Flying with my SD... I'm scared.

[Nalla]

I have to fly back to NJ (long story) and stay there until I start the College Program at Disney (and I'll be flying back down then obviously).
Last time I was on a plane with an SD (my previous one, not my current one) I was harassed by the employees on the plane. To the point where I was crying, I had an attack and couldn't breathe and they just kept harassing me... then they gave me a paper to sign saying I "violated federal law" and that I'd be taken by agents when I landed. Which helps a ton when you can't calm down... jerks. So we landed, and the federal agents were like "***? It's a service dog. byebye."
Now I have to fly again. I'm terrified. I couldn't get the airline in trouble last time, so for all I know (and we could only find an affordable last minute flight on the same airline) they still treat SD users like criminals. I had law cards, doctors notes and called ahead last time. Really there's not much else I can do... so I'm worried that I'm setting myself up for the same problems as last time. Not like I can help it, I need the dog, and even with everything taken care of proper I was harassed badly and almost arrested.
Anyone have any words of wisdom? Or the ability to make me stop freaking out? I leave tomorrow, and I'm so scared.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

How about when you get to the airport ask to speak with an airline Customer Service Manager. Explain what happened on the last flight and that you would like to make sure that nothing similar happens this time.

You also might want to look at some of the links on Post 15 of the disABILITIES FAQs.

 

[mechurchlady]

I can give you hugs and self confidence. Know your rights as a person travelling with a service dog. Do what Cheshire said to do. You probably ran into a bunch of idiots but normally I have been treated special by people who were nice to everyone on the plane. When you get scared you remember us on this board. Remember Sue who is like an aunt and Cheshire Figment will be with you in spirit like a big brother. I will be praying for you and be with you in your heart protecting you as will many of us on this board. When you get scared ask what Sue would do or someone like Becky, bookworm, Nicole and me. Part of growing up is having to be firm with people and demand your rights.

Hugs for Nalla and chin up kiddo. I and many of us are here praying and hoping for a safe journey. Remember us when you are lonely or scared. I know you can do this Nalla.

 

[LauraVV]

We've flown several times over the last three years. Had tiny problem one time with TSA agent. She gave me a bit of grief. I then said to her, "Let me speak to your supervisor." Hmmm, I had no problem then.

We were once on a flight with five service dogs. Didn't have a problem at all. So, don't worry about it. You're not likely to have a problem. I would recommend having your dog in cape. That may not be required by law but it does make life much easier!

 

[bookwormde]

If you do not mind what airline was it that gave you and you SD such a bad time. I have some higher up contact numbers in a couple of airlines in the disabilities compliance departments. If it were one of them they would appreciate hearing your story (they are very committed to disabilities rights).

If you do not have time to do any of this, then arrive an hour earlier than standard and ask for the airline’s FAR part 382 (CRO) complaints resolution official and explain what happened last time and make sure that the official “briefs” the flight crew so they can meet your needs.

bookwormde

 

[maburke]

I can understand your fear. It is very scary to think that the law requires us to follow flight crew directions, no matter what they are. So people can say "stand up for yourself," but you really can be arrested if you cross them.

Having said that, the other advice you've had here is right: every airline has an ADA compliance officer at every airport, so just ask to speak to that person and make sure the crew is briefed BEFORE you get on the plane.

Good luck!!

 

[dclfun]

I haven't had any problems flying with my SD. Not to be personal, but is your disability visible? If not, this may be part of the issue. Now that the airlines are charging for pets, there are unscrupulous people who are claiming to have "service dogs" so they don't have to pay or put their dogs with baggage and thus airline personnel are sometimes suspicious. I'm not saying this is right but it could be part of the problem. The only thing I've been asked to bring with me is proof of vaccinations and I do leave on my SD's vest. The last time I flew, which was in September,the airline ( SW) couldn't have been more accommodating. I've also flown with her on United and the same thing happened- very helpful flight crew who were very kind to us and made sure we were comfortable. If you do have a problem, as was mentioned, ask to speak to the CRO ( conflict resolution officer). Also plan to get to the airport early and take your dog on a break before you get to airside as you have to pass back through security to get back to a grassy area. Good luck!---Kathy

 

[Nalla]

I'm through security, and so far no problems. I found a nice grassy area by the DME busses. I talked to a CRO at the desk and she said that nothing similiar would happen this time, so I think she's going to give the crew a heads up.
And bookwormde wanted to know, it's Continental that I had the previous problems on.

 

[merryweather20]

I'm through security, and so far no problems. I found a nice grassy area by the DME busses. I talked to a CRO at the desk and she said that nothing similiar would happen this time, so I think she's going to give the crew a heads up.
And bookwormde wanted to know, it's Continental that I had the previous problems on.

Yeah! Good news! Lots of for a safe stress free trip.

 

[mechurchlady]

I'm through security, and so far no problems. I found a nice grassy area by the DME busses. I talked to a CRO at the desk and she said that nothing similiar would happen this time, so I think she's going to give the crew a heads up.
And bookwormde wanted to know, it's Continental that I had the previous problems on.

Hugs Nalla and says a prayer for travel mercies for Nalla.
Good news so more hugs for you.

 

[bookwormde]

Glad things are going well, a little preemptive contact usually helps.

Continental is not one of the airlines, which I have talked to so no help there. If I do ever fly them I will definitely be checking with them ahead of time though, hopefully it was just an isolated situation. Of course I carry a copy of part 382 with me when I fly just in case.

bookwormde

 

[Nalla]

Well, I'm home now! No problems at all. The airplane people were all nice to me. The guy sitting next to me (it was just the two of us sharing the three seat row) loved dogs, so he didn't mind that Nalla stretched out.
The airplane people were totally helpful, and I had no problems whatsoever. Thanks for all the support guys. I'm hoping this keeps up and I don't have problems flying back to Florida.

 

[mechurchlady]

Hugs and chocolates, Nalla
I knew you could do it. Glad you had a good flight.
Hugs
Laurie

 

[bookwormde]

Great news, Welcome back to cold the northeast.

bookwormde

 

[SueM in MN]

I've been kind of busy this week and was not on the boards much.
Glad to hear you got so much support here and had a good trip.

 

[Ms_Butterfly]

That is great that you had no problems this time! It is terrible what happened to you before, though - and they weren't even considerate to your anxiety attack, but made it worse!

You said you couldn't get the airline in trouble - how come? Did you file a complaint with the DOT and the DOT found the airline to be in compliance of all things?

For future trips, like others said, ask for a CRO if you have issues (don't bother with the manager - they'll back up their employee even when the employee is in the wrong). There is also a DOT Passengers With Disabilities phone line you can call when you're in the middle of an issue - you can find the info. on the DOT Web site (or do a Google search for it). If you are flying with another person, it is helpful for your friend/family member to be well-versed in the laws, what your SD is and does for you, etc. so they can help answer any questions, especially if you are experiencing an anxiety attack and have trouble speaking.

Do remember, though, that one way they use to tell if a dog is an SD or not is credible verbal assurance, so it would be helpful for you to practice declaring to a stranger that your dog is your service dog and does X and Y tasks for you. (I assume from what you said above that you don't have anxiety attacks until after they start giving you issues, though, so you're likely already doing this.)

If you have any major issues with an airline over access, make a formal complaint to the DOT soon after the flight/trip. It may take a few months to hear anything back, but you will hear back from them.

 

[ireland_nicole]

Nalla;
I'm so glad to hear back from you; I've really been praying that your trip went well! I'm so glad it did. I hope you know we will be expecting frequent updates while you're on the college program- it will make it almost like all of us there with you- only without taking up all your floor space!!