Emotional Support animal on Flights

[jakeseven7]

Many are quick to praise the regulations, but did it actually impact anyone here on AFF?

When we lived over there we had a duck in our row on a Delta flight that releived itself several times (into its 'nappy') but the stench was disgusting.

Have also flown on United with 'support cats' just ahead of us and had other passengers sneeze for about 2.5 hours in a row as they were allergic.

Most people are just taking the piss in the US and I actually feel sorry for the people with 'real' problems because all these piss takers have ruined it for them.

 

[Beano]

Never seen an unusual ESA, but them my flying is mostly around Australia and New Zealand with an occasional long haul. I have a dim recollection of once seeing a blind assistance dog, but that was very long ago.

 

[drron]

Well someone walked into one of the DFW ACs when I was at the desk.They had their emotional support pig with them and demanded entry.Poor fool trying to put that one over an AC angel. Yes sir you are allowed to fly with your pig but this is a private club so you can leave now with your pig.

 

[Bell21]

Having flown extensively in the US and also known people who used the gaping loopholes to do whatever they want with their pets I’m very glad this stupid practice is being reeled back in.

It is a start at least. Wait for the screeching of the ‘my human rights’ brigade from the US though!

This topic has always fascinated me from a few perspectives: 1) what people will do when given wide loop-holes; 2) how people can probably justify in their own minds why it's ok to take particular animals on planes, even though the likelihood of inconvenience to others is high; and 3) the sheer incongruity of some of the ES animals being taken on planes. I note, however, that each airline will now need to create its own policy re ES animals, so that will be another interesting step in the journey...

 

[Franky]

Many are quick to praise the regulations, but did it actually impact anyone here on AFF?

In the old days we would have seen an emotional support peacock and had a tale to tell at our next dinner party.

I think I would rather talk about the footy at our next dinner party...

 

[Bell21]

I think I would rather talk about the footy at our next dinner party...

ES animals on planes are pretty amusing, but footy is good too

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Well someone walked into one of the DFW ACs when I was at the desk.They had their emotional support pig with them and demanded entry.Poor fool trying to put that one over an AC angel. Yes sir you are allowed to fly with your pig but this is a private club so you can leave now with your pig.

Interesting issue though. How do we pick and choose when and where we will accept or dismiss mental health and wellbeing? During covid some were using mental health as a very broad umbrella to demand things like borders open, not matter how seemingly small the issue, or how high the cost. But when it comes to an emotional support animal it goes out the window? (literally!)

 

[Beano]

I like to travel with my emotional support....my wife!

 

[Bell21]

Interesting issue though. How do we pick and choose when and where we will accept or dismiss mental health and wellbeing? During covid some were using mental health as a very broad umbrella to demand things like borders open, not matter how seemingly small the issue, or how high the cost. But when it comes to an emotional support animal it goes out the window? (literally!)

I think the issue with ES animals on planes is the potential safety issue they create if the issue is un-regulated, as well as potential physical and even mental health issues they could create for other travellers, so for me, it's one of those where in general the needs of the many are more important than the individual --- however of course I have no issue with an appropriately certified service animal

 

[Beano]

I think the issue with ES animals on planes is the potential safety issue they create if the issue is un-regulated, as well as potential physical and even mental health issues they could create for other travellers, so for me, it's one of those where in general the needs of the many are more important than the individual --- however of course I have no issue with an appropriately certified service animal

I agree with all that. Other passengers have to be considered also. Something which is forgotten.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I agree with all that. Other passengers have to be considered also. Something which is forgotten.

We're probably not used to animals in Australia. In Europe they're quite common and passengers are allowed to transport small animals in the cabin with them. I've flown with birds, cats and dogs in the cabin, never been a problem. The only time it looked uncomfortable was a guide dog in Australia... they were seated with their owner in row 1, sharing the foot space as all seats were occupied.

 

[DC3]

I think I would rather talk about the footy at our next dinner party...

... with the meat pies?

 

[trooper]

Interesting issue though. How do we pick and choose when and where we will accept or dismiss mental health and wellbeing? During covid some were using mental health as a very broad umbrella to demand things like borders open, not matter how seemingly small the issue, or how high the cost. But when it comes to an emotional support animal it goes out the window? (literally!)

The problem is not Emotional Support Animals. The problem is the abuse of the ESA system to fly what are just pets, without paying the pet fee. Were there to be ACTUAL medical certification requirements for the passenger and training requirements for the ESA then most objections would disappear.... (there will always be some jerk who even complains about seeing eye and other "Service" animals. )

 

[MEL_Traveller]

The problem is not Emotional Support Animals. The problem is the abuse of the ESA system to fly what are just pets, without paying the pet fee. Were there to be ACTUAL medical certification requirements for the passenger and training requirements for the ESA then most objections would disappear.... (there will always be some jerk who even complains about seeing eye and other "Service" animals. )

I think that's right! Many are quick to jump to the conclusion that all emotional support animals are an abuse of they system Air France charges an additional fee for a pet in the cabin, it's considered an extra piece of hand luggage.

 

[jakeseven7]

The problem is not Emotional Support Animals. The problem is the abuse of the ESA system to fly what are just pets, without paying the pet fee. Were there to be ACTUAL medical certification requirements for the passenger and training requirements for the ESA then most objections would disappear.... (there will always be some jerk who even complains about seeing eye and other "Service" animals. )

Yup agree, what I said - and I've lived in the states, its open slather zoo flying around there

 

[DC3]

I think that's right! Many are quick to jump to the conclusion that all emotional support animals are an abuse of they system .....

Yes, including turkeys and ponies for legitimate emotional support reasons, only.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Yes, including turkeys and ponies for legitimate emotional support reasons, only.

Yeah I’m afraid we’ve lost our sense of humour!

 

[Bell21]

The problem is not Emotional Support Animals. The problem is the abuse of the ESA system to fly what are just pets, without paying the pet fee. Were there to be ACTUAL medical certification requirements for the passenger and training requirements for the ESA then most objections would disappear.... (there will always be some jerk who even complains about seeing eye and other "Service" animals. )

You may well have a point in principle but I'm not sure in practice. There are just so many potential unintended consequences of allowing ESA or pets on planes (I'm not referring to Service Animals for clarity), and organisations, as a rule, are not v good at properly working through the sort of complexities that this sort of issue throws up esp in terms of potential impact on others

As a case in point which is off topic, take Qantas approach to social distancing on planes currently --- its pretty clear they just haven't thought through even the most basic and low impact protocols (other than spacing seating in less full planes) for managing this effectively and this is rather high profile and top of mind (e.g. disembarking procedures, wellness kit supply)

Btw I do see the funny side of EAS - some of the animals attempted to be taken on board or actually taken on plane are remarkable

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Bell21... what’s the difference between a service and emotional support animal? Or just a plain old pet flying with their owner? Assuming they are all trained and given the opportunity to go to the toilet before travel - donkey and peacock aside - they should be no different. Arguably a service animal/pet in a container under a seat is safer than a large unrestrained labrador in an emergency! As for allergies, you’d get those no matter the designation (service, emotional, or pet).

 

[Bell21]

Goodness I like this topic - will respond in full later mel-traveller - need to be at keyboard for that