[nfbwatlk] Airline Discrimination Incident

[Michael Forzano]

Hi All,
I was wondering if anyone knows what the regulations are regarding guide dog handlers sitting in aisle seats on a plane with their dogs? on my flight to New York on Wednesday night I was asked multiple times if I would be willing to move to a window seat because my dog would be obstructing the aisle if there were to be an evacuation. I have never been asked this before, and it is my personal preference to sit in an aisle seat, so I said that I would rather not move. In the end they asked the passenger in the window seat to move and she agreed, so I had the entire row to myself. The flight was delayed about 20 minutes I believe as a result of the incident. Even though it worked out in the end it was still a frustrating experience and I don't feel anyone should have had to move, I should not have even been asked. I contacted JetBlue about the incident and they are denying any violation of Department of Transportation regulations since they claim I was still able to get to my destination on schedule. Does anyone have any suggesttions of what I should do next? I was asked four separate times to move and I want to do what I can so others don't have to go through this. Happy to send the report I wrote up as well as JetBlue's response if anyone is interested. 

Also, wanted to apologize for my messages on the thread regarding Sushil's incident. Having experienced what I feel was discrimination first-hand, I can say it is definitely a terrible experience to be denied something that should be your right by law. 

Thanks,
Mike

Sent from my iPhone