Tuesday night, an old woman brought a squirrel as an emotional support on board Frontier flight to Cleveland from Orlando International Airport. When she would not leave her seat, the flight attendants had to escort the plane and call Orlando Police. According to the airline, she did check that she had an emotional support animal coming with her, but was not specific what the animal was. Frontier announced a policy for emotional support animal support animals, if they were cat or dogs beginning of the month. Washington Post states American With Disabilities Act only covers service dogs or miniature horses, but the airlines are bounded to the Air Carrier Access Act of 1986. This act does allow free travel for "any animal" specialized and trained for a disabled or emotional support person however, a passenger must have a written statement from their physician or mental health counselor.
Questions:
If a person believes a certain animal is their pet or emotional support, should we change the law to accommodate their needs?
Should the government make a list of what type of animals can come on board planes?
Sources:
For question number one, I believe that a law or rules should be in place to look out for people who are in need with emotional and other support. But, I also think that there should be an approved proof of this needs, as other may find this to bring other animals that might cause great disturbance like at an airport. I think that the airplanes specifically should have a list of allowed animals for support because each airplane might have different requirements. I don't see this being a need to bring in with the government, but just specifically with the airlines.
ReplyDeleteI think that a squirrel as an emotional support animal is stretching it a little bit. However, I do think that it is reasonable to bring an emotional support animal if it is an approved animal, like a dog, cat, or miniature horse under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This is not a case where we can say that emotional support animals are inherently bad, but one where one individual did something that the original idea for what an emotional support animal is was taken out of context. I agree with Jane that the airlines should be able to determine their own policies concerning emotional support animals, as long as it abides by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
ReplyDeleteI think there should be federal standards that explicitly define what service and support animals are allowed on planes. Although the Americans with Disabilities Act does specify what animals can be brought on planes, the Air Carrier Access Act has a broader definition of a service animal as any animal that is individually trained or able to provide assistance to a person. I think one solution to reduce confusion surrounding what animals can be brought on board would be to make sure that these two laws match each other, and that they clarify what type of animals can be brought on planes. In response to this specific situation, while anxiety is covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, I agree with Stefan that bringing a squirrel, an uncommon support animal, on board was a bit of a stretch.
ReplyDeleteLike Stefan and Mayuko mentioned, bringing the squirrel as a support animal is unusual. The woman can argue that the animal gives her support, but this is also a concern that involves everyone else on the plane. Squirrels can carry rabies, so it is understandable as to why they are not allowed on planes and although I'm not certain, but I do not think that the squirrel was trained as an emotional support pet. Only animals permitted under the Americans with Disabilities Act should be allowed on the planes to strictly enforce the rules and the airlines should further implement it by reminding passengers of the animals that would be allowed on a plane.
ReplyDeleteAn airline can only do so much to accommodate emotional support or service animals, but I do think that this situation could've been avoided. If the airline has had numerous unpleasant encounters with service or emotional support animals, then they should have taken more precautions. This is not to say that they should make it more difficult to bring these animals on the plane (since this would be unfair to the prospective passenger), but they should've asked the lady what animal she was going to bring. Deplaning and the police escort could've been avoided altogether. I think that the Americans With Disabilities Act does a good job in supporting people with certain disabilities, but I do think that it is the airline's responsibility to reform their policies so situations like this will never happen again. Airlines should be more transparent and inform their passengers with their rules especially when they know that some passengers may need other accommodations.
ReplyDeleteI find it ridiculous that someone can try and make the argument that a squirrel should be able to travel on a flight with that person. Obviously, the airline should have had policy that required that you specify what kid of animal is traveling, but I don't see why someone would think it's okay to bring a squirrel onto a flight. In the case of actual domesticated pets like dogs, cats, and apparently miniature horses, I am fine with that as long as there is a physician note. However, I believe that the passenger should be required to purchase a seat for that pet and the pet should be able to fit in that seat so that there's adequate room between other passengers and the animal. Another problem that arises with animals being allowed on planes is that there are people with allergies and they can also bother other passengers. This means that the reputation of an airline could suffer as a result of other passengers. In conclusion, I agree with the Americans With Disabilities Act, however, I see an animal as a passenger if they are planning on staying in the cabin so it's only reasonable that the passenger pays a premium for bringing that animal. The type and size of animal should also be disclosed far in advance so that the airline can make proper revisions to seating arrangements and so that they can have time to ensure an enjoyable flight for all passengers.
ReplyDeleteI believe the women should've not been allowed to bring the squirrel on the plane. Squirrels are not tame animals and possibly carry dangerous diseases such as rabies. If the animal was a dog or cat, I believe the woman's need for emotional support would be more justified and allowed. However, there is simply no justification for bringing a squirrel on board for emotional support. Squirrels aren't normally friendly with humans and typically don't provide comfort, which are reasons why a squirrel shouldn't be allowed on a flight.
ReplyDelete