Archive for the ‘Travel’ Category
If you plan on traveling, you might find yourself making arrangements to fly with your service dog. Although service dogs are protected by federal laws, flying with your service dog still takes some preparation. The following are a few pointers on how to fly on Delta Airlines with a service dog.
About Delta AirlinesAs the world’s most awarded airline, you may fly with Delta Airlines at least once in your lifetime. In 2021, Delta ranked No. 1 in J.D. Power and Associates North America Airline Satisfaction Study. Delta helps 200 million fly each year, with over 50 countries and 300 destinations in their network.
Laws that Protect Your Service Dog While TravelingWith so many routes to choose from, Delta Airline may just have the destination you’re planning to fly to with your service dog. When you travel, two federal laws apply to you and your service dog:
The Americans with Disabilities Act The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects the rights of people with disabilities, which includes the service dogs that work for them. Unlike pets, emotional support animals, and therapy dogs, service dogs receive specific training to fulfill a task required by a person with a disability. Service dogs are necessary for the safety and well-being of their handler. The Air Carrier Access ActThe Air Carrier Access Act (ACA) protects the rights of individuals to have their service dog accompany them while they travel. Pet fees and regulations don’t apply to service dogs.Despite these laws, airlines may require notification and preparation before a service dog boards its flight. These requirements aren’t meant to make traveling with a service dog a challenge; Instead, they help streamline the traveling process and ensure safety for everyone.
Know how to fly with your service dog on Delta Airlines prior to making any flight bookings. Flying With Your Service Dog On Delta AirlinesCurrently, Delta Airlines only accepts service dogs and psychiatric service dogs. Other service animals are not allowed to fly as service animals on any Delta flights. Therefore, pet fees and regulations apply to non-canine service animals.
Delta no longer accepts emotional support dog (ESA) reservations as of January 11, 2021. Only service dogs are covered under ADA and ACA laws. Each customer may fly with, at the most, two trained service dogs.
Step1: Vaccinations and ReliefThe completion of two documents is required before flying on Delta Airlines with your service dog.
The U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Travel FormThe U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Travel Form attests to the service dog’s health, behavior, and training. The form must be submitted before flying on Delta with a service animal. For flights booked 48 hours or more before the departure time, the form is provided to Delta through the Accessibility Request form on the My Trips webpage. For flights booked less than 48 hours from departure, the U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Travel Form is submitted at the check-in counter or the gate of departure. The DOT Relief Attestation FormThe DOT Relief Attestation Form is submitted for flights lasting 8 hours or more. On this form, the service dog handler attests that the dog can relieve itself in a sanitary manner or, preferably, will not relieve itself while on the airplane. Step 2: Space ConsiderationsWhen traveling with a service dog, Delta Airlines asks customers to select a seat that can accommodate the dog comfortably. The service dog must be seated on the floor below the seat or, if small enough, on their handler’s lap. Service dogs are not allowed to sit in a seat or consume food off of the tray tables. For FAA safety reasons, service dogs may not extend into the aisle or reach into another customer’s space.
A service dog may not extend past the footprint of the assigned seat of their handler. If the dog is too large or may become an obstruction, the handler may check the service animal as baggage without charge. Otherwise, the handler may purchase a second ticket at the same rate for the service animal — however, a seat on the flight depends on availability at the time.
Step 3: Extra Time to Check-In and BoardAllow for extra time to check-in and board when traveling with a service animal. The additional documents and accommodations may delay your boarding process, and it’s best to have a generous window of time to fulfill all requirements.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to let your service dog relieve itself before any flight, no matter how long. All U.S. airports have a designated animal relief area. This will help prevent unnecessary accidents and embarrassment.
Quarantine Requirements for DogsDue to quarantine requirements and laws, some locations may not permit the entry of animals — even service animals. Check the animal requirements of your destination prior to booking the flight.
Service Dog BehaviorDelta may refuse to accommodate a service dog if it exhibits any of the following behaviors:
Growling or biting Jumping on others people Urinating or defecating in the gate area or the cabin Barking excessively Consuming items off the tray tables Flying on Delta With Your Service DogCustomers who have additional questions about flying with a service dog on Delta Airlines can contact them directly by calling Delta’s customer service at 404-209-3434.
Widely known for its excellent customer service, Southwest Airlines is one of the most preferred airlines in the United States. If you’re one of their lucky customers and have a service dog, you’ll find that Southwest Airlines accommodates service dog owners exceptionally well. That said, you may still want to familiarize yourself with the Southwest Airlines service dog policy to ensure a smooth travel process.
About Southwest AirlinesSouthwest Airline’s award-winning customer service and employee satisfaction are what the company is known for. Southwest consistently ranks high on FORTUNE’s list of the World’s Most Admired Companies. The airline also lands routinely on J.D. Power’s top companies for customer service. As an employer, its remarkable dedication to employees ranks the company on the Forbes Best Employer list year after year.
With this kind of reputation for excellence, you know you’ll be traveling with your service dog in comfort on Southwest.
Laws that Protect Your Service Dog While TravelingAs with all US airlines, two federal laws protect you when traveling with your service dog:
1. Americans with Disabilities ActThe Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets service dogs apart from pets and protects the rights of people with disabilities. Unlike pets, service dogs undergo extensive training to perform specific tasks for people who have a disability.
2. Air Carrier Access ActThe Air Carrier Access Act (ACA) enables people who have a disability to travel with their service dogs. The airline fees and regulations which apply to pets do not apply to service dogs.
Although these laws exist, airlines may still request prior notification and documentation before flying with a service dog. Prior notice enables the airline to make the reasonable accommodations necessary to fly with a service dog.
Before booking a flight on Southwest Airlines with your service dog get to know their service dog policy. How to Fly With Your Service Dog On Southwest AirlinesPets, emotional support animals, and therapy animals do not qualify under the existing ACA laws. Because of those changes in federal regulations, Southwest only accepts trained service dogs for travel.
Service dogs are individually trained to perform a task for a person with a disability and are welcome to fly the cabin with their handler. Southwest Airlines only recognizes dogs as service animals. Other non-canine service animals must fly as pets.
Step 1: Booking a FlightWhen traveling with a service animal, Southwest allows customers to notify the airline in advance through the “Special Assistance” link, which is accessible through the Passenger & Payment page (when booking online) or by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) before the travel date.
Step 2: Filling Out the FormSouthwest Airlines requires completing the U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Travel Form before flying with a service dog. If you purchase your ticket in advance, you must submit your form at least 48 hours in advance to Southwest.
U.S. DOT Service Animal Travel FormThe U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Travel Form attests to the health, training, and behavior of the service dog that is traveling. The U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Travel Form must be completed accurately and presented at the gate or ticket counter before boarding on the day of travel. The form is available on the Southwest Airlines website and at airports.
Southwest Airlines requires a U.S. DOT Service Animal Form dated on the ticket purchase date or afterward. Be especially careful to thoroughly complete the form, as an incomplete form is grounds for denial of transport. Southwest does not allow you to replace the form by simply using an ID card, registration, or service animal vest.
Step 3: Arriving at the AirportAt the airport, the individual traveling with the trained service dog must present the U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Travel Form to the ticket counter or gate agent. Keep in mind that the gate agent will not ask you to disclose your disability but may ask fact-finding questions as to what tasks your service dog performs.
Step 4: Boarding and In-FlightAs with all airlines, space and safety are vitally important. The following regulations apply to service dogs while on-board:
Individuals with service dogs may not sit in an emergency exit seat. The service dog can not obstruct the exit of their handler or others in the event of an emergency. If traveling with an animal carrier, the carrier must be safely stowed under the seat in front of the handler while the plane is taking off, landing, or taxiing. A service dog may sit on the customer’s lap as long as the animal is no larger than two-year-old. The service dog may not obstruct the aisle or occupy a seat. The service dog may not consume food off the tray tables. Service dogs who are disruptive, aggressive, or pose a safety or health issue may be asked to travel as pets. Other Considerations When Flying with a Service Dog on SouthwestSome locations may have additional health regulations for dogs, so do check the animal requirements for your destination. In addition, all U.S. airports have animal relief stations available. Feel free to have your animal utilize a relief station before and after flying.
For more information on how to fly with a service dog on Southwest Airlines, take a look at the customer service site or call 1-800-I-FLY-SWA.
United Airlines offers customers the most comprehensive network of worldwide routes. They also include one-stop or no-stop flights to and from anywhere in the United States. With hubs inside the four largest U.S. cities, it’s no wonder that United Airlines leads the airline industry. If you’re planning on booking a flight, United Airlines is probably one of your options. And if you’re traveling with your service dog, understanding United Airlines’ service, dog policies can simplify your trip.
Traveling with Service Animals on United AirlinesUnited Airlines welcomes service dogs within their cabin, as long as they perform tasks for a person with a qualified disability. United Airlines defines service animals as animals trained to do work to benefit a qualified person with a disability. The disabilities may include — but are not limited to — psychiatric, intellectual, or physical issues.
People with service dogs may travel with up to two animals. Service animals must be dogs and over four months of age to travel within the airline cabin.
How to Fly with a Service Dog on United Airlines Make sure that your dog qualifies and is trained to provide a service for your disability. Complete the required document(s) (linked below) for your service animal(s). Submit your completed documents to United Airlines at least 48 hours in advance. If you booked your flight within 48 hours of your departure, provide your completed documents at the airport. Contact United Airlines via the United Accessibility Desk (1-800-228-2744) with any questions. Required DocumentsUnited asks to complete a few forms before flying with a service animal. The Department of Transportation (DOT) forms are as follows:
U.S. Department of Transportation Air Transportation Service Animal Training and Behavior Attestation Form: The Service Animal Training and Behavior Attestation Form is mandatory for all service animals. The form serves as a customer’s statement that the service dog meets the training and behavioral standards for safety. U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Relief Attestation Form (Relief Form): The Relief Attestation Form must be completed for flights that are 8 hours or longer. The form ensures that the handler understands the service dog can relieve themselves in such a way that will not be a health or sanitation hazard to others on the plane.United Airlines asks that both forms be completed and carried with you. For tickets purchased 48 hours before the flight departure, the completed forms may be presented to the airline agent at the airport. United Airlines welcomes you to contact the United Accessibility Desk at 1-800-228-2744 for questions regarding traveling with your service dog. Please be aware that, depending on your destination, additional documents may be necessary.
Before flying with your service dog on United Airlines, familiarize yourself with their rules and policies. Traveling InformationWhen inside the cabin, the service dog should sit on the floor in front of their handler’s feet. To ensure safe aisle access for others, the dog should not protrude into the aisle or block others. Smaller dogs with a kennel must fit United Airlines’ stowage parameters. Service dogs and their handlers are prohibited from sitting in the exit row seats.
United Airlines asks customers flying with service dogs to adhere to the following:
Travel is not allowed within 30 days of a service dog’s rabies vaccination. Service dogs must be under the control of their handler at all times. Service dogs must behave appropriately and follow their handler’s directions. Service dogs are harnessed or leashed at all times. Travel within an airline cabin to an international destination, Guam, or Hawaii, may require a current copy of the service dog’s vaccination records. United recommends that vaccine copies should be on hand whenever traveling. Service Dogs in TrainingUnited Airlines allows dog trainers to bring one service dog in training on board — no charge —, as long as it assists a person with a disability. The service dog in training should not occupy a seat and should meet service dog documentation requirements. If not, handlers and trainers are welcome to check the dogs as pets.
Therapy Animals and Emotional Support Animals on United AirlinesOnly service animals helping a person with a disability may travel in the airline cabin free of charge. Therapy animals, comfort animals, and emotional support animals are not considered service animals. When traveling with these animals, pet-related regulations and costs will apply.
Flying with PetsIf you’re flying with a puppy or kitten as a pet, it must be at least four months old and accompanied by an adult person. The pet must remain in the floor space under the seat in a kennel. If they’re too large for a kennel, they must utilize United Airlines’ PetSafe program.
Documentation for PetsAnyone traveling with a pet on United within the continental U.S. will need a health certificate along with proof of the last rabies vaccine. Travel is prohibited within 30 days of the rabies vaccine. Some states like Hawaii and other countries require additional documents, and travelers must comply with all pet travel requirements relevant to their destination.
Flying with United AirlinesAs one of America’s premier airlines, United Airlines’ regulations for service animals are generally in line with other major U.S. airlines. Although service dogs are welcome in the cabin of United Airline’s airplanes, people traveling with service dogs should ensure that the correct documents and regulations are met. This makes the journey more enjoyable for both the individual and the service animal.
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