[NAGDU] Another Airline Question

[alysha.jeans at gmail.com]

Thanks to everyone who has responded. I have a 60 lb. lab, so nothing out of
the ordinary. But even though this is pretty minor in the grand scheme of
things, I'm quite fed up with airline issues! Would it be worth reporting
this to DOT now, or would it be best to wait and see how things go at the
airport? If by some miracle I have no problems boarding the flight, would
this still be an ACAA violation? It does seem like a good idea to report
this to DOT since I think these questions on weight and breed are becoming
standard for many airlines, but I can't help thinking I'm making a bigger
deal of this than I should. I'm trying to restrain myself now from replying
to United's email saying that I'm looking forward to traveling with my guide
dog and am not concerned with whether or not they add him to their records!

Thanks,
Alysha
-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU <nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of NAGDU President via
NAGDU
Sent: Friday, September 14, 2018 1:52 PM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Cc: NAGDU President <blind411 at verizon.net>
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] Another Airline Question

Alysha,

	I would simply ignore their requests for information. On May 16 when
the DOT issued the advance notice of proposed rule making, they also issued
specific enforcement priorities they intended to focus upon. Some of them
were issues related to service animals, breed restrictions, and  advance
notification. If I were you, I would file a complaint with the DOT and send
the email you have received.

	We have an excellent relationship with the enforcement office and,
if you would like us to help you pursue this, please let me know.

Fraternally yours,
Marion


Marion Gwizdala, President
National Association of Guide Dog Users Inc. (NAGDU) National Federation of
the Blind
(813) 626-2789
President at NAGDU.ORG
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-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Alysha via NAGDU
Sent: Friday, September 14, 2018 1:42 PM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
Cc: alysha.jeans at gmail.com
Subject: [NAGDU] Another Airline Question

Since all the new service animal policies have been instituted, I've had
trouble with airline employees hassling me at the gate for not notifying
them in advance about my dog. I'm usually all for advocacy and education,
but the gate agents don't listen to a word I say even when I pull up their
own policies on my phone to show them, and my frustration level with this is
going through the roof. So in order to avoid this drama for an upcoming trip
with United, I caved and indicated that I have a guide dog when I bought my
tickets. A few days later, I got an email from them with a subject line that
partially read "New SSR Request" asking what service my dog performs and
what are his weight and breed. Maybe I'm just being stubborn, but I really
think that the only piece of info they need is what service he performs. I
answered the email saying that as I indicated in my reservation, I have a
guide dog. Well, they emailed me back saying that if I don't answer all
their questions, they won't be able to add my animal. Does anyone know why
they need to know my dog's weight and breed, and am I required to provide
that info? Also, what does SSR stand for? Are they going to flag me as
needing assistance at the airport? I'm tempted to just ignore their emails,
but I know this will just cause more issues when I arrive for my flight.
Thanks for any insights!

 

Alysha

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