11-21-2018
09:56 AM
11-21-2018
09:56 AM
Hello! During the December holidays, I will be travelling with my service animal (a large canine) on a plane for the first time. I have avoided doing so for years because of all the horror stories I've heard about airlines not being accomodating, or other passengers questioning the legitimacy of the animal. My service animal is a seizure alert dog (she braces me in case of a seizure, and alerts for help)--but to look at me, you would never know. I'm young and otherwise healthy (I run marathons! It's possible!), and I'm so afraid I'll be harrassed while flying because I don't "look" disabled. I chose Southwest because I've heard it is the most accomodating and informed when it comes to service animals (although when I called to let them know I would be bringing a service animal, the custmoer service person said all I needed was her "service animal tags" and I had to gently explain that that's not a thing...). I'm especially concerned because this is my service dog's first time flying (and despite being extremely well-trained, even service animals can become stressed in very new situations), and because she is relatively large, I'll absolutely need a bulkhead seat. So my question is, does anyone else have experience with this, ie, "hidden disabilities" and flying with a service animal? Is there anything I should be prepared for ahead of time? Many, many thanks.
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