level allergy and a service animal for another individual with a disability. Neither would have clear priority over the other under the ACAA rules. The passengers and the airline would be left to their own devices to sort things out (as one approach, priority might be given to the passenger who had reserved first, or who had arrived first).
24
In the case reported here, the dog was a service animal.
The airlines will not transport an animal in cargo in the winter or summer. [The cold and hot months are "embargo" months.]
I occasionally travel with my dog in the cabin (at $125 each way), and generally, no one even knows the dog is there until after I've deplaned, even the people in the same row as me. The dog carrier counts as my carry-on. Typically the gate agent will let me board with the "need a little extra time" pre-boarders, and the well behaved dog is safely stowed before the plane fills.
The airlines will not transport an animal in cargo in the winter or summer. [The cold and hot months are "embargo" months.]
I occasionally travel with my dog in the cabin (at $125 each way), and generally, no one even knows the dog is there until after I've deplaned, even the people in the same row as me. The dog carrier counts as my carry-on. Typically the gate agent will let me board with the "need a little extra time" pre-boarders, and the well behaved dog is safely stowed before the plane fills.
1
ebmem,
"The airlines will not transport an animal in cargo in the winter or summer. [The cold and hot months are "embargo" months.]" is incorrect.
The actual rule stipulates that dogs may not go into a cargo bay when the ground temp is above 85F or below 45F at any point in their itinerary. There is an exemption down to 20F if a vet certifies that the dog has been cold-adapted.
American follows this rule, which is a problem because you may have to rebook your ticket depending on the weather. United gets an exemption because they bring animals to and from the planes in climate-controlled vans (they are painted with the PetSafe logo and dalmatian spots).
Certain snub-nosed breeds may not go into the cargo bay AT ALL.
The cargo bays are (hopefully!) climate controlled, the problem is if dogs are left in their crates on the tarmac.
"The airlines will not transport an animal in cargo in the winter or summer. [The cold and hot months are "embargo" months.]" is incorrect.
The actual rule stipulates that dogs may not go into a cargo bay when the ground temp is above 85F or below 45F at any point in their itinerary. There is an exemption down to 20F if a vet certifies that the dog has been cold-adapted.
American follows this rule, which is a problem because you may have to rebook your ticket depending on the weather. United gets an exemption because they bring animals to and from the planes in climate-controlled vans (they are painted with the PetSafe logo and dalmatian spots).
Certain snub-nosed breeds may not go into the cargo bay AT ALL.
The cargo bays are (hopefully!) climate controlled, the problem is if dogs are left in their crates on the tarmac.
1
We were just on a Delta flight where the flight attendant requested any passenger who might be eating peanuts to not do so as there was someone on the plane who was highly allergic. She then further stated that they would not be passing out the 'snack' since it consisted of peanuts. So it's not only dogs it seems.
12
That's fair. People over peanuts. What is not fair is pets over people.
6
You must be kidding. Pets have no place in the main cabin - period. Nor do they have a place in grocery stores. This has gone entirely too far. What did those people do before "service animals"?
167
Why wasn't the dog removed from the plane instead of the boy?
160
It was likely because of his symptoms, which could have worsened on the flight. I once had an asthma attack running to catch a flight. Actually, it's happened more than once, but on this occasion I was missing my inhaler, which had been dumped with the other contents of my purse and apparently not replaced at security. The plane would not move until I stopped wheezing. Fortunately another passenger loaned me her albuterol and we were able to take off. Otherwise I'm sure they'd not have let my fly, even in the face of promises that my attacks were never very serious. How do they know if anyone's telling the truth, or if this might be the one time something life threatening might happen?
27
N,
One reason may be the air circulation system was already recirculating the dander so the boy was likely to continue feeling poorly after the dog left.
One reason may be the air circulation system was already recirculating the dander so the boy was likely to continue feeling poorly after the dog left.
7
The question you mean to ask is why wasn't the disabled person and his dog removed. If the dog had been a pet, it would have been in its carrier under the seat in front of its companion's seat.
4