[NAGDU] A Short Note on the Delta Issue

[Michael Forzano]

Hi Marion,

One thing that hasn't been discussed much is that many handlers might
not know about the policy change. If a handler is not involved in the
blind community, a member of NAGDU, etc. I think it's totally
reasonable that they might just show up at the airport, assuming they
have the right to fly without documentation as always, and be denied
boarding. Yes, Delta has obviously done a lot of media outreach on
this, but glancing over the articles one could conceivably conclude
that the policy only applies to emotional support animals. I have seen
people making that claim even on the guide dog lists and Facebook.

I fully support bringing the ACAA in line with the ADA, but especially
given the current political climate I don't have high hopes that this
will happen before the policy goes into effect, and someone has their
travel plans ruined by it.

So, I hope that NAGDU will consider a short-term solution (i.e.
negotiating with Delta to change or roll back the policy with respect
to service animals). As a frequent traveler on Delta, I am willing to
help in any way I can.

Mike

On 1/20/18, David via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Well, Marion, we are obviously on a different page on this one. If your
> characterization of our legal team's read on this is correct, I
> respectfully disagree with them.
>
> In regard to making the ACAA a mirror of the ADA, I am reminded of the
> famous trope about the man with a crippled right hand pleading with his
> god to make his one hand like the other.  There is a stroke of lightning
> and, instantly, his left hand is crippled.
>
> I think the proposed long term solution would be wonderful, but once the
> ACAA opened the floodgates allowing little Fluffy to fly, I don't think
> there is a snowball's chance in hell of that happening.
>
> I truly hope that we can find a way by working together to address the
> issue to the satisfaction of all parties.
>
> *David in Clearwater, FL*
> *david at bakerinet.com
>
> *
> On 1/20/2018 11:27 AM, NAGDU President via NAGDU wrote:
>> The solution we are seeking is a long-term one which would
>> involve making the Air Carrier Access Act a mirror of the Americans with
>> disabilities Act, meaning only dogs individually trained to do work or
>> perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability would be
>> allowed
>> to enter the aircraft cabin.
> Marianne is correct.  I think it should be noted that:
>
> 1.  Air carriers are not required to comply with the ADA under the Air
> Carriers Accessibility Act (ACAA).
>
> 2.  Under the ACAA, air carriers may require records of vaccinations for
> service animals.
>
> 3.  Under the ACAA, air carriers may require a request for accommodation
> of a service animal prior to boarding and provide a form for doing so.
>
> The new Delta policy regarding service animals does not require
> certification of service dog status.  It only requires that veterinary
> certificates of vaccination be less than 1 year old, if you are
> traveling with a service animal.  The same is required of ESAs When I
> was at GDF, we were advised that we should always carry our vaccination
> certificates with us when we traveled by air.
>
> I think the new policy was carefully researched by Delta.  Now, whether
> it makes sense or not, is an entirely different thing, as many here have
> pointed out.
>
> *David in Clearwater, FL*
> *david at bakerinet.com
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