[nagdu] Dropping Leash In Airports

[Michael Hingson]

Jessica,

Actually, the rule is that you need to be in control of your dog at all
times.  In my opinion this does not mean you need to hold the leash as you
walk through the detector.  I never hold the leash as I have trained and do
trust Africa to stay while I go through.  The advantage of this involves not
needing to be patted down since I already put all metal in the bins.

After I go through the detector I call Africa.  Her harness sets off the
detector and so she gets searched after coming through the portal.  She
loves the searches, especially when TSA agents go slow and are, in Africa's
mind, thorough.  The longer the better she thinks.

A final comment.  If you do not drop the leash then both of you will need to
be patted down unless you can get your dog to sit outside the portal as you
walk through.  If the leash does not set off the detector then only the dog
should need to be searched after she or he comes through.  No matter what,
the TSA agent was incorrect to at least some degree.  Furthermore, you
should have never been threatened.  You should call the TSA about this
issue.  You may reach the hotline at (855) 787-2227. 


Best,


Michael Hingson

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Jessica Diaz PC
Sent: Sunday, April 21, 2013 01:48 PM
To: gdblounge at yahoogroups.com; NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association
of Guide Dog Users
Subject: [nagdu] Dropping Leash In Airports

Hello All
The subject says it all. My husband and I flew Delta from DC to FL last
Wednesday. The check in process went smooth and we got a sky cap person to
walk with us and give us general directions. When we got to the security
check, a woman said we had to drop our dogs. leash When we explained we
usually do not do this and technically don't have to, she said you have to
or else we cannot let you pass. I was frustrated and new that Saunders would
sit, so I did it. Is this right? She seemed in a hurry like she did not want
to have to pat me down or something. Any suggestions for the next time this
might happen? Thanks loads. The flight was actually great and we called
ahead to get seats the whole way here and back to DC tomorrow next to each
other in our own row. I love Delta customer service.
Jessica Diaz
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