[nagdu] airline placement of dogs and bulkhead related issues

[Michael Hingson]

Hi,

Concerning the issue of flight crews having wiggle room with the ACAA
language, in reality, there still is no loophole.  Some airlines can try to
insist that our dogs must be by the window to prevent emergency exits from
rows.  If a guide dog is placed under the seat in front of us in a
non-bulkhead row even this issue mostly goes away since then the blockage is
no worse than people's feet being in the isle.

By the way, I believe the most important reason for not sitting in the
bulkhead at ANY TIME is a safety one.  Dogs sitting in bulkhead rows can
bounce around during turbulent conditions while dogs under the seat in front
cannot.  In addition, it is easier to control a dog confined in this manner
than one who has more room to move and panic in the bulkhead.  Even on small
short-range aircraft there is room to put most dogs under the seat in front
of us.  I always fly this way whether it be on Southwest, American, or any
other airline.  Flight crews do not actually have a say in the matter. 


Best,


Michael Hingson

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Cindy Ray
Sent: Wednesday, December 26, 2012 07:05 PM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Southwest Airlines: Customers with Disabilities

It does leave them a little loophole, but they really can't with a straight
face say it is their policy that you are to sit in the bulkhead with your
dog. It really isn't and cannot be. Their response to my complaint said that
tye are aware of it. And their crew is going to say what they will no matter
what their policy is because they, and may other folks, too, believe that we
must do as we are told and will want to intimidate us.

CL

On Dec 26, 2012, at 8:34 PM, Margo and Arrow wrote:

> Well, that's great, but, this lea"es loopholes open for crew members to
state the dog would obsthuct evacuation unless the dog is in the bulkhead or
whatever designated seating they designate.
> 
> Southwest should have a clause stating that people are not required to sit
with their assistance animals in the bulkhead but can choose their seating
except for exit rows, I guess.
> 
> Margo and Arrow
> 
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Steven Johnson <blinddog3 at charter.net>
> To: "NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users" 
> nagdu at nfbnet.org
> Date: Wednesday, December 26, 2012 7:02 pm
> Subject: [nagdu] Southwest Airlines: Customers with Disabilities
> 
>> 
>> 
>> Cindy,
>> You may already have this information, but their on-line information
states:
>> 
>> Trained Assistance Animals
>> 
>> Southwest Airlines welcomes trained assistance animals on all of our 
>> flights. Except when too large to be safely accommodated, a trained 
>> assistance animal traveling with and providing assistance to a 
>> Customer with a disability will be accommodated in the aircraft 
>> cabin. In accordance with federal safety regulations, the animal must 
>> be positioned so as not to obstruct Customers' expeditious evacuation 
>> in the unlikely event of an emergency.
>> 
>> 
>> http://www.southwest.com/html/customer-service/unique-travel-needs/in
>> dex-pol
>> ._html
>> 
>> 
>> 
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