[nagdu] Airline Travel

[Sherry Gomes]

I always have the reverse problem. I have a fused knee and really must sit
in the bulkhead, and they're always trying to put me in a regular seat. I
can't sit there, since I can't bend my knee. I find flying so stressful now,
between the TSA searches and trying to get a seat where my leg and dog can
fit, that I avoid flying as much as possible. I also have artificial joints,
so there's no way to avoid setting off the metal detectors and some hand
searches can be quite invasive. I understand the reasons for it, but it's
sure made me hate flying with all my might! Thankfully, my dog Olga, is good
about flying when we must do it, so I don't have that stress added to it
all.

Sherry


-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Cindy Ray
Sent: Friday, November 15, 2013 2:40 PM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Airline Travel

I, persopnally, always preboard. It is just easier to get the dog in place.
If they try to get you to sit in the bulkhead and you don't want to, then
refuse. It is the best seat to take a window seat. Then others in the row
can get out if they need to for pit stops. 

TSA is pretty simple. Some people put their dog at sit, tell them to rest,
and then call them through after going through first. I hold the leash as a
long leash as we did in obedience, put the dog at sit, tell him to rest,
walk through, and then call him. Last time he was so excited that he ran
through anyway because he thinks he is getting loved when they pat him down.
They will. Usually, they wand your hands to see if there is explosive
residue on them. It's pretty easy to fly if the little hassles don't get to
you. And if your dog is comfortable, you will enjoy it. Try not to be up
tight; then your dog will be even more comfortable.

CL

On Nov 15, 2013, at 3:33 PM, craig.heaps at comcast.net wrote:

> My guide, Chase, and I will be flying Thanksgiving week with my wife to
Milwaukee to see our son and daughter-in-law.  It will be the first flight
Chase and I have taken together.  He's very mellow.  He rides the BART train
every day and has taken a few local bus trips as well. 
> Please give me any advice you have on airline travel, including how to
navigate the TSA checkpoints..  The more detailed, the better.  
>   
> We will fly from San Francisco to Milwaukee on Southwest Airlines.  I have
preboarded many times before on Southwest while cane traveling. 
>   
> Thanks for your help. 
>   
> Craig Heaps and Chase 
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