[NAGDU] Going through airport security with your dog

[Daryl Marie]

I have traveled through both Canadian and American airports with my guide dog, and I have had her harness on and had her leash guide me. In both countries, airport security has allowed us to go through and then wanded me and my dog (I take off the harness if they wish to wand her). I tend to wear clothing with metal bits that set off the alarms anyway (buttons, snaps, little decorative rivets on jeans), whether intentionally or by accident (read: poor planning), so I tend to set off the alarms anyway.  The first time I went through airport security, Jenny wasn't sure what to make of it when they wanded me, and an agent flipped out when I tried to bend down and put my foot on jenny's leash. I explained that she was uncertain, and if I could just have her lay down and have my foot on her leash, she would calm down and they could go about their business, which is ultimately what they all wanted.

The next flight I took, a TSA agent actually took my dog away from me, which I realize now was completely unacceptable. I flipped out, and the group I was with basically watched the agent with my dog, then had her back to me quickly. Since then, I've always carried a copy of what TSA agents are allowed to do as it pertains to service dogs. I have also never been willing to be separated from my guide dog in an airport again.

I completely agree with Raven that your dog should be able to sit and stay while you go through security, but I also understand Morgan's reluctance to go through security separately.


Daryl
----- Original Message -----
From: Raven Tolliver via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Raven Tolliver <ravend729 at gmail.com>
Sent: Sat, 12 Dec 2015 13:03:55 -0700 (MST)
Subject: [NAGDU] Going through airport security with your dog

Morgan,
I flew home from GEB after attending class there. We were a month-old
team, and still, when I when through airport security, I left my dog
in a sit-stay as I went through the scanner, then called him through.
It is important for the dog to go through separately, since their
collar, leash, and harness (if you leave it on) will likely set off
the scanner due to their metal components.
I understand your concerns, but your dog shouldn't have an issue with
staying and obeying commands in the presence of distractions. The
likelihood of anyone bothering your dog during the brief time in a
security line is almost negative.

Strangely, my dog has gone through some scanners without setting them
off. They probably weren't working correctly.

A wooden or plastic cane would help going through the scanner. It
would be nicer than having a person guide you. Security agents make
things far more clumsy, awkward, and complicated than they need to be.
-- 
Raven
Founder of 1AM Editing & Research
www.1am-editing.com

You are valuable because of your potential, not because of what you
have or what you do.

Naturally-reared guide dogs
https://groups.google.com/d/forum/nrguidedogs

On 12/12/15, Morgan Leland via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Did you let go of the leash? I would trust Fairest not to run away but I
> would be afraid someone would distract her and she's start playing (we are a
> new team) or they'd try to take her.
>
> Morgan and Fairest
>
> On Dec 12, 2015, at 11:19 AM, Becky Frankeberger via NAGDU
> <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> The TSA in Pasco WA uses wooden canes so one feels independent going
> through
> security. They are about four feet long and have the hook. Worked fine for
> me as it isn't a long walk and the scanners did not beep.
>
> The wooden cane helped me measure exactly where to walk through so I would
> not touch the sides. My guide dog just sat quietly waiting for me to call
> him through. I really did feel safer with the cane then someone's hand.
>
> Becky and the flying fluffy fur ball, dats me, toothy grin. Love Jake

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