[NAGDU] Air travel forms

[Jenine Stanley]

Thanks Julie, 

I know many guide dog handlers are rebelling over the forms. Two things to keep in mind. Though the rule says “airlines *can* require” it will generally be implemented as “DOT requires”. It’s up to organizations like NAGDU to remind them of the exact meaning behind the rule language. 

Secondly, only if airlines choose to take legal action against those fraudulently representing themselves and their animals, something they’ve always had some leeway in doing, will the threatening language in the form work. It’ll only take a few prosecution’s to get the message across. 


> On Dec 3, 2020, at 1:12 PM, Julie Johnson via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> This document and the rules as I understand them look completely reasonable, fair and long overdue.  In an ideal world we would not need to fill out paperwork to confirm the obvious, but I am continually reminded that quite a few adults cannot act like adults.  If this is what it takes to fly with less drama then so be it.  I’m not completely convinced this will stop the shananogins, but at least signing a document where the person is reminded that lying in this instance is a crime, will hopefully cut  down on the drama, at least a little.
> 
> A big thank you to Jenine for working so hard on this for so long.  I know the long meetings with no clear conclusions were very wearing.  There was a lot of disagreement during the process of developing these rules.  Thank you for fairly representing all guide and service dog users, including those who owner train!
> 
> Julie
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Dec 3, 2020, at 11:37 AM, Jenine Stanley via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> From the PDF document containing the full text of the final rule: 
>> 
>> 
>> Warning: It is a Federal crime to make materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements, entries, or representation knowingly and willfully on this form to secure disability accommodations provided under regulations of the United States Department of Transportation (18 USC Section 1001).
>> 
>> DOT logo
>> 
>> US Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form
>> 
>> Service Animal Handler’s Name
>> Phone
>> Service Animal User’s Name (if different from Handler)
>> Phone
>> Service Animal Handler’s Email
>> Animal’s Name
>> Description of the Animal (including weight)
>> 
>> Animal Health followed by a bold line
>> Checkbox: [Insert Animal’s Name] is vaccinated for rabies.  Date of last vaccination.  Date vaccination expires in the dog.
>> Checkbox: To my knowledge [Insert Animal’s Name] does not have fleas or ticks or a disease that would endanger people or other animals.
>> Veterinarian’s Name (signature not required)
>> Phone
>> 
>> Animal Training and Behavior followed by a bold line
>> Checkbox: [Insert Animal’s Name] has been trained to do work or perform tasks to assist me with my disability.
>> Name of Animal Trainer or Training Organization
>> Phone
>> Checkbox: [Insert Animal’s Name} has been trained to behave in a public setting.
>> Checkbox: I understand that a properly trained dog remains under the control of its handler.  I understand that a properly trained dog does not act aggressively by biting, barking, jumping, lunging, or injuring people or other animals.  It also does not urinate or defecate on the aircraft or in the gate area.
>> Checkbox: I understand that if [Insert Animal’s Name] shows that it has not been properly trained to behave in public, then the airline may treat [Insert Animal’s Name] as a pet by charging a pet fee and requiring [Insert Animal’s Name] to be transported in an FAA-approved pet carrier.
>> Checkbox: To the best of my knowledge, [Insert Animal’s Nam] has not behaved aggressively or caused serious injury to another person/dog.  If you cannot check the box above, please explain.
>> 
>> Other Assurance followed by a bold line
>> Checkbox: I understand that [Insert Animal’s Name] must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered at all times in the airport and on the aircraft.
>> Checkbox: I understand that if [Insert Animal’s Name] causes damage, then the airline may charge me for the cost to repair it, as long as the airline would also charge passengers without disabilities to repair the similar kinds of damage.
>> Checkbox: I am signing an official document of the US Department of Transportation.  My answers are true to the best of my knowledge.  I understand that if I knowingly make false statements on this document, I can be subject to fines and other penalties.
>> Signature of the Service Animal Handler
>> Date
>> 
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> 
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