PayItForward

I agree people scam systems all the time including the ones I listed but when called out I think the perpetrators will not say they were "forced" for the reasons below. Neither do I think there will be mass folks sympathising their circumstances and blaming the building owner or the restaurant owner.

(e.g.) using a fake handicap placard because

- lots near the building entrance are all handicap lots
- handicap lots are usually available and no searching is required
- regular and available lots are so far away

(e.g.) Faking child's age to get discounted all-you-can-eat buffet because

- adult price is so expensive
- while not a child, eats little and like a child

With ESA, this seems entirely different. Most knows the rules. In fact, the scam can only be committed with clear knowledge of the rules so intent to commit fraud is clear. And the vocal supporters sure make the perpetrators feel even more righteous of their fraud.

That said, I am happy to read that some law makers are considering rewording the existing law so that the people this was supposed to protect remains protected while reigning in the abusers.

yohanson

I wonder what he's drinking in that coffee cup.

bgalakazam

As non-American originally, I do not understand service pets, as well as "disabilities" and "diseases" like adhd, anxiety, etc... Cannot convince me a dog or cat will help you out that much. People are abusing the system. Because of pictures like this I have no problem bringing a lap infant in first/business with an award ticket. It's appalling how many people defend "emotional support" pets, but can't tolerate a human traveling. USA is weird sometimes.

Ber2dca

I love dogs and wouldn't mind flying with them in general, but if a dog shat on my laptop bag I might have to be physically restrained from pulling a Jack Black in Anchorman.

FrontRow

Has anybody thought about how a pet of that size cold affect the humans in the event of an emergency?

The allergy issue appears to be ignored by Delta. If you're allergic, it's your problem. You move or rebook.

There's a ton of posts and comments about this on FB.

The ESA fraud has got to end. Hopefully before one of these pets causes a real problem.

yohanson

In an emergency, we are all going to die.

People that have allergies need to find a cure, move, or die off. I prefer the dying off but science is keeping them alive.

FB has lots of comments on everything.

I'll give you point 4.

flyupfrnt

This. This is exactly the issue and where the scepticism comes from EVERYTIME I see an ESA. For the record. I know A person who has pulled this same thing. Ridiculous !

jrl767

in all likelihood, not the people who put their own wishes ahead of following rules
maybe not "all"; I'd guess there's a significantly higher probability that at least one casualty would be someone who's more concerned about their animal's survival than following the crew's instructions to evacuate in the emergency situation

FlagrantViola

I would add children, the elderly, the handicapped, and the obese as potential barriers during an emergency.
Inebriated people would also be a potential negative factor during an emergency so perhaps alcohol shouldn't be served.

Romelle

Is the size of the animal crate posted anywhere?

At the gate could there be a animal crate test frame like there is for carry-on luggage?

I was "treated" to an adjacent lap-dog on my last flight since its crate wouldn't fit under the seat. A sniffing, lapping, bouncy, squirmy, hair and dander-flying lap-dog. It almost never sat. Stood and circled. It definitely didn't make me feel positive toward Delta, the dog owner, or the dog.

MSPeconomist

Where was its crate during the flight? I hope you complained.

jimrpa

Wait? What?! We make all kinds of accommodations for passengers with "peanut allergies", but passengers with allergies to animal dander are just told to get off the plane? I find it pretty amazing that someone who conceivably could have paid thousands of dollars (in the case of transcontinental delta one) would be told to get off the plane so some stupid "emotional support" creature could fly for free.

mapleg

Any support animal I have had along those lines has generally been in the form of a club sandwich. I fee emotionally satisfied after eating it.

jdrtravel

I have pretty bad cat allergies and have sat next to a pax with a cat under the seat in front of me and did not have any issues. While I don't doubt that some people with allergies would react, I think this issue is probably overblown. Also, thankfully DL has air vents on all their planes so it is fairly easy to get freshly filtered air.

kulflyer

Did I strike a nerve there? To me, when the individual goes to the extent of faking ESA to bring the pet along for a vacation, it is no longer a desire.