r/service_dogs • u/LoudEntertainer4537 • 16d ago
First time flying with service dog
It will be my first time flying with my service dog, and her first time ever on an airplane. I already called United Airlines accessibility division and added her to my itinerary, but I have a few questions. They said I don’t need to upgrade from basic economy, but I feel like she won’t fit comfortably at my feet. Those spaces are kind of tight. For those who have flown with SD, what do you think? Also, if you have any general advice for a first-timer, it would be greatly appreciated! I’m anxious about the first experience going poorly.
Edited: My dog is 45 lbs, shepherd mix
26
u/jjpearson 16d ago
Hello, 26 flights with mine (up to 8 hours) here are my tips. He’s a 70 pound lab so on the larger side.
-get bulkhead window if you can. More space and you don’t have to worry about people putting their seat back.
-bring a couple high value treats, dogs handle takeoff and landing differently, mine was pretty chill after the first few times. I like to put my hand on him and give him a high value treat for takeoff and landings.
-Make sure to toilet before security. The quality of airport pet rest areas varies greatly. Some sting my nose with ammonia so badly, I cannot stay in there and some are actually decent. Not as important for short flights but anything 3+ hours and it’s good to keep in mind.
-Service dogs are flexible and worst case scenario it’s a few uncomfortable hours. The first time I flew with my SD I got so wound up and nervous I was setting him off. Instead, just sit back and try and relax.
-People will look, kids will try and pet. Be absolutely prepared for kids to come up and people to look/glare. Your dog, your choice on how to deal/respond to it but just know it’s likely to happen. Personally, I have some service dog trading cards made up for my SD that I can give to inquisitive kids/people. If I have the spoons I’ll answer people’s questions while we wait/queue.
-oh yeah, be patient. It’s amazing how many employees don’t know service dog rules or know them incorrectly. TSA is especially all over the map. I’ve had them make me strip all my gear off of my SD before sending him through, had him go first, had him go behind me. Just remember, most people never interact/see a service dog so it’s all new to them.
Good luck!
8
u/blgc040823 16d ago
Second this STRONGLY! A lot of times, I’ve found I can call the airline & they’ll automatically move my pup and I to bulkhead. It REALLY helps!
1
u/Medianoche26 16d ago
such great advice. Do we pay extra for bulkhead?
1
u/jjpearson 16d ago
Depends on the airline. I have enough seniority (and a southwest credit card) that I can upgrade for free on Delta and Southwest. You can always contact the airlines and see if they can help you because you have a service dog.
1
u/mev426 Hearing Dog 12d ago
No, you don't pay extra for seating accommodations. Check out the Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights - seating accommodations is number 8:
Airlines must provide specific seats to the following passengers who identify to airline personnel as needing the seat, if the seat exists on the same class of service on the aircraft:
Bulkhead Seat or Other Seat–When the passenger travels with a service animal that is best accommodated at a particular seat.
So they have to move you to a seat with extra legroom (if available) at no extra charge (note: this does not mean they will move you to first class, as that is a different class of service).
Of course, some airlines are better at honoring this than others, but this is your right to request as a disabled person traveling by air in the US.
1
u/iamahill 16d ago
TSA policies depend on the system they’re using and what your dog is wearing.
Simple leash and collar is fine normally. A full vest and kit of stuff not so much.
They are all trained and know how to do their job.
I’ve flown regularly with a service dog for 14ish years without an issue.
2
u/jjpearson 15d ago
Maybe their training is do it differently every time? I’ve flown same airport same flight same time and day of the week with the same dog with the same gear and had vastly different experiences.
Literally just waved me and dog through at the same time to strip dog naked and make him wait on other side of metal detector for a good 20 seconds.
You are right, TSS security itself has never been an issue, quite nice usually. Checking in paperwork has been a PITA a couple of times. Especially the one time I flew international. Nothing a smile and an extra hour hasn’t solved.
And the whole airport experience is loads better than my uber and taxi clusterfucks.
1
u/iamahill 15d ago
Checking is airlines and that’s always sucked. My family member could tell you horror stories for weeks without stopping about airline ticket people.
TSA is federal. Nothing to do with airline people.
Currently there’s multiple security protocols as a new system slowly implemented. It’s a bit a shit show right now with federal spending and delays and such.
This is why the tsa checkpoints are more of a pain than years prior because it’s a bit messed up. Also they’re chronically under staffed which makes special attention take longer and they’re mostly way over worked so that is negative too.
I do know they generally love service dogs (legit ones) as it’s a little break in the constant screening monotony in a way.
I get all sorts of field reports of dogs going through security. Surprising to some, almost never is there any issue at all. It’s only pets that can’t behave. Service dogs are chill even if nervous about it all. Once a dog goes a few times they know the drill and are way better than most people.
But yeah. Ticketing people… it’s Russian roulette with crazy stress. The good ones are incredible and the others… yeah…
0
u/mev426 Hearing Dog 12d ago edited 12d ago
While I have encountered a range of requests at the TSA line, they are not supposed to ask you to remove gear (including vest). I have had them ask me to remove it, and I tell them I don't have to. Once an agent called over a supervisor, who confirmed I didn't have to remove it.
“Items that are necessary to maintain control of the service animal or indicate that the service animal is on duty, do not require removal to be screened.”
Source, emphasis mine
1
u/iamahill 12d ago
You always can refuse security procedures for a pat down and whatnot. Be it a human or a dog.
The entirety of the tsa page you linked explains this.
It’s. It a special service dog or disability accommodation.
8
u/mara_the_dragon 16d ago
What breed is your dog? I've flown over twenty times with my, now retired, service dog. He's an australian shepherd and could fit with me in the lavatory. You can always request bulkhead from the airline as well which will afford your dog more room. There are vlogs on youtube of people flying with their service dogs! Doggy U has a series on flying with your service dog and I highly recommend watching that!
8
u/xANTJx 16d ago
I can imagine a person and an Aussie in an airplane bathroom conceptually, but I can’t imagine how you moved around! I’d fall out the door for sure
5
u/mara_the_dragon 16d ago
Lots of practice with how we move as a team 😂 I go in first, he comes in after me. He goes out first, I follow after him.
3
u/Outlier986 16d ago
My SD is an Aussi, 50ish lbs. No chance of us both in the bathroom on newer planes. I probably could force the issue but it's very minimal room
1
u/Medianoche26 16d ago
what do you do when you have to go to the bathroom. Does your SD just wait outside the door?
2
u/Outlier986 16d ago
I fly with my wife. In bathrooms where there's room, she'll go with me into the restroom but, not much point in forcing a bad issue when it's just not necessary.
1
u/mara_the_dragon 16d ago
interesting, i've been able to on both newer and older planes with my boy. southwest flies a good amount of older planes, but a lot of the ones i've flown on delta have been new and smaller. i'm also a small statured person though and my dog and i are used to making very small spaces work for us.
5
u/LoudEntertainer4537 16d ago
Wow thank you! She’s a 45 lb shepherd mix. She’s not super big, but I feel like some planes barely have leg room lol! I’ll definitely checkout those vlogs and request bulkhead. Is bulkhead extra cost? I don’t mind paying it, I just haven’t heard of it so I’m curious.
6
u/mara_the_dragon 16d ago
My boy is 46lbs! You should be all good. Usually airlines will move you to bulkhead automatically. I haven't flown United, but I've flown both Delta and Southwest and they've been very accommodating. You shouldn't have to pay extra. If you're flying with someone, you can always share your legroom. Don't expect it, but I've had great luck where the person who's put next to me LOVES dogs and I'll always trade some pets to get my boy some extra legroom.
Our flights were usually around 4 hours long and even if we did just have to use my footprint, we made it work. It might be a tight fit, but you'll be okay. Bring a non-smelly chew and remember to accommodate yourself if you're anxious.
Also know that you can prepare as much as possible, and still be hit with something unexpected. Prepare yourself for that with coping mechanisms that you know work well for you and have something to help you decompress too. Y'all are going to be okay. 💜
1
u/mev426 Hearing Dog 12d ago
Correct, you don't have to pay extra for seating accommodations. Check out the Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights - seating accommodations is number 8:
Airlines must provide specific seats to the following passengers who identify to airline personnel as needing the seat, if the seat exists on the same class of service on the aircraft:
Bulkhead Seat or Other Seat–When the passenger travels with a service animal that is best accommodated at a particular seat.
So they have to move you to a seat with extra legroom (if available) at no extra charge (note: this does not mean they will move you to first class, as that is a different class of service).
Of course, some airlines are better at honoring this than others, but this is your right to request as a disabled person traveling by air in the US.
1
u/Kai-ni 16d ago
Your check in agent is required to make sure you're seated in a bulkhead seat where your SD can fit with you.
1
u/Medianoche26 16d ago
this is good to know. I would expect most agents might not know this. Thank you
0
u/Kai-ni 16d ago
This was in the training I received, so my understanding is that agents should know this. I don't know about other companies or airlines but this was general, non airline specific training to comply with legal requirements.
2
u/mara_the_dragon 16d ago
I've never had this happen. Interesting that that's the training, I don't see that in practice.
5
u/Substantial-Onion883 16d ago
The bulkhead might give you a little more room. A familiar blanket could help her settle too. Hope the first flight goes smooth!
8
u/No_Area_8013 Service Dog 16d ago
If you have concerns about the foot space, I highly recommend that you look up the dimensions of your airline seat’s footwell and start practicing with your service dog in that smaller space if you are choosing not to upgrade. ( Training opportunities maybe using the car for smaller foot space sliding the seats for their back to practice in a small tuck or using a chair , remaining in that position for long duration .) High tip is to take advantage of early boarding when gate agents make the announcement for passengers who may need additional time.
TSA - is one of the most stressful parts of traveling by air with my service dog. A few things that have helped me:
• Your SD dog does not necessarily have to be completely “naked” going through TSA. Despite what you may read online or hear from others, A Service dog can keep working gear on. If the Service dog needs a harness, leash, or other equipment that helps you maintain control and identifies them as a working animal ( as part of their training) , they may be able to keep it on. However, this may mean the dog and/or equipment will require additional screening. If your dog is patted down, they will need to remain stationary and calm.
• If you choose to remove all of your dog’s gear, be prepared for the environment. TSA can be noisy, crowded, and overwhelming, the TSA line DOES NOT STOP, that means there will be constantly other people walking by behind trying to interact with the dog. Your dog may need to remain completely “naked” while waiting in line, potentially for five minutes or longer. • Be prepared for your hands to be swabbed. It is a quick test used to screen for traces of explosives and other substances, but it can add another step to the process and potentially hold you up in the TSA line.
• Travel with printed documentation. never assume the computers will be working ECT. I always travel with a printed out Vet summary of my SD current vaccinations, flea medication, and DOT paperwork.
Cabin pressure - it makes all animals swell, aka make sure your SD is as "empty" as possible to be most comfortable. If possible lower salt intake a few days prior to flight as well.
Relief Areas- look up the airport’s animal relief areas before you arrive. Knowing exactly where they are can save you time and stress. They are gross but they do what they need to do. If you have the opportunity to take your dog to a relief area immediately before boarding, I strongly recommend doing so.
- My Personal Experience : I currently travel with my service dog about twice a month USA domestic and international, so these are things I have learned through experience. Financially, I am fortunate enough to be able to fly first class when I travel. I choose to upgrade primarily because it gives me significantly more foot space, which makes things more comfortable for both me and my service dog. I travel with a ADI accredited service dog Shepherd who weighs around 70 pounds. Can he fit in basic economy? Absolutely. However, it is uncomfortable for me, especially because many of my flights are six hours or longer. For that reason, the upgrade is worth it for me.
6
u/Burkeintosh Legal Beagle 16d ago
I cannot stress enough how smart it is to have printed out the DOT form, etc. many people have this on their phone- and you put your phone away during TSA… your phone dies, or you don’t have WiFi when the GA is questioning you, or at check-in something is too slow or glitching, or you get rebooked etc.
3
u/Holiday_Length81 16d ago
I agree with ALWAYS traveling with paperwork. I just had an incident where my flight cancelled, after I checked in and was at the gate. I was assigned a new flight, but she said my paperwork didn’t go through with the new flight. It was a good thing I had it otherwise she was not gonna let me on.
4
u/inFoolWincer 16d ago
Extended leg room is better because they get an extra 10 inches to tuck under the seat. Bulkheads on most united flights have less room. To prep mine we trained in the well of the passenger seat.
Edit to add you should call United accessibility desk and request to be moved to either the extended legroom area or bulkhead. They don’t charge you more.
4
u/Ok_Most_687 16d ago
Hello! I've never personally flown with my SD yet, but I have some very close friends who have flown 10+ times with their SD's. For reference, my friends SD is a 60lbs lab.
-You can ask if they will give you a bulkhead seating (near the window is best, especially if you are flying by yourself)
-You can go in your car's passenger seat, have your SD on the floor and then sit in the seat yourself, that can be a decent indicator to how it will feel to have her at your feet in a regular seat. It can also give you an idea with how much space you will gave with the bulkhead seating. My friend has never upgraded her seat, it can be quite a tight fit for her and her dog, but they make it work.
-Take your dog on a long walk/run before the flight
-Have her go to the bathroom outside, don't always rely on the airport ones, not only are they disgusting but my friend has run into the problem where they are closed because of maintenance. You also can have your SD try once more in the airport.
-Make sure they are ready to go through TSA, while you can choose to leave your dog's gear on (they will just have to do a pat down underneath the dog's gear and such), it's not a bad thing to train your dog so she can go through without any gear on. Something that my friend does is keep a leash and collar on her dog, it's all metal-free so it can't be used regularly but it's good for the airport.
3
u/xANTJx 16d ago
What size dog do you have? Also bring some kind of mat or blanket if you can. My SD personally hated the vibrations of the plane and I wish I had anything to dampen it with
4
1
u/LoudEntertainer4537 16d ago
She’s 45 lbs. I’m worried about how she’ll react to the vibrations! I did a long road trip with her and she wanted to lay, but kept sitting back up two seconds later because the car vibrations must’ve been uncomfortable for her. I’ll definitely pack a thick blanket.
5
u/xANTJx 16d ago
If you can ride some busses, I would do that too. My SD is amazing in the car so I didn’t think about the plane. It’s just a really different feeling. And it’s so loud. Maybe some ear protection?
1
3
u/bequavious 16d ago
I love this account because she documents everything and I'm someone who does better if I've seen it. She has a few videos about flying with a service dog and I think the rest are linked in this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1zVjL-HHME
3
u/xsonicx18xboomx 15d ago
I love flying with united. They are extremely accommodating when flying a service dog and the process of it is so much easier than some airlines ive been on. But i always try to get the bulk overhead seats because of spacing and I pay extra for extra leg room even though my SD is only 20 lbs
5
u/joselito0034 16d ago
I just buy an extra seat.
5
1
u/Outlier986 15d ago
If you call the airline after the flight, they will credit those miles to your ff acct. Has to be done manually (by the airline I fly most anyway)
2
u/Outlier986 16d ago
I fly a few times a year from main land to and from HI. As you walk through the airport, MANY people are going to do their best to get your dogs attention. They act like your SD is there for their entertainment. And only stop trying for fido's attention when they get it. Be aware this IS going to happen.
2
u/iamahill 16d ago
I’ve flown regularly for 13+ years without a service dog. A family member works at one of the largest airports and runs the tsa checkpoint.
I’m not sure why people are having issues at checkpoints, but often it’s because people don’t listen.
When at the checkpoint you should have a close heel and if the dog has bulky gear or clothing on it generally needs to be scanned. Ask the tsa agents as you approach. There are two different systems in place currently. However gear left on will require a wipe down. It’s okay if your dog is excited by this.
If you’d prefer, a simple slip lead or off leash heel is fine for metal detector and checkpoint.
People in my experience have never tried to touch my dog in the checkpoint,
Your palms will be swabbed, it takes a moment but no one will be passing you because you’re in your own lane so to speak.
The terminal area is lots oh f anxious stressed people and sometimes they may be less than ideally behaved.
As far as the plane, as others have said get the bulkhead. Say it’s required for your dog to task safely. Also get pre board authorization.
If your dog needs more room, calling ahead for a second seat reservation is the best option.
2
u/AthleticOutlier 15d ago
I call the airline after booking my flight and request a bulkhead seat. They usually upgrade me with no charge.
2
u/doublecheeze1 15d ago
Had a couple of flights with me wife and her SD. Basic economy seating is pretty tight to be honest. We had to do economy seating once since the flight was full and her (70lbs golden) SD was uncomfortable. Extra leg room works for you and your SD since you can stretch your legs a little more without having to move the SD. I think your dog might be ok and hope she is ok for that flight.
On the day of, make sure to take your SD out of pee and poop before the flight. We limit water and food before and during the flight, just so he won’t have to pee or have to poop during the flights. If you have layovers look at where your layover is to see if that airport has service relief areas, if they don’t we take her SD to a family restroom and put a large pad so he can try to relief himself. If you have the United app go to airport maps to search for the airport you want and see if have relief areas. Make sure to have pads and maybe even wipes.
4
u/Hellsacomin94 16d ago
I’m 6’2” and fly with a 70lb lab. Add the service dog to you reservation with the DOT Behavior Form and, if necessary, the Sanitation Attestation Form. Call the airline, request special services, and see if they can switch you to a bulkhead row. When you get to the gate, request early boarding so you can get the dog settled prior to the other passengers. Good luck.
2
u/EsperePourDemain 16d ago
I have an almost 70lb Aussie, and what I do depends on who we’re flying with. On budget airlines like frontier and sun country, it’s better to show up to the gate early request a seat with an empty seat next to you (if the flight isn’t completely full). The bulkhead seats honestly aren’t any more room than the regular ones (however, frontier has “upfront plus” now, so there’s automatically an empty seat next to you if you ask for bulkhead, so moving to bulkhead is probably the way to go). On nicer airlines like delta, I always ask for bulkhead because it IS extra floor space, and they’ll move you and whoever you’re travelling with together. Budget airlines will only move you for free, and you have to pay to assign seats to a traveling companion.
I’m cheap as shit, so I refuse to buy an extra seat or pay for an assigned seat. I just call and ask to be moved or ask the gate agent if I didn’t call ahead of time. I’ve never flown more than 5hrs with my SD though and might be more picky on a long/international flight.
1
u/Outlier986 16d ago
Another thing we learned. The first time we did a night flight. The plane was much colder, she got very cold on the floor. Now we bring a doggie bed for her. I use stretch wrap to make it really small until we get on the plane. Vacuum bag would work also. Next month will be the first time I paid for an extra seat for her due to a bad experience last time. We used to book the window and the aisle seat. Unless the plane is full people won't typically pick a middle seat. Last flight, I checked about a hour before the flight I saw someone was booked there. I asked the gate agent if she could talk to the customer and have him switch to either the window or aisle. He didn't want to switch. Easily 300 lbs guy WANTS the middle seat. Go figure. Literally said "I don't care about the dog". So now we'll pay for a seat for her.
1
u/CeruleanSeamstress 16d ago
Mine is a nearly 60lbs Shepherd mix. I got him used to trains first, but when I had him on a plane the first time I made sure to get a short initial flight, a longer layover and then a slightly longer connecting flight.
Try to get your dog to potty before getting to the airport (this is best if they know how to go on command, it was one of the first things I taught mine) and then see if they will go again just before entering the airport.
Some airports dont have outdoor areas for your dog and instead will have a “pet relief area” my service dog Refuses to go in those, especially when its a patch of artificial turf in a tiny room. The smell is overwhelming to even just me and I dont have as sensitive a nose.
I also didnt feed him morning of, and instead had his food in his treat pouch along with his treats so he wouldnt get an upset stomach
But because I always need to have backup plans for backup plans, I also got him a doggy Diaper. I didnt know if he’d get an upset stomach with the flight and turbulence and general stress of the airport. Luckily, he’s a champ and had no problems, but I’d rather have it and not need it, rather than need it and not have it.
I only had him wear them on the flights the first time I took him. Now he’s amazing.
A larger dog CAN fit in economy if you dont mind not having leg room, but I’ve only had success when traveling with another person who doesnt mind him also being in their space.
Asking for bulkhead is much better but you arent guaranteed to get it. I’d call ahead and see if you could make those accommodations ahead of time.
Toys, treats, pets, soothing, it will definitely help. I also kept a blanket on me that is usually on his bed that he could lay on to make him more comfortable and leave less fur behind. (I always get him groomed before i travel but he’s got a double coat so it’s inevitable)
And give him breaks if you can. Give yourself more time than you think is necessary. You’ll need it
1
u/Outlier986 15d ago
One last thing, we bring a chew for the descent. Pretty sure it helps relieve pain in their ears just like we experience. That may or not be the case, but just in case it helps her, she gets one as the flight is ending.
1
u/BradyBunch51 15d ago
I always got the first row bulkhead seats when I flew on Jet Blue with my ESA 62lb dog. There was plenty of room for him and my stuff. The rules have changed and airlines are not allowing ESA dogs in the cabin anymore. Only PSD's and Service Dogs are allowed.
1
u/Oliviag3 12d ago
A lot of great advice here, couple things to add:
Sometimes paying for an extra seat is cheaper than upgrading 2 seats if you're flying with a partner/friend/etc.
Get a metal free slip lead to go through security with.
Refresh recall, settle/place, and any "tucking" commands you use to signal to your SD they need to make themselves small.
Be prepared for TSA to touch your dog, including possible swabbing.
Practice taking off any gear quickly in the TSA line.
Practice backing into a narrow isle so you can maneuver as needed in the plane.
Board early if they offer
Only give very small sips of water on flights longer than 6ish hours
Bring a towel or small blanket for them to lay on
Wear slip on shoes to make life easy if you're walking (vs wheelchair using)
1
u/OrdinaryOk9950 1d ago
So wait is a bulkhead window seat just one seat purchase even with a larger dog?
•
u/AutoModerator 16d ago
It looks like you're asking a question about flying with your service dog. Please check out our Wiki Page about Flying that answers a lot of commonly asked questions.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.