Last Saturday (April 6), Reddit user u/Rota8or shared a photo of an unusual scene on their Delta flight from New York to Madrid: a Great Dane sitting on top of its owner, secured with a purple harness.
The passenger raised concerns about the dog’s behavior, noting that it snapped at someone, which led to four flight attendants and the pilot checking on the situation. The crew instructed the owner to keep the dog on a leash, but the passenger questioned whether this was sufficient.
Key Points:
– A Great Dane in a harness caused disruption by snapping at a passenger.
– Some Reddit users have voiced frustration over what they see as “fake service dogs” causing stress during flights.
– Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals are allowed in the cabin regardless of size, unlike regular pets which must be kept in carriers that fit under the seat.
– Service animals must be trained to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities, and airlines typically do not charge for them.
Many passengers have recently taken to Reddit to express dissatisfaction with how untrained dogs are impacting their flight experiences. For instance, one Redditor mentioned their wife’s guide dog, which is highly trained and essential for her, is often overshadowed by untrained animals that cause others to question the legitimacy of all service dogs.
Service dogs must meet specific criteria, including proper training and behavior, and airlines like American Airlines, Delta, and United require passengers to complete forms validating their animals’ training and behavior before flying. Despite these requirements, there are concerns that some passengers may misuse service animal status for their pets.
Airlines, including Delta and United, have procedures for addressing issues with service animals. For example, Delta expects service animals to stay within the footprint of the passenger’s seat and maintain cleanliness. American Airlines states that their staff are trained to assess the behavior of service animals and can deny travel if a dog appears untrained.
Reports of disruptive incidents involving dogs, such as a dog causing a mess on a flight or running into aisles, have fueled debate. There are also concerns from passengers with allergies who find it challenging to manage their conditions when dogs are present.
Airline representatives have noted that while staff can move passengers or adjust seating to accommodate allergies, there are no specific guidelines for handling aggressive behavior from service animals.
The discussion continues about whether current policies effectively balance the needs of passengers with service animals and those with allergies or sensitivities. What are your thoughts on this issue?
