Originally Posted by
mgerber8
1. Is it correct that AA does not offer any bulkhead/MCE seating or anything like that for service animals without paying extra for it yourself (which is totally fine)?
AFAIK yes. AA does not provide MCE seating for service animals for free. You are allowed to purchase MCE or bulkhead seats for you and your Service Animal.
Originally Posted by
mgerber8
2. Check-In:
I don't have any experience with this, but AA does tend to be consistently inconsistent about needing to see certain documents for certain situations. YMMV...
Originally Posted by
mgerber8
3. Boarding: Is it acceptable to pre-board with a service dog, not necessarily because of the service they provide, but just to have the extra time to settle in? If so, do you just ask the gate agents so they'll know to let you on early around the time when they're assisting wheelchair passengers?
I've only witnessed pre-boarding for people with Service Animals when there was an obvious physical disability. It can't hurt to ask for pre-boarding, but don't expect it unless it is needed for a physical disability.
Originally Posted by
mgerber8
4. On-Board: I was also surprised at the differences in treatment we got when flying on two separate flights with a service dog, but I guess I shouldn't be surprised based on the vast differences in how human passengers are treated too.
You're correct that different FAs often treat customers differently. I will note that some FAs likely have had bad experiences with so called "Service Animals" before the rules were changed recently, and that may explain some of their attitude. Lots of stories on here about fake Service Animal behavior on airplanes. Hopefully now that Service Animal rules have been tightened there will be fewer issues on all fronts.