Emotional Support Animal Policy
Oct 11, 2013, 7:28 pm
#76
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 552
I requested cash reimbursement for my destroyed iPad as well as cleaning costs for my bag from WN and the passenger, never got it. WN supervisor refunded my points I used to pay for the ticket when I landed, but they said I'd need to put in a claim for the actual items. While it "technically" hasn't been denied, I have yet to have any progress on that situation.
The woman's dog was held in quarantine for thirty days for observation, then they put it down. The dog supposedly attacked employees at the shelter while it was held for observation so the lady had no chance of getting the dog back. She was never charged. I wanted to press charges but the DA felt there wasn't significant evidence to charge her. We thought about pursuing the matter against her in court, but after doing a background check against her we found she has about fifteen unpaid judgements outstanding. It'd be useless.
WN was accommodating at first, they refunded the tickets, followed up at the hospital, and later twice. They offered about a week later to pay medical bills if I submitted for reimbursement, which I did. However after I submitted the bills they offered to only cover the deductible portion, only problem is I'm self employed so the insurance we carry I purchase myself. My next years rates are based upon last years claims, I've already priced it out and my rates will be going up by $135 a month. I would've been better off paying cash at the hospital to get reimbursed at the true cost, but obviously I wasn't concerned about that at the time. So what WN wants to give my girlfriend for the incident is less than half the purchase price of the ticket she was on. I told WN I'd rather not be reimbursed at this moment, we'd like to consider our options. After I said that they refused to speak to us again on the matter.
Most importantly my girlfriend refuses to fly WN now because of the incident unless she absolutely has to. She travels all the time on between LAS-RNO, but refuses to now take WN. Just earlier this week she instead flew AA LAS-LAX-RNO and back. I've switched her off of companion pass and I'm stuck having to run down our 200k+ points stashes myself prior to devaluation.
The woman's dog was held in quarantine for thirty days for observation, then they put it down. The dog supposedly attacked employees at the shelter while it was held for observation so the lady had no chance of getting the dog back. She was never charged. I wanted to press charges but the DA felt there wasn't significant evidence to charge her. We thought about pursuing the matter against her in court, but after doing a background check against her we found she has about fifteen unpaid judgements outstanding. It'd be useless.
WN was accommodating at first, they refunded the tickets, followed up at the hospital, and later twice. They offered about a week later to pay medical bills if I submitted for reimbursement, which I did. However after I submitted the bills they offered to only cover the deductible portion, only problem is I'm self employed so the insurance we carry I purchase myself. My next years rates are based upon last years claims, I've already priced it out and my rates will be going up by $135 a month. I would've been better off paying cash at the hospital to get reimbursed at the true cost, but obviously I wasn't concerned about that at the time. So what WN wants to give my girlfriend for the incident is less than half the purchase price of the ticket she was on. I told WN I'd rather not be reimbursed at this moment, we'd like to consider our options. After I said that they refused to speak to us again on the matter.
Most importantly my girlfriend refuses to fly WN now because of the incident unless she absolutely has to. She travels all the time on between LAS-RNO, but refuses to now take WN. Just earlier this week she instead flew AA LAS-LAX-RNO and back. I've switched her off of companion pass and I'm stuck having to run down our 200k+ points stashes myself prior to devaluation.
Does she have a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy? That might provide some coverage.
I hope your GF is alright.
Oct 13, 2013, 10:51 pm
#78
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Western US
Programs: WN CP, WN A-List Preferred, AS MVPG 75k, SPG Gold, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 554
And she is doing fine now, thank you.
It's not really a live and let live attitude, but a realization some battles will never be won. I claimed the iPad on my credit card. I won't win against the lady who's dog went hostile, first rule of law school is there is nothing to gain from suing a poor person. WN is insistent on paying only deductibles, so I've moved on from playing "Let's Make a Deal," negotiating with them is only a waste of time. If we decide to pursue the matter further it will be in court, and which we will likely do.
Oct 14, 2013, 7:58 am
#79
Join Date: Oct 2001
Programs: LTP, PP
Posts: 8,700
I won't win against the lady who's dog went hostile, first rule of law school is there is nothing to gain from suing a poor person. WN is insistent on paying only deductibles, so I've moved on from playing "Let's Make a Deal," negotiating with them is only a waste of time. If we decide to pursue the matter further it will be in court, and which we will likely do.
Its all about the deep pockets. And surprising about the deductible thing, insurance companies have a little thing called subrogation if they catch wind another party might be at fault! It is a pain but sounds like you have to force WN to do the right thing in court.
Oct 15, 2013, 8:08 am
#80
Join Date: Jan 2009
Programs: Delta Diamond; 2 Million miler
Posts: 14
There have been plenty of forum comments about service animals on airplanes and even a recent USA Today article about it. Just take a moment to search the forums and plenty of information will appear on this subject.
Oct 15, 2013, 8:12 am
#81
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: London, England
Programs: BA Exec
Posts: 75
Oct 15, 2013, 12:20 pm
#83
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: CP-ASEL,AMEL,G-IA in Tucson, Arizona, United States
Posts: 1,124
It's not really a live and let live attitude, but a realization some battles will never be won. I claimed the iPad on my credit card. I won't win against the lady who's dog went hostile, first rule of law school is there is nothing to gain from suing a poor person. WN is insistent on paying only deductibles, so I've moved on from playing "Let's Make a Deal," negotiating with them is only a waste of time. If we decide to pursue the matter further it will be in court, and which we will likely do.
Oct 15, 2013, 1:17 pm
#84
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 5,813
The Insurer could also sue Southwest to recover if the cost was due to their negligence. They don't usually do that because they would have to pay lawyers Southwest would have to pay lawyers and even if they win it cots more money, especially on a minor injury.
Oct 15, 2013, 1:27 pm
#85
Join Date: Oct 2001
Programs: LTP, PP
Posts: 8,700
I speak from experience, once my son fell at home and bumped his head, the idiot health insurer held it up for months until they were satisfied it didn't happen in a car or someone else's premises (all over a single $60 pediatrician visit mind you).
Also my new puppy once nipped me in a sensitive place and sent me to the ER (who elected to do nothing treatment wise). But the fact it was a dog bite set off bells and whistles and I was pestered by the Board of Health for weeks until I faxed them proof of the dog's immunizations!
Really surprised WN not being proactive here given the potential liability.
Oct 15, 2013, 1:42 pm
#87
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 5,813
I am surprised that the health insurance company held up payment. In many states failure to promptly pay a claim is actionable. If they believed someone else was responsible their course of action should be to pay them claim then seek reimbursement from the responsible party.
Oct 15, 2013, 6:02 pm
#88
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: san francisco
Programs: No airline status whatsoever, Chase URs, HHonors Diamond, IHG Platinum
Posts: 567
Where can I sign up for this?
As they provide unwavering companionship, they provide emotional comfort to the owner. They have been found to be very effective as companions to children with specific needs and to the elderly that have mental problems such as dementia. There are other cases involving all ages, but the determination should be made by a mental health professional.
Their widespread use is becoming controversial as it is felt that many people with typical devotion to their pets assign emotional support status to them garnering the privileges of the designation without a valid corresponding professional determination.
Their widespread use is becoming controversial as it is felt that many people with typical devotion to their pets assign emotional support status to them garnering the privileges of the designation without a valid corresponding professional determination.
Oct 15, 2013, 6:12 pm
#89
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Location: LAX; AA EXP, MM; HH Gold
Posts: 31,789
The vest is un-necessary and a scam directed at the ignorant, as it does not substitute for the required medical diagnosis and letter from the doc. Under the ACAA, the airline can ask for the letter (and all of them do).
Oct 15, 2013, 6:44 pm
#90
Join Date: Oct 2001
Programs: LTP, PP
Posts: 8,700
http://www.registermyserviceanimal.c...FRKg4AodIHEAHQ
I believe this was the site advertising on the side of FT eariler! A good deal!
I believe this was the site advertising on the side of FT eariler! A good deal!