[Travelandtourism] best experiences when traveling with a Guide Dog in US airlines

[Santiago Velasquez]

Good day to you all. I hope this message finds you well.

I would like to apologise in advance if this message is a little bit long. I just want to make sure I cover everything.
I will be traveling from Australia to the US this June for work, and I will have to move internally through a few different cities. I will be traveling with my Guide Dog and a companion. For those of you who are based in the USA, and travel with their Guide Dogs, I am hoping you can help with some recommendations.

This is not my first time in the USA, but it is my first time with my Guide Dog in the states. I am going to skip over the legalities of airlines and service animals, since I know they legally have to carry them. With that aside, here is where I am. If I travel internally in Australia, with any airline and my Guide Dog, below are the guarantees I have:
1. We are Always guaranteed an extra sit for the floor space for my Guide Dog.
2. We are always guaranteed assistance at the airport. From the checking counter, to the taxi ad the destination and everything in between.
3. Skipping the queues at the airport for security, ETC. And boarding first.
4. If traveling with a Guide Dog, we are always guaranteed a sit just after business/first class. Just behind the bulkhead for the extra space.
The aforementioned support is guaranteed with all airlines at no extra cost.

I wanted to mentioned the stuff above so that you guys understand where I am coming from. Now, the states.

I have been reading, and as previously mentioned I know that legally all US airlines carry service animals. From what I have been able to see, all do it at no extra cost. However, from what I have been able to find, none will guaranteed an extra sit for the floor space for your Guide Dog. They will however provide reasonable support to a person who is traveling with a Guide Dog. But I have not been able to properly assess what this means. Not even from their Website. Some do mentioned assistance through the airport, but not much beyond that.

So, for my frequent US Guide Dog travellers by air, here is my main question:
From your experiences traveling with your Guide Dogs internally in the USA by air, what has been the airline that has consistently provided you and your Furry friend with the best service and support?
IF you can elaborate why, and what type of support that is, that would be great. Also, which airlines don’t have great reputation with their service and support when traveling with a service animal?

I understand that any opinions, or feedback provided is personal, and that two people might have totally different experiences with one airline, but anything that you guys can share is greatly appreciated.

Regards
Santi