Flying with a ESA (Dog) LHR-LAX
Mar 9, 2020, 7:16 am
#46
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It has to be said that the USA has it's own [and often idiosyncratic] perspectives on these subjects.
I'll avoid throwing any personal perspectives into the discussion.
Look at the facilities in the Terminal corridors at PHL ...
I'll avoid throwing any personal perspectives into the discussion.
Look at the facilities in the Terminal corridors at PHL ...
Mar 9, 2020, 7:34 am
#47
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: North of Watford Gap
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Mar 9, 2020, 7:38 am
#49
Join Date: Mar 2018
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 90
I sincerely hope that one day BA does exactly as the same as Air France, Iberia, and Lufthansa so. That is to allow dogs or cats of under 5 or 6 kilos together with their travel box on flights with their owners. Why this service is not offered I cannot tell. You are not allowed to let the animal,out of the box and they usually allow only 2 per flight.
As for ESA animals, I do not know how you prove that any animal is an ESA unless it is with a Doctors letter.
As for ESA animals, I do not know how you prove that any animal is an ESA unless it is with a Doctors letter.
Mar 9, 2020, 7:40 am
#50
Join Date: Oct 2015
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Mar 9, 2020, 7:42 am
#51
Join Date: Aug 2009
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Mar 9, 2020, 7:44 am
#53
Join Date: Aug 2015
Programs: BA OWS, A3*G
Posts: 262
When dogs fly
An Essex couple was seriously injured on a British Airways flight last Thursday, when returning home from their honeymoon in California. In a strange twist of events they ended up in the Canadian arctic instead of their Chelmsford home. While flying over Canada flight BA280 from Los Angeles to London's Heathrow airport experienced strong turbulence, which sent an unrestrained black labrador flying through the cabin at break-neck speed and into the back of the head of the man sitting several rows in front. The panicked pup fell into his lap and severely scratched both him and his bride who was sitting next to him. A doctor present on board diagnosed the groom with a severe concussion and treated their scratches. Due to the medical emergency the flight diverted to Goose Bay, Labrador where emergency services met the plane and took the newlyweds to a nearby hospital. The dazed husband was cleared for internal bleeding but kept for observation in case his condition deteriorated. Four days later he was cleared to fly again, and they both safely returned home yesterday on an Air Canada flight. A British Airways representative told us they stayed in contact with the couple throughout and have credited each with 5000 Avios they can use toward their next trip as a customer service gesture. The labrador was reported to be fine if a little shaken up, but reportedly did not care one bit for his ancestral homeland.
An Essex couple was seriously injured on a British Airways flight last Thursday, when returning home from their honeymoon in California. In a strange twist of events they ended up in the Canadian arctic instead of their Chelmsford home. While flying over Canada flight BA280 from Los Angeles to London's Heathrow airport experienced strong turbulence, which sent an unrestrained black labrador flying through the cabin at break-neck speed and into the back of the head of the man sitting several rows in front. The panicked pup fell into his lap and severely scratched both him and his bride who was sitting next to him. A doctor present on board diagnosed the groom with a severe concussion and treated their scratches. Due to the medical emergency the flight diverted to Goose Bay, Labrador where emergency services met the plane and took the newlyweds to a nearby hospital. The dazed husband was cleared for internal bleeding but kept for observation in case his condition deteriorated. Four days later he was cleared to fly again, and they both safely returned home yesterday on an Air Canada flight. A British Airways representative told us they stayed in contact with the couple throughout and have credited each with 5000 Avios they can use toward their next trip as a customer service gesture. The labrador was reported to be fine if a little shaken up, but reportedly did not care one bit for his ancestral homeland.
Mar 9, 2020, 7:45 am
#54
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BA has chosen to permit ESA's on flights to/from the USA under policies much more "liberal" than those required by the US DOT and implemented by other carriers such as AA. DOT has proposed new rules which would vastly curtail ESA accommodations and require that they meet the strict requirements of a service animal. But, those rules, if issued, are likely at least a year away.
One can't criticize -- or ought not to criticize -- OP for taking advantage of the particularly generous conditions offered by BA.
One can't criticize -- or ought not to criticize -- OP for taking advantage of the particularly generous conditions offered by BA.
Mar 9, 2020, 7:52 am
#55
Join Date: Aug 2009
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Mar 9, 2020, 8:17 am
#58
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Wiki offers an interesting, if slightly long, read on the subject.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emotional_support_animal
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emotional_support_animal
Mar 9, 2020, 8:18 am
#59
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: LHR
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Posts: 135
Oh wow this has blown up. Do you folks not have day jobs? 
But seriously, thanks to everyone for your responses, feedback and advice. I'm all for banter, so for those of you who have been judging, or criticising the policy... erm yes sorry it's upset you so much
For those interested, it's a pretty thorough process. Our small dog, a cavapoo called Frida (she's under 6kg) is fully trained and hypoallergic and has all the relevant certifications required for the flight. BA was incredible in their response and worked directly (via phone) with the trainer to make sure everything is set for the flight. I spoke to the J cabin staff on my last flight and they said it's more common than we think, and small dogs usually with a specific harness (similar to a guide dog) sit on the laps of a passenger and/or on the floor. Additionally, BA work with your vet and relevant authorities to ensure the animal has all the relevant up to date jabs/vaccinations etc - no fleas too! To be honest, we have been impressed immensely by the service, it's our first time travelling together and this has helped us out a lot. Not that it was an option for us, but BA does not allow pets in the hold anymore because there were a few recent deaths so they stopped in January of this year supposedly.
Back to my post... it was merely to find out if anyone had flown with a dog in a cabin and if they had any advice. It seems we have to check in first with Heathrow, and then be guided through security etc. We are just confirming with Heathrow on where to go. Then yes there are relief stations and the dog is supposedly allowed into the lounge (that's probably going to piss off a lot of you on here haha). I don't think we will be going in anyway but it was useful to note. I think yeah, thanks to those who suggested the long walk - and we will be restricting food the day before and probably asking for ice cubes so that Frida can keep hydrated. We have no intentions of letting the dog roam around the cabin, she's well trained enough to hold it. I've also been given the advice that if all else fails, you put dog toilet pads down on the floor of the loos and they can go there. I doubt it will come to that.
Thanks again guys - I'm actually really impressed by the intrigue and interest. Wish us luck, we're actually really excited to be able to travel together!
But seriously, thanks to everyone for your responses, feedback and advice. I'm all for banter, so for those of you who have been judging, or criticising the policy... erm yes sorry it's upset you so much For those interested, it's a pretty thorough process. Our small dog, a cavapoo called Frida (she's under 6kg) is fully trained and hypoallergic and has all the relevant certifications required for the flight. BA was incredible in their response and worked directly (via phone) with the trainer to make sure everything is set for the flight. I spoke to the J cabin staff on my last flight and they said it's more common than we think, and small dogs usually with a specific harness (similar to a guide dog) sit on the laps of a passenger and/or on the floor. Additionally, BA work with your vet and relevant authorities to ensure the animal has all the relevant up to date jabs/vaccinations etc - no fleas too! To be honest, we have been impressed immensely by the service, it's our first time travelling together and this has helped us out a lot. Not that it was an option for us, but BA does not allow pets in the hold anymore because there were a few recent deaths so they stopped in January of this year supposedly.
Back to my post... it was merely to find out if anyone had flown with a dog in a cabin and if they had any advice. It seems we have to check in first with Heathrow, and then be guided through security etc. We are just confirming with Heathrow on where to go. Then yes there are relief stations and the dog is supposedly allowed into the lounge (that's probably going to piss off a lot of you on here haha). I don't think we will be going in anyway but it was useful to note. I think yeah, thanks to those who suggested the long walk - and we will be restricting food the day before and probably asking for ice cubes so that Frida can keep hydrated. We have no intentions of letting the dog roam around the cabin, she's well trained enough to hold it. I've also been given the advice that if all else fails, you put dog toilet pads down on the floor of the loos and they can go there. I doubt it will come to that.
Thanks again guys - I'm actually really impressed by the intrigue and interest. Wish us luck, we're actually really excited to be able to travel together!
Mar 9, 2020, 8:22 am
#60
Join Date: May 2016
Location: EDI
Programs: Was BA GGL but no longer travelling
Posts: 583
Thanks for the follow-up Gaz1a. We own two black labs (failed guide dogs), and whilst we've never contemplated any air travel with them (hold or seated) it's been interesting following this thread
Best of luck with your travels.
Best of luck with your travels.