Crossing the line? Rights of UA passenger when animals are on the flight.
Oct 28, 2017, 5:47 pm
#31
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: DEN/OGG
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 1,482
I previously reported on FT (and wrote to GS) that on a PS flight there were two dogs in bulkhead seats in first class. Neither was in their carrier and one paid attention throughout the flight to any food that was on my tray. The dog's owner slept through most of the flight. GS responded to me claiming that they have to allow emotional support animals and they totally ignored their published policy which I cited in my email. So the bottom line is what they publish in terms of policy about pets has little to do with what actually happens on a UA flight.
Oct 28, 2017, 5:51 pm
#32
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: BNE
Programs: NZ*G, QF Bronze, VA Red
Posts: 563
I previously reported on FT (and wrote to GS) that on a PS flight there were two dogs in bulkhead seats in first class. Neither was in their carrier and one paid attention throughout the flight to any food that was on my tray. The dog's owner slept through most of the flight. GS responded to me claiming that they have to allow emotional support animals and they totally ignored their published policy which I cited in my email. So the bottom line is what they publish in terms of policy about pets has little to do with what actually happens on a UA flight.
Oct 28, 2017, 6:07 pm
#34
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: BNA
Programs: HH Gold. (Former) UA PP, DL PM, PC Plat
Posts: 8,184
Yes. The pet must remain in the carrier at all times and a fee is charged.
A pet traveling in the cabin must remain in a carrier at all times.
Federal regulations (ACAA) prohibit an airline from requiring a service animal, including emotional support animals, travel in a carrier.
Federal regulations (ACAA) prohibit an airline from requiring a service animal, including emotional support animals, travel in a carrier.
Oct 28, 2017, 6:09 pm
#35
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: The Indo Jungle
Programs: AA EXP, IHG Spire
Posts: 1,319
Oct 28, 2017, 6:10 pm
#36
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Houston,TX
Programs: UA Plat, Mil Miler, Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium Elite, National Exec. Elite, Hertz Prez Circle
Posts: 191
I didn't confront the passenger to avoid appearing as insensitive or create any problem. I am of Asian descent and after what happened to Dr. David Dao on United, I am playing it safe in-flight. But I wanted to share a piece of my mind in this forum, after my flight, as I thought it was egregious.
The second picture alone would have had me in that girls face telling her to get her dog under control. That is unacceptable on it's own without your descriptions of what was going on. No need for you to be docile and appearing to accept it. Did you confront the girl? Did you say anything to anybody? Did you talk to the FA? Write into the DOT about the abuse of the ESA guidelines. Don't know what it would do but it would get it on record.
Oct 28, 2017, 6:24 pm
#37
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: LA,NYC
Programs: AA-EXP 2.8 MM,UA-GS 1.3 MM,DL-PL,HH-DM,LH-SEN,Bonvoy-GL
Posts: 296
There was a recent case discussed on FT where someone reported they were fatally allergic to dogs and there was such an ESA on board, so United denied boarding to the pax with allergy.
Yes and No. if it doesn't fit under the seat, UA can carry the pet in the hold, which costs a heck of a lot more.
You also cannot carry a pet in cabin if the flight enters or travels through Australia, Hawaii, or Guam, or if it's a 747, 757, 767, 777, or 787. Basically you can't carry pets on Boeings.
Yes and No. if it doesn't fit under the seat, UA can carry the pet in the hold, which costs a heck of a lot more.
You also cannot carry a pet in cabin if the flight enters or travels through Australia, Hawaii, or Guam, or if it's a 747, 757, 767, 777, or 787. Basically you can't carry pets on Boeings.
Oct 28, 2017, 6:27 pm
#38
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Houston,TX
Programs: UA Plat, Mil Miler, Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium Elite, National Exec. Elite, Hertz Prez Circle
Posts: 191
She boarded at the very last. Plus, all first class seats were released as CPUs and all seats were taken.
Oct 28, 2017, 8:02 pm
#39
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: NYC/Northern NJ
Programs: 1K - UAL, Platinum DL, Marriott, Hilton, SPG
Posts: 1,815
UAL has a customer service rep answering cust9mer care who has a titled in disability clientele.
My biggest complaint of UA is their lack of pet policy enforcement and unfortunately I think it will hurt them if/when a delayed flight turns into a zoo.
The most pet crazy routes I’ve experienced has been to/from MIA (other retirement airports), SFO and LAX.
I love pets but find it selfish to inconvenient other passengers who have no choice or option to reject having an extra neighbor. Some folks are really afraid of animals and causes them anxiety or allergies which seems insane airline cares more are about peanuts reacti9n vs. dog reactions.
My biggest complaint of UA is their lack of pet policy enforcement and unfortunately I think it will hurt them if/when a delayed flight turns into a zoo.
The most pet crazy routes I’ve experienced has been to/from MIA (other retirement airports), SFO and LAX.
I love pets but find it selfish to inconvenient other passengers who have no choice or option to reject having an extra neighbor. Some folks are really afraid of animals and causes them anxiety or allergies which seems insane airline cares more are about peanuts reacti9n vs. dog reactions.
Oct 28, 2017, 8:03 pm
#40
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: UA Gold MM, HHonors Gold, Hertz Five Star Gold, Marriott Gold, Avis First
Posts: 462
Oct 28, 2017, 8:03 pm
#41
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,850
As such, such discussions are generally moved to TravelBuzz and threads such as
The Definitive Discussion of Emotional Support Animals on Airlines
Fake Service Dogs
So for those wanting to discuss the general topic of ESA ("Emotional Support Animals"), please head off to one of the above threads. Such posts here will be removed.
Passenger rights / what UA will do if you don't want to sit near the animal, are valid for the UA forum.
WineCountryUA
UA coModerator
The Definitive Discussion of Emotional Support Animals on Airlines
Fake Service Dogs
So for those wanting to discuss the general topic of ESA ("Emotional Support Animals"), please head off to one of the above threads. Such posts here will be removed.
Passenger rights / what UA will do if you don't want to sit near the animal, are valid for the UA forum.
WineCountryUA
UA coModerator
WineCountryUA
UA coModerator
Oct 28, 2017, 8:38 pm
#42
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 32,038
Yes. The pet must remain in the carrier at all times and a fee is charged.
A pet traveling in the cabin must remain in a carrier at all times.
Federal regulations (ACAA) prohibit an airline from requiring a service animal, including emotional support animals, travel in a carrier.
A pet traveling in the cabin must remain in a carrier at all times.
Federal regulations (ACAA) prohibit an airline from requiring a service animal, including emotional support animals, travel in a carrier.
Frankly, it is a safety concern.
don't care if they are in carriers or not. If they invade my space I call the crew. If they can't fix it I ask for for a full refund. It is that simple. What is shown in the pictures is 100% unacceptable. I hope the OP asks for ans receives a full refund.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Oct 28, 2017 at 11:55 pm Reason: merging consecutive posts by same member; OT content removed
Oct 29, 2017, 12:00 am
#43
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: SAN
Programs: 1K (since 2008), *G (since 1990), 1MM
Posts: 3,218
The timing of this is amazing. I was on a UA DEN-DSM flight on Thursday (10/26). After a few minutes I needed to ask the FA for napkins as I started sneezing and my eyes were running (I was in 1A and my bag was in the overhead). I asked the FA if there were any dogs on the flight and she said no but there had been a dog on the previous flight. I was reassuring the passengers around me it was not a cold but allergies.
After two attempts at take-off we went back to the terminal and after two hours they switched us to a new plane, and voila no more sneezing or runny eyes.
Dog dander lingers (apparently).
After two attempts at take-off we went back to the terminal and after two hours they switched us to a new plane, and voila no more sneezing or runny eyes.
Dog dander lingers (apparently).
Oct 29, 2017, 12:21 am
#44
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Seoul
Programs: None anymore
Posts: 983
So if I book a premium fare, have an important engagement to be at (where I can't take a later flight) and I'm seriously allergic to animals, what would happen if a dog was seated next to me? What would the FA or GA do about it?
Reading some of these stories in this thread it's just so messed up that I would get deplaned or moved elsewhere when someone else having an emotional support dog whose purpose is to skirt some fees is allowed to get away with it. Mind boggling.
Reading some of these stories in this thread it's just so messed up that I would get deplaned or moved elsewhere when someone else having an emotional support dog whose purpose is to skirt some fees is allowed to get away with it. Mind boggling.
Oct 29, 2017, 12:49 am
#45
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: San Diego
Programs: IHG Spire Amb, HH Diamond, DL Diamond and 1MM
Posts: 3,610
Taking a look at the photos, it looks like the woman in the window seat is the dog owner. She is also fiddling with her phone. If I were the guy in the isle seat, I'd lift up my leg so that the dog can escape down the isle. The resulting confusion may be enough by itself to spur the FA's into some action.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Oct 29, 2017 at 12:51 am Reason: OT content removed per Moderator note