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Passenger Is Asked To Downgrade To Economy To Accommodate A Service Dog

Airline travel can be the worst, especially when unexpected events go wrong. This is unfortunately what happened on this flight, when a woman with a service dog was given a seat next to a passenger with a different dog who was not a trained service dog. The other dog began to try to interact with the service dog, which made passengers uncomfortable. A flight attendant on the plane then decided to move the passenger with the service dog, but no other seats had been allocated for this. So what happened? Well, the flight attendant attempted to convince a passenger riding in first class to move to economy, and a lot of drama ensued.

Before we read any further, we would like to remind everyone about the important of service dogs. Service dogs are both a tool and an accommodation that some disabled people need, and they go through very intensive training to ensure that they can help their humans in any situation. If you want to learn more about service dogs, you can read a piece we wrote called learning more about service dogs with human and service dog duo: Jack and Alison.

Posted by Ellie Dunn
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  • 1
    Font - I (f19) came home last week from Los Angeles to New York City. It was a fully booked flight that my parents booked for me in advanced, I was in business class, specifically a 'suite' which had privacy door screen? and was bigger as it took up two seats as one. It was a night flight and 5.5 hours long so I was hoping to get some sleep. I get anxious on planes as well so I was glad I didn't have to sit next to anyone.

    Ok, it sounds like the original poster had a really nice seat. Sounds really nice of her parents to book her such a luxurious seat and pay for the whole thing, perhaps it was for a trip to see them durning Thanksgiving? Anyway, let's keep on reading and see where this story goes. 

    Via u/SetOk2927
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  • 2
    Font - About 20ish minutes after I board, a flight attendant approaches me with a women and service dog behind her and asked If I would switch seats with her. Apparently someone in the row in front has a dog that was disturbing others due to her service dog. I was a little hesitant as there was only a few other suites but asked where she was sitting. She was

    We're a bit shocked that non service dogs were even allowed onto the flight, as typically airlines have restrictions when it comes to animals that are not designated service animals. Then again, it was a domestic flight within the USA, so we suppose that it wouldn't have been much of an issue…

    Via u/SetOk2927
  • 3
    Font - but asked where she was sitting. She was sitting in economy which potentially I could'v handled but was in the very back row which sounded like a nightmare. I would have to sit next to two people, be right next to the bathrooms so no sleep, and near a dog that could be disturbing. Also not aisle which makes me feel trapped. My parents paid for
    Via u/SetOk2927
  • 4
    Font - makes me feel trapped. My parents paid for business and extra for this specific seat not economy. I declined and said no because of the last reason. She tried to offer me a coupom of the price difference to use on another flight but it expired at the end of 2022 and I have no intentions of flying during this time and didn't want to waste my parents money if it was never used.
    Via u/SetOk2927
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  • 5
    Font - The lady spoke up and said my seat would be great because it was bigger and could fit her service dog (Labrador) who was too big for her previous seat and I quote 'I usually get upgraded and people are kind enough to say yes and swap places without having an incentive'. This annoyed me as it came off entitled (imo) and I told her it isn't my responsibility or fault that she didn't buy a seat that could accomodate your service dog.
    Via u/SetOk2927
  • 6
    Font - I told the flight attendant I was happy with my seat and as they left the women said 'I'm glad I raised my child right' to the flight attendant and sent me a death stare. The man across from me spoke up and said I did the right thing, but then went on and said something I perceived as ablest so now I'm doubting the whole situation.
    Via u/SetOk2927
  • 7
    Font - My parents thought I handled the situation well and thought the lady was in the wrong with the last comment and told me they would've never used the flight coupon as they have no plans to travels and don't typically fly with that airline. Regardless of if I did swap or not, one of us would've been uncomfortable but in this situation it would've cost my parents money as well. AITA?
    Via u/SetOk2927
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  • 8

    Redditors replied, and they had a lot to say!

    Font - mccannisms The airline that I work for has to be pre notified of the service dog so that we can allocate appropriate seating. It gives the passenger a spare seat beside them for the dog to lay down on the floor. We can only use certain rows for this service as well. But, we don't charge for this service, as the dog is a necessity for the passenger. This passenger was super entitled, and their verbiage shows that they make a habit of creating this drama once on the plane to get the upgrade
    Via u/SetOk2927
  • 9
    Font - scrapsforfourvel Airlines really just shouldn't charge disabled people more for the types of seats they need to actually accommodate their disability and place the burden of resolving the issue on other customers downgrading voluntarily. If someone needs to fly with a service dog, they shouldn't be upcharged for the only kind of seat that can reasonably fit them and their animal.
    Via u/SetOk2927
  • 10
    Font - the_littlest_ella NTA. 1. I'm confused why the attendant didn't swap a economy seat like for like. One out of view of the other dog. I suspect this may have been because the lady with the service dog pushed for the upgrade. 2. Why would anyone paying for business want to downgrade? A coupon isn't good enough, I'd consider it if I got a refund for the extra cost of business and a complimentary drink or something.
    Via u/SetOk2927
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  • 11
    Font - snowwhitesludge NTA If she "usually gets upgraded" maybe she should start buying a seat that actually works for her. Sounds like she has found a great way to game the system if she pays economy and always flies business. She needs to book a seat appropriate for her dog.
    Via u/SetOk2927
  • 12

    What do you think? Would you file a complaint?

    Font - not_so_lovely_1 And there is no way the air steward should have brought the the lady up there with her to make the request. Why did they also not ask the business man in the seat next to yours? This looks like a deliberate attempt to manipulate someone younger and who is a less frequent flyer. I'd make a complaint if I were you

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    Via u/SetOk2927

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