Dogs and cats on flights
 

I recently had the pleasure of flying Continental. I paid extra for the bulk head so I would have enough legroom. After seating and as we are getting ready to leave the lady that sat next to me had a dog. I have asthma and dog and cat dander set my asthma off. I immediately started with breathing problems and had to use 3 inhalers. the flight attendant decide I needed to be moved from my seat! i was then seated in the seat next to the exit door even though I have severe back issues . Why did they not move the lady with the dog. They removed peanuts off the flights due to peoples allergies but if you are severely allergic to animals you are out of luck. The attendant even told the lady she could take it out of its cage and hold it ! Had I had a severe attack, I would have been out of luck!

It must have been a "service animal", or the passenger wouldn't have been allowed in the bulkhead since carry on pets must remain under the seat in front. By law, airlines cannot refuse to carry a service animal in the cabin.

not a service dog
 

considering it was a dachsand dog , I doubt it was a service dog. And considering that the lady said it was her pet I doubt it was a service dog.

Service animals come in all forms and breeds. It could have been an emotional support aminal, which passengers are allowed to hold. There are also different types of small service animals. Ones that can detect when someone is going to have a seizures and such. I have had many different type of breeds as service animals on my flights. Also, just because she called the animal her "pet" doesn't mean it wasnt a service animal. People who need these animals probably dont want to announce it to the world. If you are that allergic to animals, you should have informed the airline when you either booked or checked in for the flight. Nothing can be done unless you notify the airline. People with peanut allergies usually dont take chances and notify the airline. The allergy is listed on the flight attendant departure report so we know of the allergy. The same with the service/emotional support animal. That information would not have been available to you. As far as moving you, I would have done the same. The dander was already there and the safest thing would be to move you.

animals on flights
 

It is not fair that I had to give up my seat that I paid extra for! They should have an area for these people that are required to have their animals so that those of us that have allergies and potential life threatening effects to their animals are not affected!

No, it's not fair that you had to give up your seat, but you stated that you started having problems right away and had to use 3 inhalers. You said that the dander set off your attack. Had the person with the service animal moved, would some of the dander still not be there, especially since the person was holding the pet? Wouldn't the safest thing for you is to be moved to another seat AWAY from the dander that was already contaminating the area where you were seated? I cant comment on having special areas for service animals, I don't know of an airline that has one. Probably due to the American Disibility Act.

By law, passengers with service animals are allowed to sit wherever they want. You cannot force them to sit in a designated area. If you paid extra for additional legroom, for example, and were moved to a seat without the legroom, you should contact Continental customer service department for a refund.

Negative, unless that's changed, which I doubt. Passengers with service animals may not sit in exit rows. Their first instinct would be to take care of the animal instead of follow the commands of the crew to help other passengers.

You're right. They can sit wherever they want UNLESS it's a safety issue and an animal is the exit row is considered a safety issue.

70 lb dog unleashed dog on flight
 

On 8-12, I was on a Frontier flight from Milwaukee to KC. I paid extra for a front seat. When I got on the plane, my seat had a large (I estimate around a 70 lb dog) in front of my seat and the owner of the dog's seat. Yes, he/she was that big. The stewardess told me to take another seat. Yes, I lost my seat to a dog. After about 5 minutes into take off, the unleashed dog became upset and headed towards the **** pit. The stewardess had to grab the dog from her seat in front of the cockpit. After the plane leveled off, he/she walked back to its owner. Within another few minutes, the stewardess began handing out freshly baked cookies. I presumed that she washed her hands.
While on the plane, the owner talked about her new 10 jet whirlpool bath and fenced in back yard. Thus, not hurting for money. Oh yes, she was not blind and walked off the plane. I was told by Frontier airlines customer service person that a person can bring a dog on a plane as a service dog. I explained that this was not the case. She also said that a person can bring a dog on a plane for 'emotional' reasons. I personally felt unsafe on this flight, had to give up my seat (I also have rights), and was subjected to some unpleasant smells (trying to be nice here). I like dogs and am very sympathetic to people with handicaps. However, this was not the situation. This entire situation was a joke and I will continue to seek answers. With all the safety precautions, how can a large dog be allowed to roam an airplane without a leash? Also, in no way could this owner control this dog. No way. Those 50-60 other passengers also have rights and should not be subjected to this type of situation, no way!

70 lb dog unleashed dog on flight
 

On 8-12, I was on a Frontier flight from Milwaukee to KC. I paid extra for a front seat. When I got on the plane, my seat had a large (I estimate around a 70 lb dog) in front of my seat and the owner of the dog's seat. Yes, he/she was that big. The stewardess told me to take another seat. Yes, I lost my seat to a dog. After about 5 minutes into take off, the unleashed dog became upset and headed towards the **** pit. The stewardess had to grab the dog from her seat in front of the cockpit. After the plane leveled off, he/she walked back to its owner. Within another few minutes, the stewardess began handing out freshly baked cookies. I presumed that she washed her hands.
While on the plane, the owner talked about her new 10 jet whirlpool bath and fenced in back yard. Thus, not hurting for money. Oh yes, she was not blind and walked off the plane. I was told by Frontier airlines customer service person that a person can bring a dog on a plane as a service dog. I explained that this was not the case. She also said that a person can bring a dog on a plane for 'emotional' reasons. I personally felt unsafe on this flight, had to give up my seat (I also have rights), and was subjected to some unpleasant smells (trying to be nice here). I like dogs and am very sympathetic to people with handicaps. However, this was not the situation. This entire situation was a joke and I will continue to seek answers. With all the safety precautions, how can a large dog be allowed to roam an airplane without a leash? Also, in no way could this owner control this dog. No way. Those 50-60 other passengers also have rights and should not be subjected to this type of situation, no way!

Unfortunately, it's a federal law. Passengers can bring "emotional support" animals on board any airline, regardless of weight and/or size, if they have a letter from their physician stating they need the animal for emotional support. Airlines simply cannot refuse to transport service animals.

I have a cat that is trained to retrieve my asthma inhalers and dial 911 on a large buttoned phone. He has flown with me all over the world for the past five years. I buy him his own seat and he sits in an FAA approved baby carrier. He is often complimented by the FAs as "the best customer." He generally sleeps the entire flight, but does get a little nervous at take off/landing. (I assume, like a child, he has pressure issues with his ears, but he doesn't cry, he just yawns a lot.)

I have only had ONE problem with him and that was when some rude woman tried to put her lap child in his seat next to him. Her reasoning? "A baby is more important than a cat."

Fortunately, the FA interviened and moved the woman and her child to a different row.

I'm sorry if you're allergic to him, but the ADA provides that since my cat is trained to save my life, he can go where I go.

Having a hard time with that one, and besides, cats are not considered service animals under the latest ADA clarifications:

"Beginning on March 15, 2011, only dogs are recognized as service animals under titles II and III of the ADA."

That training is impressive though.... humans can't even dial 911 on an aircraft 35,000 ft in the air. Not sure how much "fetching" he could do either. All dogs and cats belong in the hold, heated and pressurized for their comfort. I consider animals in the cabin to a serious safety issue and franky, these potential living missiles should be banned.