All US airlines to my knowledge ask you to bring the forms (eg AA: Keep the form with you during your trip). And even if your record says you have a TSD, the agent has to check to confirm type of animal and size, etc. You can request a bulk head seat but they are required to give it to you for free. I have found that airlines (esp Delta) have a place to ask for early boarding when you make your ticket. I have found many do not annouce pre boarding - it is up to you to approch GA cIF not, it is up to the GA - but I have never been denied. Note that almost all airlines now do not allow ESAs. EVen traveling with a TSD on European Airlines is difficult. KM made me put mine in a cage at my feet. I now travel with both the airline's rules and the EU's rules