Airline Passengers Abusing “Service” Pet Policy, Buying Doctors Notes Online
Jackie Reddy December 11, 2015
Emotional support animals are on the rise, but as more passengers claim free pet travel for supposedly valid medical claims, there are concerns that some are abusing the system.
They may be faithful friends and loyal companions, but it seems that the bond between pets and their owners is hard to break – even at cruising altitude. In fact, it has been reported that more and more passengers are going to extreme lengths – even faking illness and disability – in order to fly with their pets.
Under America’s Air Carrier Access Act, passengers are legally allowed to bring animals onboard their flight at no cost if the animal is deemed necessary to their well-being. Originally aimed at those with service or support animals like guide dogs, it seems that some passengers are now attempting to fly with their furry friends for emotional comfort.
But in order to take a pet onto a plane in this capacity, passengers require a note from a doctor or medical professional in support of their emotional needs. However, a recent article in the New York Post intimates that some passengers are abusing the Air Carrier Access Act and turning to the Internet to purchase doctor’s notes in support of their condition.
Passengers willing to part with a bit of cash will find that there are countless websites dedicated to providing documentation in support of their need. Because fines for declining passengers with valid claims can run up to $150,000, carriers are generally compliant to these needs – real or not.
Speaking of these fraudulent claims, Eric Lipp of disability charity Open Doors Organization told the Post, “The people who really need support animals despise people who fake it. I call it ‘the Paris Hilton effect,’ where people want to take their cute little dogs everywhere.”
While some psychologists believe that emotional support animals are an effective way for travelers to beat anxiety, others believe this is an example of passengers just trying to play the system.
Jason Clampet, co-founder of the travel site Skift, was blunt in his assessment of the situation, saying, “This is a work-around for people who are self-centered and don’t want to pay a fee and are willing to lie.”
[Photo: Getty]
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so very true. i have dealt with this before three times from seat mates. twice self declared alcoholics. self obsessed and entitled losers that used a dog to make them important while providing a legal threat to the crew and an uncomfortable situation for other passengers. there should be NO MORE ANIMALS IN THE AIRPLANE PASSENGER CABIN. try xanax.
I sat next to a cute Service Dog. The owner seemed perfectly OK to me but it did not bother me in the slightest. The dog was semi drugged.
I feel this is a fallout for the airlines ripping off customers. There have been studies done regarding what items hotel guests will take based upon the how much they feel gouged.
This requires legitimate regulation. Passengers should not be subjected to animals in flight.
Pay a fee? Paying a fee for cabin pets is only for animals of small size. Many would be happy to imo IF a animal could fly in the cabin regardless of size so long as to not interfere with other passengers in the row. (could require purchasing additional seats). The bigger problem is people who have severe allergies to most animals. Will make peanuts look minor.