Dogs traveling in the airline cabin: The fur is flying

As a former flight attendant with a major carrier, I can relate to some of Elliott Hester’s comments about animals in the cabin [“The Flying Kennel Now Boarding, Sept. 25].

I flew for more than 20 years, and I discovered kittens, turtles and even a gerbil (he was part of a stripper’s show) in the cabin on a flight from Los Angeles to Las Vegas

None of these animals caused conflict in the cabin, unlike some passengers now drinking too much or being verbally abusive.

I suffer from PTSD and have since retired. My therapist recommended a emotional support “beast” (as Hester called it) and yes, Rocky has helped me emotionally and mentally. He gives me a sense of security, and if that means that I’ll be a better traveler, so be it.

Yes, there are passengers who abuse the system, like Miss 2A going to Miami, but don’t punish the passengers who need this type of therapy. Animals can be soothing, provide unconditional love and even provide alerts for upcoming health issues.

Has Hester ever had a pet? He might want to get one.

Shar Babel

Chino Hills

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All animals should be in kennels and placed in cargo. The only exception should be a seeing eye dog.

Other people do not need to be bothered by animals on a flight.

The airlines have no backbone. They need to stop being spineless and just say no to these people who cannot leave their pets at home or in a boarding kennel.

What happens to the passengers like me who have dog and cat allergies?

James Tyner

Venice

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I consider my dog a family member and as such, she provides emotional support for me. Even though we experience separation anxiety when I travel, I don’t think that she belongs on an aircraft with human passengers.

Where do these animals eliminate wastes? Most dogs need to be relieved about every two hours or so.

Where do large size breeds sit? My dog weighs 65 pounds.

What about the passengers seated next to these owners and their pets? Many people are allergic to pet fur and dander. There are some people who do not care for animals and are fearful of them.

What about aggressive animals? Dogs are territorial and protective of their owners by nature. If someone is injured by an animal during a flight, where does the liability fall?

There should be a separate and specially designed section on the aircraft for those flying with pets to ensure the health, safety and well-being of all passengers, including the ones with fur.

Finally, if I have to pay $50 for check-in luggage, then these folks should be paying quite a bit more than that to bring a living thing on board.

Karen Neville

La Puente

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I’m not sure of the point of this article.

Is is that some dogs are kenneled while on board while others as emotional support animals are allowed in the passenger’s lap?

Is it that the airline is not collecting the $125 fee for the animal as it does for baggage, food, credit card fee, phone reservations or a particular seat selection?

Did this dog actually disrupt the service on board or was Hester just piqued at the woman for asking for a glass of Champagne before service was being offered?

Please don’t worry about the little things and have a nice day.

Mike McGinley

West Hollywood