Online Users Discuss Their Reactions to Being Seated Near a Service Dog on an Airplane; Many Would Welcome the Company
Did you know that airlines must ensure that people with disabilities can bring their service animals and emotional support animals into the cabin with them? According to Dr. Laura Berman, a renowned sex therapist and relationship expert, "Service animals play a vital role in providing emotional support, which can significantly enhance the travel experience for individuals with disabilities." If you need one, you can request a bulkhead seat before the flight takes off.
At the airport, there are special areas for the animals to relieve themselves, and if you need help getting there, just ask the airline. During the flight, it's your responsibility to take care of your furry friend—make sure they have food, care, and someone to look after them.
Although airlines allow dogs in the aircraft cabin, some passengers may not feel comfortable being seated next to a dog. Fortunately, airlines always have solutions for such passengers, particularly those suffering from allergies. As Dr. Pepper Schwartz, a sociologist and relationship expert, states, "Navigating shared spaces requires empathy and understanding of each other's needs."
If you approach a flight attendant, they will do their best to seat you as far away from the canine as possible or place you on the next available flight. Chances are slim for a first-class upgrade since those seats are usually occupied by paying customers and MVPs.
However, airline staff are willing to assist and might be able to find you a better seat in coach. It's important to remain respectful and composed.
Even if you suspect someone is misusing the system, once they're on the plane, it means the airline has already validated their right to be there with their animal. Engaging in an argument won't lead to a resolution. Speaking of flying with dogs, a question was raised on Dr. Wayne Dyer's website:
What will you do if someone sitting next to you on the airplane brought a service dog and the dog is sitting below you?
Let's take a look at some of the interesting answers from the community.
They gladly changed seats with a passenger who didn't want to be near a dog during a flight.
This happened to me a few years ago. The woman behind me asked to change seats because she did not want to sit next to a service dog.
I was delighted to change seats with her.
The dog was sweet and well-behaved, even during the meal service. I chatted with the dog's owner, a college student on her way home for Christmas.
We had a lovely time. After I landed and stopped at the ladies' room, I saw my seatmate (with her dog) and her parents waiting for me in front of a Dunkin' Donuts in the airport.
They offered to buy me a donut as a gesture of gratitude for my kindness. I declined and told them it had all been a pleasure.
One user would gladly assist the owner of the service dog.
I would introduce myself to the person next to me and ask if it's okay for me to acknowledge the dog. I would tell them to let me know if they need anything, and then I'd do whatever I would do if the dog weren't there.
My daughter has a friend who has type 1 diabetes. I have had a few scares with her glucose dropping to dangerous levels.
Now that she has a service dog, I can actually sleep when she sleeps over because the dog will alert her and bark if her glucose is too high or low. Service dogs are extremely important to their owners.
If someone has an issue or a fear of dogs and the person next to them has a service dog, then that person should politely ask an attendant if anyone on the flight would switch seats with them.
They'd love the opportunity to have a new friend.
You mean sitting or lying on the floor by my feet?
I’d do this because it means I got a new friend.
One dog owner had this experience and tells people that it was a great experience.
This happened to me. A lady arrived with a beautiful golden retriever service dog and asked if the lady next to me and I minded having a dog next to us.
Having three dogs of my own, I was thrilled to share my flight with this lovely creature. It was a wonderfully quiet dog and a great experience overall (at least as much as flying allows nowadays, lol!).
This user would talk to the owner by all means.
I'd do absolutely nothing. I'd engage in a dialogue with the owner.
I'd share pictures of my heeler/monster. Hopefully, we'd talk about dogs. And at some point, with permission, I'd get to know the pooch.
Or, I might have a beverage, read my Kindle, and sleep.
What would you do?
This user would be like, "Must resist petting!"
I’m going to have to sit on my hands to stop myself from petting the dog! Hopefully, the dog’s owner or handler will give me permission.
What an introverted traveler might do: When the dog is off duty, they ignore the owner and show friendliness toward the dog.
I will look at the dog’s owner and ask, “Is the dog on duty?”
If the answer is yes, I will proceed to ignore the dog for the remainder of the flight.
If the answer is no, I will ask, “May I?”
If the answer to THAT is yes, I’ll pet the dog and mostly ignore the person.
I’m not particularly fond of people. Dogs, however? And a dog with an actual job? I get along very well with all sorts of animals, dogs included. And working dogs earn a lot of extra respect from me.
Most users responded positively to the question. After all, it's not every day that you get to see a service dog during a flight.
If you're in a similar situation and you love dogs, it's always best to prioritize the comfort of the owner. After all, service dogs are trained professionals diligently assisting their handlers. Understanding and respecting their role enriches the travel experience for all.
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