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

Sun Apr 28 17:59:25 UTC 2019

Southwest is the best.  I always use bulk head seating, and it works great especially when having a large dog.  I also preboard to make sure I get the seat I am after.  Kudos really can go to this airline as well because I had one time where I found out about a gate change on my own since it was never announced, and the plane was pretty much full.  Problem then became where to sit since my previous guide dog was 76lbs.  I did not have to say a thing.  The flight attendant realized the problem and asked someone to move.
Jordan

-----Original Message-----
From: TravelAndTourism <travelandtourism-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Mike Sedmak via TravelAndTourism
Sent: Sunday, April 28, 2019 1:43 PM
To: NFB Travel and Tourism Division List <travelandtourism at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Mike Sedmak <mcsedmak at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Travelandtourism] best experiences when traveling with a Guide Dog in US airlines

Seconding the recommendation for Southwest.  When you check in, request a "medical preboard".  This allows you to board before general seating and I have always been able to get a bulkhead seat when preboarding.

On other airlines I have often had to have my guide dog squeeze under the seat in front of me.  My girl is only 55 pounds/25kg, so it works. 

Thanks,
Mike

Sent from my iPhone, please forgive the typos. 

> On Apr 28, 2019, at 8:46 AM, Aleeha Dudley via TravelAndTourism <travelandtourism at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi, 
> It has been my experience that no airline will guarantee you an extra seat for your dog, nor do they have to by law. However, if the flight is not full, most airlines will attempt to rearrange seating in such a way that you can have the extra space if you request it. That being said, they do not have to, and can choose not to. Also, here in the US, the front, or bulkhead row, is becoming somewhat of a grey area legally, because some airlines are requiring passengers to pay extra for those seats, along with window seats. Technically speaking, an airline is not required to upgrade your class of seating to accommodate your guide dog, so you might not get that bulkhead seat. Southwest Airlines is my favorite, as they don’t require you to pay for your first two checked bags, and they have an open seating policy, so, if you board first, you’ll have your pick of seats. I would not recommend Allegiant Airlines, as they are requiring forms be filled out for guide dog and other service animal handlers to be able to fly with them. To my knowledge, no other airline requires this. 
> Now, to your questions about assistance, if you call the airline’s disability assistance line, they will note on your reservation that you need assistance if you request it. This usually involves assistance from the check-in counter at the airport through security and to your gate, where the gate agent will generally assist you from there. Some assistants insist on offering a wheelchair, and I personally don’t take them because I am able to walk with them, and it is not safe for my dog. Finally, you will be able to board first if you request that service, but it might not be automatically offered to you. Just ask the agent at the gate, who will work that out. 
> I hope this helps.
> Aleeha Dudley 
> 
>> On Apr 28, 2019, at 8:23 AM, Santiago Velasquez via TravelAndTourism <travelandtourism at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> 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
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> 
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