[nagdu] Guide dogs and airport security
Marion Gwizdala
blind411 at verizon.net
Fri Jul 23 01:58:24 UTC 2010
Albert,
It's all a metter of preference.
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 4:51 PM
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide dogs and airport security
> Yet still they insist that this is the regulation. Where are they getting
> this from? do the airlines not know the laws and regs they are asking
> their
> attendants' to work from? now what a difference 10 pounds and 1 inch make.
> I
> myself am 6 2 and my dog is 90 pounds and the bulk head suits us just
> fine.
> But like I said to Robert, I would gladly go first class anywhere. Thanks.
>
> 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 Marion Gwizdala
> Sent: Thursday, July 22, 2010 4:39 PM
> To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide dogs and airport security
>
> 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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