Question: Flying with a service dog
 

Does anyone have experiences flying with your yorkie or a small dog that is a service dog?

I have flown with Haruka many times and always paid for fee.... I just booked a ticket to fly to DC from Boston in January to attend a conference. For the first time Haruka is flying with me as my service animal. Because my disability is not visible and I am a young individual (I would like to think I am young...) and Haruka is tiny, I don't know how things go. I bought a service dog vest and also have a letter from a doctor. It doesn't say my disability (but people can tell by the name of the clinic because it was a clinic for a specific choronic illness) or tasks that Haruka does. I haven't called Delta yet to let them know that I am flying with a service animal....

Any experience sharing will be helpful and appreciated.

Thanks,
M

From what I have read- service dogs fly free- also the count on the plane (ie- there can only be 3 dogs on the plane in the cabin at once) does not apply to your dog- she is not included in the count. And I also believe if having her in your presence helps with your disability- she does not have to be in her carrier.

My daughter had a seeing eye dog for awhile and they do fly free. You need to call the airlines and let them know you will be bringing a service dog, though, when you get your ticket.

It is my understanding that they can only ask if it is a service dog. They cannot ask you what service the dog provides for you.

I just call Delta to let them know. It was just so crazy..... they made me talk to 3 different people and took them 45 minutes to help me. They kept asking what type of services... then I told them that it was for my choronic illness and don't necessary want to discuss the details.. then they were like they require documentations blah blah blah. So I told them that I know that the documentation is not required and very well know about ADA but I will bring the doctor's note with me. It was the headche.

oh really? that's so disappointing- you'd think they've never had a service dog on board- but good for you for being knowledgeable and telling them how things are! maybe they will be more prepared next time!

Well it is more like I had to say that than maybe being really knowledgeable. i did research but if I wasn't ashamed my disability, then I wouldn't have had this tough time expressing myself. I just needed to sound confident... because my voice was shaking because my room is so cold..

oh don't be ashamed at all! Everyone has something that they have to deal with- you are very lucky to have a fur butt to help you through it :) It is nothing to be ashamed of at all! The more you fly with her the better you will get at it :D

Michiko - you have nothing to be ashamed about. I do not believe you even need to let them know you will have a service animal with you as they do not count toward the total on the plane. A service animal (including an emotional support animal) does not need to be in a carrier for take off or landing or for any part of the flight. Do not let them bully you. The only documentation you need is a letter from your doctor stating you are in treatment and the service animal is required. There is no need for a diagnosis, but it does need to be on letterhead and would probably be helpful if an office adress & phone number is included. Good luck!!!

Ya I do have the doctor's note. My doctor wasn't very familier about it but I talked to him and he decided to support right away. He wrote me a letter. And because he works at a specialized clinic, the letter tells my disability..which sucks but oh well.

They really gave me a hard time. i told the last person that I shouldn't have had to wait for 45 minutes to just to make sure that you guys know that I am bringing a service animal and i don't need any special arrangement. I just told them that I called sooner because it was the first time.

Because Haruka's main help for me is not emotional situation, so I don't even need a letter but because I didn't want to disclose so much about the specific tasks I told them that I also have a prescription letter. The letter only states that I am his patient and he is treating my choronic illness. It says, "it is my professiona opinion that Ms.___ should retain her dog for her physical and mental well being. Please accommodate her and her dog, as requested.

I haven't been feeling confident yet to bring Haruka to the public (except putting her in the bag) yet... I think I have a lot of shame.. I need to start practicing with her to help me in public too. I know she is well behaved.

did you travel yet?

This is for january.. :)

I got some good feedback from people who have same chronic illness and have service animals... so I am feeling a bit better and confident to be able to speak to people....

I have traveled with my service dog. I make reservations for him the same time I make mine. The airlines can ask you what service the dog performs--they can't ask what your disability is. Is that clear? You do not need to have the dog in a carrier as long as the dog is wearing a swervice vest.

Thanks for the info- I just ordered Layla a service vest- but i'm confused- wouldn't telling what she performs say what the disability is?

That was the same challenge when they asked me about the tasks. I said "she helps me with my chronic illness.. so it is the physical health matter. She helps me with my treatment plan.." They weren't satisfied.

*sigh* i guess i'll just have to cross that bridge when I get to it. I guess I woudln't mind so much saying it on the phone to someone- i just wouldn't want to do it in person.