[nagdu] Guide dogs and airport security
Marion Gwizdala
blind411 at verizon.net
Thu Jul 22 20:39:28 UTC 2010
Albert,
When I flew to Dallas for convention, the agent didn't even give me the
choice as to where I would sit, automatically placing me in the bulkhead
seat. Depending upon the aircraft, bulkhead seating is not always the best
for me, as there is sometimes a wall between First-Class and Coach. In such
instances, it is a challenge to accommodate a 100 lbs. dog and a 6'3"
person! when I asked for a different seat, I was told it was the FTA
regulations that I sit in the bulkhead! When they began to argue with me, I
advised them who I was by title and asserted I knew a little more about FTA
regulations as they pertain to disability than they did. I ended up getting
an apology from the pilot!
Fraternally yours,
Marion
----- Original Message -----
From: "Albert J Rizzi" <albert at myblindspot.org>
To: "'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'"
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, July 22, 2010 7:34 AM
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide dogs and airport security
> That just begs the question of where are they getting this impression that
> it is better for the dog? I myself prefer bulk head an would always ask
> for
> it. i, however would much prefer first class as well Robert.
>
> Albert J. Rizzi, M.Ed.
> CEO/Founder
> My Blind Spot, Inc.
> 90 Broad Street - 18th Fl.
> New York, New York 10004
> www.myblindspot.org
> PH: 917-553-0347
> Fax: 212-858-5759
> "The person who says it cannot be done, shouldn't interrupt the one who is
> doing it."
>
>
> Visit us on Facebook LinkedIn
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
> Of Robert Stigile
> Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2010 9:59 PM
> To: NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide dogs and airport security
>
> Hello,
> I always check in on line.
> When traveling to Dallas, I got to the airport, checked my bags,
> and went to the gate.
> As we were boarding, the gate agent said, hold on a minute, we
> are changing your seat so the dog will be more comfortable.
> I said to her, unless you are going to put me in first class, I
> do not need my seat changed thank you.
> So she left it alone, but just the fact, that she thought it was
> necessary without even asking me, is frustrating.
> Have a great day.
>
>
> Robert Stigile
> E-mail: rstigile at sbcglobal.net
> Skype: robertstigile1
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Ginger Kutsch" <gingerKutsch at yahoo.com
> To: "'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog
> Users'" <nagdu at nfbnet.org
> Date sent: Wed, 21 Jul 2010 20:53:37 -0400
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide dogs and airport security
>
> Dear Robert,
>
> One of the best ways I have found to avoid seat changes is to
> check in on line before you get to the airport. Generally, I do
> not notify the airline that I am traveling with a Seeing Eye dog
> unless I am flying out of the country or to Hawaii. This helps
> to
> avoid arguments with reservationists as well.
>
> Sometimes, depending on the type of plane, I *want to sit in
> the bulkhead though so I will exercise my rights as a service dog
> handler and request special seating accommodations (must be done
> at least 24 hours in advance) as the bulkhead is usually blocked.
> There are some planes that do offer more room for the dogs in the
> bulkhead. Most of the time, however, I travel on the smaller
> jets, 2 seats on one side and one seat on the other side. There
> is very little room in the bulk head on these planes and lots of
> room under the two-seat side.
>
> When I arrive at the gate, I wait close to boarding time and then
> walk up and notify the attendant that I wish to pre-board. I
> try
> to wait till it's really busy so the attendant won't have time to
> focus on the dog. if, at any time the attendant asks to see my
> ticket, I simply hand it over and say that I do not want my seat
> changed. This stops the attendant from changing my seat without
> my knowledge and allows me to have a dialogue about my rights if
> need be. If an attendant persists, I simply say that I am not
> required to sit in the bulkhead and I'd be happy to wait while
> he/she checks with the Complaint Resolution Officer (CRO). This
> strategy would probably work at the check-in counter too.
>
> Best,
>
> Ginger
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org]
> On Behalf Of Robert Stigile
> Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2010 1:00 PM
> To: NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog
> Users; nagdu at nfbnet.org
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide dogs and airport security
>
> Hello All,
> I have been following this thread since I returned home from both
> the convention and a vacation.
> I traveled to Dallas, then from Dallas to Vancouver Canada, then
> I took a shuttle bus from Vancouver across the United States
> Border, which I also had to go through a metal detector, and then
> I finally made my way home from Seattle back to Burbank
> California.
> In all of my travels, over the last two and a half weeks, every
> time I went through a metal detector, whether it be at the
> airport, the Docks for the ship, customs to come back into the
> states, I came across only one place where I had a question about
> my dog going through the screening with her gear on.
> I was at the Seattle airport, going through the detector, which I
> set all of my bags on the conveyer belt, and slowly approached
> the place where one goes through the metal detector.
> I made my dog sit, as I normally do, started through and the
> screener said, you have to take the dogs harness and collar off
> of her.
> I said no, I do not need to do that, I will not do that, and if
> you have a problem with it, I will ask you to call a supervisor.
> She said, we will have to pat your dog down when she comes
> through the screener, which I said yes, you are right, and
> proceded through.
> This was the first time, I had this issue, and I expect it to be
> the last.
> On another note, I am wondering, if anyone has a problem like I
> seem to have, with regards to the seat I sit in.
> When I book my airline ticket, I then choose the seat that I will
> sit in.
> I do not choose, nor do I want to be put in bulk head seating.
> I actually prefer about the middle of the plane, for many
> reasons.
> When I get to the airport, I check in and almost every time, they
> will try to move me to bulk head without telling me.
> The airlines seem to think, that they know best, where I should
> sit, and many have gone as far as telling me that the faa rules
> state that anyone with a service animal must sit in bulkhead
> seating.
> I have told them, that when they find that rule to come back and
> read it to me.
> Usually, they will come back after a while, and say you can sit
> here.
> I knew that in the first place.
> So, do any of you have this issue, do any of you care whether you
> sit in bulk head or in other seats.
> I am curious to hear from people on this list, who travel a lot,
> what is your preference, and if it is not bulk head, how do you
> handle this issue or does it come up with you.
> Thank you for reading.
>
>
> Robert Stigile
> E-mail: rstigile at sbcglobal.net
> Skype: robertstigile1
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Ginger Kutsch" <gingerKutsch at yahoo.com
> To: "'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog
> Users'" <nagdu at nfbnet.org Date sent: Wed, 21 Jul 2010 12:29:01
> -0400
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide dogs and airport security
>
> Steve,
>
> I believe Dawn Jenkins is the President of the Staunton chapter
> of the NFB in Virginia - perhaps someone can give her a call.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org]
> On Behalf Of Steve Johnson
> Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2010 8:15 AM
> To: 'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog
> Users'
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide dogs and airport security
>
> Could someone i.e. list moderator and list owner check to see if
> this person is an actual subscriber to NAGDU? If I am correct,
> this forward or reply has not changed at all with the exception
> of the name which is now Dawn instead of Brandy. I am going to
> block it on my computer just to be safe as it is just weird as we
> continuously get this same message lacking any narrative or
> response from the sender whomever it is. Anyone know this
> person?
>
> Thanks,
> Steve
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org]
> On Behalf Of Dawn Jenkins
> Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2010 7:06 AM
> To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog
> Users
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide dogs and airport security
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Chasity Jackson <chasityvanda at charter.net
> Sent: Saturday, 17 July, 2010 21:36
> To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog
> Users
> <nagdu at nfbnet.org
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide dogs and airport security
>
> In the event that we get a security member who insists that we
> remove the dog's gear, how can we affectively argue the point.
> Perhaps saying, "The regulations don't require me to do that,"
> wouldn't be enough...And you know how people can sometimes be, if
> you ask for their supervisor, they are conveniently not
> available, so the staff member claims.
>
> I live in St. Louis and have never had a problem with airport
> security, but was just wondering what is the most affective way
> to handle it in the event it arises.
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Charlene Ota" <caota at hawaii.rr.com
> To: "'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog
> Users'"
> <nagdu at nfbnet.org
> Sent: Saturday, July 17, 2010 8:49 PM
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide dogs and airport security
>
>
> That is really asking too much and putting you at risk for your
> dog running off!
>
> As for the pouch with the poop bags and the like, well, my boy
> gets a bit agitated when they start digging in that pouch, I
> think he'd probably get rather upset if they actually removed
> that pouch from his harness and tried to confiscate it. I'd
> probably definitely know about it if that happened!
> (smile!) Wonder what they'd even want with a pouch with poop
> bags anyway.
> Never know about these security types, do you.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org
> [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
> Behalf Of Pawpower Creations
> Sent: Saturday, July 17, 2010 1:28 PM
> To: NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog
> Users
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide dogs and airport security
>
> This is very true. By law they can not ask you to remove the
> dogs gear.
> Both Rox and I have experienced this, and we refused to remove
> either the harness or cape. We have had some interesting
> experiences in security, but so far they have not tried to force
> us to remove the gear. Asking you to remove the leash and
> collar is totally wrong. In fact I would contact the person in
> charge of airport security and report the incident and explain
> the law. If some one else on this list has information on how
> the law reads that would be good.
> I would
> be interested in knowing, and I will do some research and try
> and find out as well.
>
>
> Best wishes from the Pawpower pack!
> Bristol, Mill'E, Rudy, and Laveau
>
> Pawpower Creations, Products designed with you and your Canine
> in mind Bob Blackner/Rox'E Homstad
> 504-312-2609
> pawpower at cox.net
> www.pawpowercreations.com
> Custom made guide dog harnesses, leashes, collars, and relieving
> harnesses.
> Pawpower Creations is constantly growing and expanding as we
> strive to provide quality products for you and your canine
> companions.
> Soon we
> will be offering herb classes taught by a certified Herbalist,
> dog training classes, a training tips section, and other useful
> information for a nominal charge.
>
> We will also be selling hand crafted soaps, bath salts, and
> other fragrant products designed to relax the mind, cleanse the
> body, and soothe, calm and uplift your spirit.
>
> With eye upraised his master's look to scan, The joy, the
> solace, and the aid of man:
> The rich man's guardian and the poor man's friend, The only
> creature faithful to the end.
>
> George Crabbe
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Susan Jones" <sblanjones11 at sbcglobal.net
> To: "'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog
> Users'"
> <nagdu at nfbnet.org
> Sent: Saturday, July 17, 2010 5:41 PM
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide dogs and airport security
>
>
> Julie and listers,
> You should never even take your dog's harness off.
> What if you were traveling alone, and your dog decided to make a
> run for it, have an adventure?
>
> I know there are people on this list who can verify that the
> regulations do not require removal of the harness, let alone
> leash and collar.
>
> I had no difficulty on either end going to National Convention.
> Though I have had variances, such as people asking that we go
> through together, and they pat us both down, this is what I
> usually
> do:
> Have my dog sit at the door, make a long leash, go through
> first, and then call her.
> They will then call a guard to pat the dog down. I have never
> been asked to remove the harness.
> The worst thing that happened is that once, they confiscated the
> little poop patrol container that had plastic bags inside for
> pickup.
> I didn't realize it until we were on the plane. Not worth
> bothering about.
>
> Susan & Rhoda
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org
> [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
> Behalf Of Julie McGinnity
> Sent: Saturday, July 17, 2010 6:17 PM
> To: NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog
> Users
> Subject: [nagdu] Guide dogs and airport security
>
> Hi everyone. I hope you are having a nice weekend.
>
> I just got back from a week long trip to Philadelphia this
> morning.
> At the airport both going there and coming back something weird
> happened in airport security. I am wondering if there are some
> policies I don't know about, or if the people were really doing
> something wrong.
>
> Last Sunday I traveled from St. Louis to Philadelphia. When we
> got to airport security, I took the dog's harness off and put it
> with my purse and everything on the conveyerbelt. I made her
> sit and stay while I went through and then called her after I
> was out. She came right to me, and of course she made the thing
> beep because of her leash and collar. I just waited at this
> point because this is what always happens, and someone always
> comes to pat the dog down.
> The
> last 2 times I have traveled it happened this way. Instead of
> coming over to pat the dog down, they asked me if I could take
> her leash and collar off and make her go back through. I said
> that I would really prefer not to do that, and I said that I
> don't mind if they need to pat her down because that's what
> usually happens. They then asked me again to take off the leash
> and collar. I didn't know how to argue with them further, so I
> just did what they said. I took off the leash and collar and
> let my mother call her back through.
> Thankfully, she was very good. I think she thought the whole
> thing was a game. She went through without her stuff on, and it
> didn't go off, and she came right to me. It was very hard to
> get a handle on her though without her stuff, and the security
> people had taken her leash and collar, so it wasn't like I could
> just put it back on her.
> I had to wait for them to scan it, which meant I had to hold on
> to her awkwardly and walk to where the stuff was going to come
> out.
> Brie was very good, but the whole process annoyed me. I don't
>
> understand why they couldn't just pat the dog down. That's what
> happened when I flew to and from Dallas. It seemed to work fine.
> I know how to take my dog through security. They tought us at
> guide dog school.
>
> When I flew back to St. Louis this morning I experienced a
> similar thing _______________________________________________
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