When I asked a flight attendant onboard a recent United flight about allergic reactions to the dogs on four hour flight, I was told that "the dog lobby was way stronger than that of the dog allergy lobby" and I shouldn't expect much attention.
It's not just planes where this happens. Last month I travelled on a full-to-capacity Greyhound bus from NYC to Philadelphia and shared quarters with a full-grown uncrated pit bull. The therapy dog and its owners sat all the way in the back of the crowded bus and the trip was without incident, as far as I could tell. But in addition to the allergy issue, I wondered if there couldn't be a freak-out issue. I know plenty of people who are very afraid of dogs.
While I sympathize with the people who get allergic reactions, airlines can not predict or seat people with various allergies to different parts of the plane. Imagine the delays if for instance people with nut allergies had to be accommodated along with people with dog or cat allergies.
Public transportation invite everyone to travel. Unfortunately if you have an allergy you can not predict your seatmates.
That being said, the service animal situation is being exploited by people who game the system to travel with their precious pets.
Public transportation invite everyone to travel. Unfortunately if you have an allergy you can not predict your seatmates.
That being said, the service animal situation is being exploited by people who game the system to travel with their precious pets.
3
Simple answer. Only humans fly on commercial flights. If you want your cat or dog with you then drive, leave it at home with family or friends, kennel it, or get your own plane.
4
So how do you propose to deal with military families moving overseas with their pets? Most families fly via Air Mobility Command, but both times we have moved to/from an overseas duty station, we flew commercial.
Such a pain to have allergies! I have them. The pet issue is difficult. It never use to be. People who have long hair and use a ton of scented hairspray cause me to have an asthma attack too.
I have chronic asthma and pretty seldom have a problem in my daily life. I take daily medication, but the limited air circulation of planes does not help eliminate dander or powerful scents.
God help me when I am old and senile if the latest fad of bringing animals into seniors home continues. It will do me in!
I have chronic asthma and pretty seldom have a problem in my daily life. I take daily medication, but the limited air circulation of planes does not help eliminate dander or powerful scents.
God help me when I am old and senile if the latest fad of bringing animals into seniors home continues. It will do me in!
1
Whether or not you agrees with the way ADA was written, allergies are NOT currently a covered disability. Which is not to say that they aren't a real concern for those who have them. Those who disagree with the way the law is written should contact their congresspeople.
And there is clearly some abuse of the emotional support category for animals. I've traveled alongside dogs who worked for blind travelers, and I've traveled alongside people who admitted that they had an internet letter so they could bring their pet. My son was bitten in an airport by a so called "emotional support dog" who was out of his carrier in the restroom and off leash, and who charged my three year old as he walked into the restroom. My son did not in any way approach the dog--the dog just went for him. The dog was taken to animal control. The owner got on the plane which he supposedly couldn't board without the animal. My son got a nasty bruise and a surface scrape through his jeans and a long standing fear of dogs. I wouldn't mind the dogs so much if the people flying with them would follow the rules and keep them restrained appropriately in the airport.
And there is clearly some abuse of the emotional support category for animals. I've traveled alongside dogs who worked for blind travelers, and I've traveled alongside people who admitted that they had an internet letter so they could bring their pet. My son was bitten in an airport by a so called "emotional support dog" who was out of his carrier in the restroom and off leash, and who charged my three year old as he walked into the restroom. My son did not in any way approach the dog--the dog just went for him. The dog was taken to animal control. The owner got on the plane which he supposedly couldn't board without the animal. My son got a nasty bruise and a surface scrape through his jeans and a long standing fear of dogs. I wouldn't mind the dogs so much if the people flying with them would follow the rules and keep them restrained appropriately in the airport.
7
Yes. Sorry for the allergic reactions to: cigarette smoke, smelly perfumes, grass, dust, gluten, pet dander, wool, soaps etc. Now we have to accommodate you when we want to travel with our emotional/service/ support animal? Why don't you prepare for your allergy or reaction before you travel, just like you do for your vaccinations? For the guy who says put them in the cargo bin? why don't you go stay in the cargo area, it will probably be less allergic for you! Since your so sensitive!
4
No one has mentioned the fact that some strange dog is drooling and panting inches from your face as well as whining most of the trip. Has anyone been bitten by these dogs or had their sandwich swiped ?
Shouldn't these animals be muzzled and tightly leashed ?
I like dogs but I don't like a unknown smelly animal 6 inches from my throat while I am sleeping.
Who will compensate me when one pees on me?
Make a few rows pet friendly and designate them on the seating charts and people can sit in these seats at their own risk
Shouldn't these animals be muzzled and tightly leashed ?
I like dogs but I don't like a unknown smelly animal 6 inches from my throat while I am sleeping.
Who will compensate me when one pees on me?
Make a few rows pet friendly and designate them on the seating charts and people can sit in these seats at their own risk
5
As many have already stated, it is the responsibility of the person with the allergies to be prepared in the event of exposure to the allergen, regardless of the venue. It is not the right of the person with allergies to demand that the world rid itself of allergens on his or her behalf.
4
On a flight from NY to CA, we were told we could not have their yummy cookie snacks as it would induce an allergic reaction to a passenger, who was allergic to nuts. Maybe if I paid $50 to the airline, I could have my cookie and eat it too?
1
I can only assume the airline had the boy leave because he had a SEVERE reaction. That sounds like a medical emergency to me, and I think the airline did the right thing.
2
It would not be difficult for airlines to make certain zones animal friendly and others animal free and leave enough rows in between to keep both sets of flyers separate, and maintain the same separation on all flights, so as to prevent pet dander contamination from previous flights.
But, since there would be some additional trouble and cost for the airlines, expect nothing to happen until someone dies of an acute allergic reaction on a flight, the incident is captured and spread globally on social media, and there is a very public lawsuit.
The owner of the comfort animal seated near the victim could also be sued if they acquired the certification under false or trivial pretenses.
But, since there would be some additional trouble and cost for the airlines, expect nothing to happen until someone dies of an acute allergic reaction on a flight, the incident is captured and spread globally on social media, and there is a very public lawsuit.
The owner of the comfort animal seated near the victim could also be sued if they acquired the certification under false or trivial pretenses.
4
Good friend was scratched by her own cat, got MRSA.Sadly it left her with chronic bone disease that no one can cure. Happened to me also .I went to look at puppies and was scratched by one. I was next to a sink,washed the scratch throughly with anti-biotic soap because the pups had been living outside. However it got infected and wouldn't get better so till I finally saw a dermatologist , it was MRSA.
We can get diseases from animals , some very nasty ,look up zoonotic disease.
If that ever happens to me on a plane I'm going to be rich.
We can get diseases from animals , some very nasty ,look up zoonotic disease.
If that ever happens to me on a plane I'm going to be rich.
4
Yes there is need to allow service animals. But there are two things going on: (1) There is suddenly an explosion of "service animals" on planes. It is not hard to miss. It is easy to get a legit-sounding note for this, just like medical marijuana, and the system is being widely abused (2) Airlines are equally complicit -- for a non-service animal, they collect a "pet fees", which is just extra revenue that is hard to pass up.
14
Re Adina from Ohio's comment: Wow- I had been grumping about the pets taking precedence over people with allergies. But she is right. I am very allergic to perfume. If the airlines start banning one kind of allergen, where do they draw the line? I do not know what the answer is.
8
There is no one-sided rule that works here. Allergies can be genuinely life-threatening. The lack of service-dog standards is real. Conversely, a public place cannot be fully controlled for other common allergens like scents, cleaning chemicals, and nuts, more common & as hazardous as small animals in underseat carriers. What if the problem is a perfume? Should the perfumed flyer be bumped or the flight delayed for a shower and change?
With some forethought and cooperation on all sides, it can work for everyone. Animals already must be booked in advance. Perhaps airline booking should include boxes for serious allergies so flyers don't end up seated near animals. Animals too big for an underseat carrier should be taken case-by-case. (Animals have died or been lost/injured in transit or unloading, even in pressurized baggage compartments. They cannot speak up if they are in danger.)
All passengers should be warned not to fly with scents or nut products, and to carry their allergy medicines with them -- and warned that bumping is a possible result of non-compliance, either way. Airlines should minimize their own use of air fresheners and allergenic cleaners. And surely ticket algorithms that do elaborate seat price calculations can manage the basic task of keeping allergic passengers away from non-human ones.
With some forethought and cooperation on all sides, it can work for everyone. Animals already must be booked in advance. Perhaps airline booking should include boxes for serious allergies so flyers don't end up seated near animals. Animals too big for an underseat carrier should be taken case-by-case. (Animals have died or been lost/injured in transit or unloading, even in pressurized baggage compartments. They cannot speak up if they are in danger.)
All passengers should be warned not to fly with scents or nut products, and to carry their allergy medicines with them -- and warned that bumping is a possible result of non-compliance, either way. Airlines should minimize their own use of air fresheners and allergenic cleaners. And surely ticket algorithms that do elaborate seat price calculations can manage the basic task of keeping allergic passengers away from non-human ones.
7
There is, of course, an explosion in "service animals" as more people see others getting away with carrying their pets into place they weren't allowed before.
In some cases this may be legit, but it's hard not to feel like it's mostly just more of ever-increasing problem of people feeling like they should be free to do whatever they please, regardless of the effects on others around them.
Exhibit A: cell phones.
In some cases this may be legit, but it's hard not to feel like it's mostly just more of ever-increasing problem of people feeling like they should be free to do whatever they please, regardless of the effects on others around them.
Exhibit A: cell phones.
9
With all of this talk about service animals, one should mention a 2011 United Airlines flight from Newark to Zürich when the cabin of a 30-year-old 757 got cold, and the tourist-class "blanket" was a piece of blue-dyed bandage gauze sealed in plastic. It emitted noxious fumes which stopped my breathing...and the aircraft did NOT have a working oxygen canister in the coach compartment or the first-class compartment.
What was once "American-plan" hospitality is now something between the standards of Sodom and Gomorrah and the transport to the camps...even without service animals.
What was once "American-plan" hospitality is now something between the standards of Sodom and Gomorrah and the transport to the camps...even without service animals.
2
I have severe dog allergies that lead to asthma attacks. If dos are to fly on the same flights as passengers, they should be in a separate compartment or portion of luggage compartment that can be pressurized. Airlines are just greedy in allowing pets who don't take up a seat without a surcharge.
4
Hard to believe the airline could not find seating for the allergic family on the opposite side of the plane. On any given flight (or in any other public space) there will probably be almost every conceivable allergen present. Yes it seems like pets/animals are on more flights/out in public spaces these days. We just have to prepare ourselves and make allowances. Including the airlines. If your allergies are that severe, the airlines should have a way of accommodating. Maybe require pets and their owners to always sit in certain areas to keep their allergens restricted.
Ditto the concerns over perfume, BO, etc. Can't control everything!
Ditto the concerns over perfume, BO, etc. Can't control everything!
2
I am a big believer in personal responsibility. People with allergies - or people with children with allergies - should have the wherewithal to understand that there are risks out there in the public, and thus, should bring appropriate medications when venturing out, or make travel arrangements that preclude the risk, i.e. their own car or other private accommodations. When I've flown, I've had to take medication for the claustrophobia and turbulence, listen to screaming babies, been locked in place by obese people, been unable to sleep thanks to the loud snoring behind me, and developed all kinds of aches and pains due to cramped seating. BUT, that's what I get if I want to fly, and I fully expect it to be less than ideal. Admittedly, between the x-ray machines and the discomfort, I try to avoid it as much as possible; it's a lousy way to travel. Nevertheless, my position is grin and bear it, and if you have allergies to dogs or cats, all I can say is, make sure you have medication with you at all times, because they are all over the place, and even if they are not on a specific flight, I guarantee that plenty of pet owners are, and will have dog or cat dander and hair all over them.
4
It appears to me that people have not idea what is involved in allergice reaction that can lead to death.
I have a sever reaction to cat dander. My wife loves and plays with the cats outside and it does not give me a reaction. However, if I'm sitting next to a cat, and not all animals give me the same reaction. I can even pet a cat, walk away and not be affected. However, put me in proximity for just 1/2 hour and I could be in the hospital that day and he effects will last for days.
I have a sever reaction to cat dander. My wife loves and plays with the cats outside and it does not give me a reaction. However, if I'm sitting next to a cat, and not all animals give me the same reaction. I can even pet a cat, walk away and not be affected. However, put me in proximity for just 1/2 hour and I could be in the hospital that day and he effects will last for days.
4
I sympathize, but it is still not my job to try to protect all of the different allergy sufferers. If you have an allergy, or a disease, it is your responsibility to take care of it, not mine.
5
And by that token, peanuts and cookies with nuts should be allowed on ALL flights, regardless of whether there allergy sufferers are on board.
2
And if you have an animal, that's your problem, with the exception of legitimate service animals. (and by legitimate, I mean something that's governed by the service animal regulations, not an "emotional support" or "therapy" animal). If you can't travel without your precious boo-boo, stay at home. (or buy a teddy bear).
1
Air Canada personnel in Toronto reacted in 2 ways to my warning that the cat I saw about to fly in my plane might result in my suffering a terrible, even fatal, reaction. The agent scorned me for not having an epi pen, and when I asked why there was no notation on my ticket or their website that I might need one, she walked away, loudly offering me a seat farther away from the cat -- as though air was never recirculated. Passengers were shocked and stunned.
I repeated my request for a different flight -- 2 leave every hour, and a company supervisor showed up. She whispered that she had a youngster who also was deathly allergic to cats and never flew mom's airline any more. In 2 minutes, the dear woman got me a seat on a plane she guaranteed had no cats (a teeny puppy in a passenger's purse was no problem -- for me, that is), and apologized for a 45-minute delay I'd have.
Cats are no longer permitted under seats, I hear. I hope so. Passenger safety and ignorance of unnecessary potential danger are incompatible.
I repeated my request for a different flight -- 2 leave every hour, and a company supervisor showed up. She whispered that she had a youngster who also was deathly allergic to cats and never flew mom's airline any more. In 2 minutes, the dear woman got me a seat on a plane she guaranteed had no cats (a teeny puppy in a passenger's purse was no problem -- for me, that is), and apologized for a 45-minute delay I'd have.
Cats are no longer permitted under seats, I hear. I hope so. Passenger safety and ignorance of unnecessary potential danger are incompatible.
13
While the attendant should not have reacted with scorn, I would question why someone with a potentially lethal condition does not carry the potential treatment with them, at all times.
7
I am of the opinion that the person with the dog should be the one asked to step off the plane. I know full well how much they may need that dog, but if the dog pushes some allergy sufferer on the plane over the threshold for a major allergy or asthma attack, then the dog and its person should take another flight.
That said, win I had serious allergies and asthma, I took to wearing an allergen filtering face mask when necessary - sometimes attached with bandage tape if need be. I never had to on a plane, but I would have and would still if it came to it, no matter how foolish I looked or felt. Airplane cabin air is awful, dogs on board or not.
That said, win I had serious allergies and asthma, I took to wearing an allergen filtering face mask when necessary - sometimes attached with bandage tape if need be. I never had to on a plane, but I would have and would still if it came to it, no matter how foolish I looked or felt. Airplane cabin air is awful, dogs on board or not.
4
The issue of whether the dog is a service animal is irrelevant, because there is no need to reduce this to an either/or choice between dogs or no dogs. 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 well in advance for their own special needs, notifying the airline, and probably paying extra, 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 well in advance for their own special needs, notifying the airline, and probably paying extra, while you failed to do the same?
16
I was on an airplane about 3 years ago with a young woman and her mother from my home town. The young woman was traveling with her French Bulldog who was wearing a service animal vest. They were all on the way to the young woman’s destination wedding in Florida and in the course of the conversation she stated she’d secured the service dog designation so she could take the dog with her to her wedding and not have to have the dog in the carrier. She kind of giggled as she said it. She had no handicap or need of a service animal, she just wanted the animal with her. Ever since that incident whenever I’ve been on a plane with one of these animals accompanying someone that is obviously not blind or otherwise obviously affected I have wondered if that person is really in need.
24
Exactly. The ease with which self-indulgent jokers obtain the required designation for their pet to fly with them, sit next to them in restaurants, etc. is ridiculous. Just one more example of the rampant narcissism that infects this and other countries these days. I would have hauled out my iPhone and recorded this nincompoop's bragging, photographed her, and made a very public on-line example of her. (After consulting my attorney, of course.) But you get the point.
An internet search and twenty bucks will get you a seemingly legit document
"authorizing" your emotional support animal. I am not speaking about real service dogs, but this little dodge is all the rage with people just wanting to take the pet on holidays...
"authorizing" your emotional support animal. I am not speaking about real service dogs, but this little dodge is all the rage with people just wanting to take the pet on holidays...
32
Animals attained rights over people when people attained legal rights to their service animal. Legally, yes, their need to have an animal is greater than the needs of others. When allergies become a disability, and there are service animals trained to alert to allergens, then it will all get interesting!
3
It's clear to me that the people attracted to the airline industry are not keenly sensitive in any regard, whether it's animals, perfume, exhaustion, or some other human malady. They are herding animals on board, collecting salaries, and wishing everyone would just shut up. So, take it or stay home. I despise everything about flying except getting there, and I want to get there.
And don't get me started on their salty soy "free snacks," or the state of the toilets, or the rock hard new seats, or.
Well, here's my pet peeve. I never ever take a large roll on on board. I carry a small bag--which I am not allowed to put in the overhead, in order to make room for the bag hogs.
There's no being happy out in the world!
And don't get me started on their salty soy "free snacks," or the state of the toilets, or the rock hard new seats, or.
Well, here's my pet peeve. I never ever take a large roll on on board. I carry a small bag--which I am not allowed to put in the overhead, in order to make room for the bag hogs.
There's no being happy out in the world!
5
Of course people with allergies should be treated sympathetically. But animals must not be mistreated either, nor people who live with animals and love them.
The problem really is the airline industry, and the way they do business, which is extraordinarily manipulative, even abusive, of very many of their customers. There is no good reason why both groups -- people who want to travel with their animals, and people who do not like the presence of animals -- cannot be accommodated. "Capitalism poisons everything."
The problem really is the airline industry, and the way they do business, which is extraordinarily manipulative, even abusive, of very many of their customers. There is no good reason why both groups -- people who want to travel with their animals, and people who do not like the presence of animals -- cannot be accommodated. "Capitalism poisons everything."
6
How? If I decided to run a "animal free" airline I get sued. If instead, I go with a "no allergies or sensitivities allowed", I get sued. Once the dog was on the plane, that plane was no good for that kid, so getting him on another is the least lawsuit susceptible option. Though we are in the US, so sue we will be.
Many of those posting refer to "public spaces" and that it somehow voids any responsibility regarding allergens. Yet when a single child has a nut allergy the entire school has to swear off peanut butter. How is this different?
21
Don't get your point. First, peanuts aren't nuts, they are legumes. Second, schools restrict such things because children are...children...and not reliable about avoiding what they should. In these situations, adults take on the responsibility.
Are you suggesting that adults everywhere in "public spaces" like transit hubs, planes, buses, courtrooms, shopping malls and churches can or should restrict the foods they eat, the clothes they wear, the cosmetics they use and the items they carry because someone, somewhere might be allergic? Really? How would that work?
Are you suggesting that adults everywhere in "public spaces" like transit hubs, planes, buses, courtrooms, shopping malls and churches can or should restrict the foods they eat, the clothes they wear, the cosmetics they use and the items they carry because someone, somewhere might be allergic? Really? How would that work?
2
If you carry an EpiPen, you get the same lecture. "If you have to use this, you still need to get to an ER, ASAP". Diverting a plane for an emergency landing takes a while. 30-45 minutes (too long) if you are over land. Hours, if you are flying over an ocean, or a northern polar route.
If you're an adult you may need to carry 2 EpiPens. Plus at least 1/2 dozen diphenhydramine tablets. Your heart rate will go to 200+ beats per minute, or what ever your maximum sustainable heart rate is. You may feel like you are having a heart attack. If you are older, say over 40, then there is elevated risk of heart attack or stroke from epinephrine injected at 100 times the normal level in the blood stream.
If the allergic reaction progresses to Anaphylaxis with angioedema you may need immediate tracheal intubation, or you will die within minutes and everyone around you will watch you, gasping for a final breath you cannot get.
This is not a trivial matter. About 2% of the population has risk for anaphylaxis at some point in their life, and it may occur for the first time, late in life (I was 66).
Likely Doctors won't ever be able to determine the allergen that triggered your response. 200-300 people in an aircraft cabin will mix their very different living environments from all over the world. The airlines cannot guarantee an allergen free environment, but we shouldn't require people who have severe allergies to charter a private jet, either.
If you're an adult you may need to carry 2 EpiPens. Plus at least 1/2 dozen diphenhydramine tablets. Your heart rate will go to 200+ beats per minute, or what ever your maximum sustainable heart rate is. You may feel like you are having a heart attack. If you are older, say over 40, then there is elevated risk of heart attack or stroke from epinephrine injected at 100 times the normal level in the blood stream.
If the allergic reaction progresses to Anaphylaxis with angioedema you may need immediate tracheal intubation, or you will die within minutes and everyone around you will watch you, gasping for a final breath you cannot get.
This is not a trivial matter. About 2% of the population has risk for anaphylaxis at some point in their life, and it may occur for the first time, late in life (I was 66).
Likely Doctors won't ever be able to determine the allergen that triggered your response. 200-300 people in an aircraft cabin will mix their very different living environments from all over the world. The airlines cannot guarantee an allergen free environment, but we shouldn't require people who have severe allergies to charter a private jet, either.
12
The good of the few now outweighs the good of the many.
1
I was disappointed by some of the negative comments in the previous article by uninformed people who have no idea how valuable service dogs are to people with physical &/or mental disabilities. A service dog is NOT a pet & they help those of us with disabilities to be able to go out in public instead of being confined at home. I have a Psychiatric Service Dog for severe PTSD due to an accident that nearly killed me almost 7 years ago. Many people think these dogs are just comfort dogs. No, they are NOT, they are trained service dogs, and PTSD is not something minor. I have nightmares, flashbacks, insomnia, & attempted suicide twice, & it's extremely difficult going out in public. I also have severe allergies (and asthma) to many dogs, cats, dust mites, ragweed, tree & grass pollen, mold, MSG, perfume, chemicals (cleaning materials, wet paint, spray disinfectants), & incense. I always have my inhalers & allergy medicine with me because allergens are EVERYWHERE. I have my condo "allergy proofed": mattresses & pillows encased in allergy covers & no carpet. I work in a grocery store & we have a number of customers with service dogs for disabilities: blind, seizure alert, autism, PTSD, & diabetic. I had to find a dog who I was not allergic to. My service dog was command & leash trained by an L.A. Police Officer. I would prefer to be my previous normal self again & not need a service dog. You should be lucky if you never have to walk in my shoes or anyone else with a disability.
19
I was one who lamented in the previous article about how the increased level of "sham" service dogs is belittling the true value that certified service dogs have. Unfortunately these days, anyone can slap a "service dog" vest on their pet.
8
What you say is true and it really bothers me, too. I have yet to fly with my service dog because even going anywhere in public is still very difficult for me. Even though I don't legally have to show my legal letter from my Psychiatrist stating that he is a service dog, I will happily show it to anyone who questions me just to avoid a confrontation and a possible anxiety attack. At least when I go to the doctor's, urgent care, or the hospital, they all know that he is a real service dog; all they have to do is look at my medical record. I also suffer from severe migraines, and I spent 5 hours in urgent care 3 days ago getting an I.V. infusion; my well-trained service dog was with me, as usual, and was no problem. I wish people without a disability would stop pretending their pet were a service dog. I have run into many people who have told me that their "service dog" is not a real service dog, but they say so just to bring them out in public. I really wish I didn't need a service dog. Maybe one day I'll get the courage to fly again. I see my Psychotherapist once a week, and my Psychiatrist once every 3 months. Every day is a struggle just to get out of bed and go to work. If I didn't have to work, I would probably never leave home. My service dog is a lifesaver in helping me just cope with life post-accident.
1
Welcome to the real world. There are people with "unseen disabilities."
Look at The American Disability Act of 1990.
I understand that it is disconcerting to get bumped for a dog.
But there are times that we need to be grateful that we can handle it.
The one with the dog may not be that flexible.
Look at The American Disability Act of 1990.
I understand that it is disconcerting to get bumped for a dog.
But there are times that we need to be grateful that we can handle it.
The one with the dog may not be that flexible.
8
I think a person with severe allergies would also be covered under ADA wouldn’t they? So how does one disability take precedence over another?
4
Allergy is not, in fact, covered under ADA. So yes, covered disabilities take precedence over uncovered ones like allergies.
2
The fact that we are having this discussion at all demonstrates how pet phobic we, in the US, are. It is ridiculous to think that not having a dog on board a flight will insure an allergen-free environment. Dogs and cats have been flying under airline seats for decades. My clothing is always covered in dog dander and hair, despite my best attempts to keep it clean. If someone allergic to dogs sits next to me they are going to have a reaction - without my dog present.
Now, if we could get people to stop farting on planes then maybe I could make it through a flight without feeling nauseous!
-Beth, San Diego
Now, if we could get people to stop farting on planes then maybe I could make it through a flight without feeling nauseous!
-Beth, San Diego
25
Beth You don't have any idea of how this works. This not like cigarettes. Dander, which is what I'm allergic too, is a protein that breaks down over time.
Animals don't live onn the plan. So their dander does not build up like it would at home.
Also, concentrations of dander from a secondary source, aka the pet owner, will not have the concentrations emitted locally as one would fine in the home of the animal. The fact is, having an animal on board it not the same as being next to a pet owner. Seeing this a life threatening issue, you have no case for your argument.
Animals don't live onn the plan. So their dander does not build up like it would at home.
Also, concentrations of dander from a secondary source, aka the pet owner, will not have the concentrations emitted locally as one would fine in the home of the animal. The fact is, having an animal on board it not the same as being next to a pet owner. Seeing this a life threatening issue, you have no case for your argument.
5
Where I support the need for a service dog for emotional support or for other medical reasons is required for some, is it fair to "create" a possible life threatening medical event for another to accommodate the the pet owner? Neither should have priority over the other. Perhaps the fairest thing to do as these are *both deemed as medical issues.. is from now on the airlines/travel agents should ask if passengers have any pet allergies at booking, then give the non pet owner the option at no additional cost with priority to book another flight... in the event there is a pet on board. OR just not book people traveling with pets on flights with known pet allergies.
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