After I read all posts, I think, there is something you should consider :

Even if the service-dog is included in the reservation, only agents catching up with this fact, if they check for it. Local load-control or operations of each carrier depending if outgoing or inbound flight - have infos about it. But it must be included in the reservation. Itīs a "SSR"= Special service request in the reservation and therefor check-in and gate should be informed. Thatīs how itīs planned... but these days never realy works....

So very often, the traveling person ist having the problem.... which makes it even harder, while already handicaped. Please think about it, if you are a fellow passenger and run into problems about a service dog seated in your way. Itīs not made by the passenger ... agents need to reconsider when seating passengers, using usually blocked seats ( thatīs what they are blocked for ...).

Iīm a retired PAN AM employee, travelling with my service dog. My mobility is very limited after a severe accident. I have a lot of backround infos. And believe me - not much has changed ever since. When I was with PAN AM, it was only seeing-eye dogs, that were flying in cabin. Those days, travel was generally not as crazy as these days. But these days, itīs good to have the option, to have my service dog in cabin with me. Otherwise, I can not live an independent life. But we need some understanding from fellow passengers ....

I have not had a real problem yet - only, because I have the knowledge. And believe me, sometimes itīs not fun to be after things, that should be provided - and would be, if the job is done right ... which does not cost a penny, but would make it easier for other people with a disability....and for all other passengers....

My girl and I get a warm welcome on each flight, all crews praise her, for beeing wonderful ( which she is expected to be ...)- but sometimes, the other passengers are not as nice.... and make it a hussle for me. Although, things usually clear up and people, seated with me and my girl are not having a problem, to - may be - give up a little bit of there space for their feet, so my girl can lay down on the longhauls, that we fly.

I do understand very well, that not every passenger, confronted with this situation is happy about it. My advice : Ask the crew, to look for someone, who changes the seat with you .... Whenever that occured on my flights, there were a lot of volunteers to sit with us....