I recently submitted a comment to SW suggesting a policy change re travel with dogs.
Unlike other pets, dogs and humans have a very special bond that goes back millennia.
Dogs are revered in our society as the most loving and trusted of companions.
Looking around at many of the humans permitted to occupy seats, I find it odd that I cannot purchase a seat for my best friend who would never get drunk, cough on you, or punch a flight attendant.
I don't have a debilitating psychiatric disorder, so my dog does not qualify as a service animal.
My dog is 22 pounds and does not fit in a carrier under the seat in front of me.
- I think SW should designate a number of back row window seats per flight for people to purchase for their dogs. (Owners to occupy the middle seat as a "buffer")
- Require vaccination records to be uploaded during check-in process.
- Require the owner to attest that dog is toilet trained, non-aggressive and well socialized.
- Require dog to be bathed/groomed.
- Restrict the breeds with a reputation for aggression.
- Hold irresponsible owners accountable with fines, etc.
- Extra little bonus pay for flight attendants working those rows (i.e. for the "risk")
Most dog owners are responsible. They will not bring a dog on a plane that isn't clean, hasn't had a very long bathroom break, isn't well socialized, etc. Most dog owners don't want to be sued! Why punish all dog owners for the few bad apples?
Find a workable way to allow the responsible dog owners to purchase a seat for their dog to travel with them. Why not take advantage of this revenue stream? I would do a lot more traveling, I can assure you!
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