cperciva

Interesting. The ESA policy seems to cover transborder and domestic flights, but not international flights?

Transpacificflyer

It's none of your business. If you are that concerned or worried, go sit in your seat, and do not walk around. Passengers who walk around the cabin are a danger to other passengers. More so than a critter on someone's lap. The dog wasn't anywhere near you or in your space. You chose to walk about. I dislike the cabin wanderers, but I don't complain about them.

I note some of the comments about "enforcement of the rules". Hypocrites.
Hypocrites because there are a large number of pax including the self important pompous elites who break the rules every flight; gaming the system, or arrogantly violating the carry on size and quantity rules. Where are the self appointed regulation enforcers at the gate when the excess dimension carry on brigade are lined up? What about the jerks who pinch all the chocolate bars or modest snacks? Oh no, that's ok, right?

The animal in cabin rules should be approached using common sense and fairness. The reason there are rules is so that the airline can refer to something when it needs to manage someone who cannot behave responsibly. It's to manage the airline legal liability. In the good old days, people were responsible and considerate of others and there did not need to be draconian rules. Not so on the airlines of today, so there are rules. Here's how it works in real life: I live in a residential building. The rules say no dogs, but it's a dog building. The rule is used to provide an opportunity to remove aggressive dogs and their custodians who are irresponsible. That's how the onboard confinement rule should be applied. If a companion animal is well behaved, leave it alone.

And yes, I believe that animals should be allowed in J. I'd rather a dog, a big drooling mastiff, than some of the pax I see in J. I am allergic to dogs and cats and other beasts. Such is my life. I don't blame my genetic deficiency on the animals. My sneeze or itch is a small price I pay for the joy of saying how do you do to a doggie. Ideally, animals shouldn't be on board as flying puts undue emotional pressure on the animal and causes pain and discomfort when the critter cannot relieve its bladder or bowels. Unfortunately, some animals must travel, and when they do, they should be allowed to travel comfortably.

The core issue is that far too many people abuse the service animal option and they should be kept off the airplane. Deal with them and stop punishing the well behaved animals and the responsible custodians. While the airlines are at it, maybe they can ban the loud jerks or the idiots who get obnoxiously drunk. And the morbidly obese who purchase one seat, but spill over into the aisle or adjacent seat(s).

ewok22

I'm happy u asked, I think they are ok in PY..but no ewoks in J no matter how cute

Jagboi

What happen if the plane hits some turbulence and the loose dog goes flying through the cabin and injures a passenger and /or the dog?

Keeping the dog in it's carrier ensure both it and fellow passengers are safe, just as the passengers are recommended to keep their seatbelts on at all times.

canadiancow

My dog always wears his harness, but he's never tied up or in a cage. He's always free to roam. Though I think he's only wandered off once.

I try to keep an eye on him, and I don't think he's ever bothered anyone. He certainly hasn't caused any allergic reactions.

Jagboi

I understand harnesses are reasonably common in SFO. Although I thought being tied up and/or being in a cage wasn't unheard of either.

Fiordland

Self-upgrading dogs into J are only allowed if they have been trained to watch over the kit-kat bars. If so, as compensation for their service in protecting the snack basket from kit kats hoarders and unauthorised access they are given automatic op-ups.

jasdou

Plus, chocolate is toxic for dogs so we know that they won't eat the KitKats.

flyquiet

Or, they will only eat them once.

ewok22

Sounds like u have a dog just like mine

LearningToFly

jasdou

I sure hope @canadiancow's dog is not made from dog material. Travelling with Ace is his way of dealing with AC-induced stress.

LearningToFly

Oh! It is his emotional support stuffed animal! Then let’s forget my allergies. Let’s have priorities. Unless Ace is full of a acarians.

flyquiet

Maybe this should be in the wiki, but part of the AC Forum folklore is that CC's emotional support "dog" Ace is a stuffed toy.
But it could be full of dust mites, to which I might be allergic, so the categorical denial is debatable

LearningToFly

Yes, thanks, I realized that soon after. I modified my post accordingly.