Alleged "Service Dog" Bit Gate Agent
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: MCO
Programs: Hilton Diamond, AA PP
Posts: 541
Alleged "Service Dog" Bit Gate Agent
My flight took a late the other day because some idiot got on the plane with a dog not in a carrier, claiming it was a service dog. The dog's behavior obviously proved it wasn't, right up to biting the agent who was trying to get a wheelchair customer into their seat.
The Captain threw the dog, it's owner, and the rest of the party off the plane. I can't believe how stupid some people are. What really ticks me off is that jerks like this make it more difficult with those who have a legitimate service dog.
The Captain threw the dog, it's owner, and the rest of the party off the plane. I can't believe how stupid some people are. What really ticks me off is that jerks like this make it more difficult with those who have a legitimate service dog.
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: BOS/ORH
Programs: AS 75K
Posts: 18,323
Not all animals legally allowed on the flight require training. There also emotional support animals (some legit some not) both can be denied boarding if animal is aggressive
#3
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: TPA
Programs: AAdvantage 2 million, Marriott Gold
Posts: 960
My flight took a late the other day because some idiot got on the plane with a dog not in a carrier, claiming it was a service dog. The dog's behavior obviously proved it wasn't, right up to biting the agent who was trying to get a wheelchair customer into their seat.
The Captain threw the dog, it's owner, and the rest of the party off the plane. I can't believe how stupid some people are. What really ticks me off is that jerks like this make it more difficult with those who have a legitimate service dog.
The Captain threw the dog, it's owner, and the rest of the party off the plane. I can't believe how stupid some people are. What really ticks me off is that jerks like this make it more difficult with those who have a legitimate service dog.
#4
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: SAN
Programs: AA-EXP; US-Silver; Marriott-Platinum; Starwood-Platinum; Hilton-Gold
Posts: 1,260
It couldn't have been worse then the dog some guy brought onto the plane and it was in heat. Kept trying to, ahem.....mate, with another passengers leg.
#5
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: PHL
Programs: Former long-time US GP; now AA dirt
Posts: 4,904
I'll bet anything that MOST "emotional support" animals that fly these days are not legit at all.
#6
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SYR
Programs: US/AA-Platinum, Hilton-Diamond, Marriott-Gold, AVIS-Presidents Club, National-Executive Elite
Posts: 2,755
#7
Under the ADA, staff can ask two questions about the "service animal" (defined as "...a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability":
(1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability, and
(2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform (i.e., it can't just sit there and "be" an emotional support animal... it has to do something).
But then:
"This definition (of "service animal") does not affect or limit the broader definition of ... “service animal” under the Air Carrier Access Act.
See, e.g., http://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm
Wish the ACAA was more specific regarding service animals and the identification of such. I also personally think other passengers, as private individuals, should call out fake service animals themselves. Nothing in the ADA or ACAA prevents that from happening.
(1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability, and
(2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform (i.e., it can't just sit there and "be" an emotional support animal... it has to do something).
But then:
"This definition (of "service animal") does not affect or limit the broader definition of ... “service animal” under the Air Carrier Access Act.
See, e.g., http://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm
Wish the ACAA was more specific regarding service animals and the identification of such. I also personally think other passengers, as private individuals, should call out fake service animals themselves. Nothing in the ADA or ACAA prevents that from happening.
#8
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SYR
Programs: US/AA-Platinum, Hilton-Diamond, Marriott-Gold, AVIS-Presidents Club, National-Executive Elite
Posts: 2,755
Me: "Ma'am, your animal clearly is a pet, and not an ESA"
Passenger: "Oh yeah? Screw off"
Now what?
#9
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EP 3MM, UA Silver, Bonvoy LT TIT, Hyatt Explorist, HH Silver, Caesars PLT
Posts: 7,259
#10
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Atherton, CA
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP; Owner, Green Bay Packers
Posts: 21,690
I'm planning a trip to MSY to pick up my emotional support 'gator next week.
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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#12
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: PHL/EWR
Programs: AA, US, WN, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Plat
Posts: 1,528
Should the topic be be "Alleged service dog allegedly bites Gate Agent?"
#13
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Varies :-)
Programs: AS; AA; UA; DL; VS; BA; Nat'l Emer. Exec.; AGR
Posts: 2,250
Next time I have some California twit and her "service" poodle next to me on a flight, I'm going to ask if she brings that "service" dog with her to work.
#14
Join Date: May 2010
Location: CLT, BOS
Programs: US Plat, HHonors Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 186