Come on DOT – Let’s Talk ESAs!

Posted on August 13, 2019 by Candy B. Harrington

airplane window

Well it happened again last month – another emotional support animal (ESA) misbehaved on a flight. This isn’t news, as it seems to be the norm these days. Pretty much anyone can go online and purchase “ESA credentials” so they can fly free with their pets. Just google “emotional support animal credentials” and you’ll get a listing of what I call “card mills” that – for a price — provide certificates, vests and other accessories that will allow your dog to accompany you anywhere. Continue reading →

DOT to Address Emotional Support Animal Issue

Posted on November 5, 2018 by Candy B. Harrington

As the result of the passage of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2018, it looks like the Department of Transportation (DOT) is set to address the emotional support animal issue in 2019. Continue reading →

Airline Organization Urges DOT to Redefine “Service Animal”

Posted on July 18, 2018 by Candy B. Harrington

Airlines for America (AIA) — an airline industry group — recently announced that it had submitted a 222-page document to the Department of Transportation (DOT), in response to a call for input on possible revisions to the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). The group’s response included the suggestion that the DOT narrow the definition of “service animal” to “trained dogs that perform a task or work for an individual with a disability.” The document also included the recommendation that airlines should not be required to allow emotional support animals (ESOs) on board. Continue reading →

Flying With Your Shower Chair

Posted on April 1, 2018 by Candy B. Harrington

A friend contacted me last week, and she was very upset because a US airline wanted to charge her $150 to transport her shower chair on an upcoming flight. “Can they do that?”, she asked.

In a word, no. The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) is very clear on that issue. Continue reading →

Wheelchair Damage Reporting Regs Delayed – PVA Sues DOT

Posted on August 14, 2017 by Candy B. Harrington

Wheelchair damage – or the potential for it – is something that many air travelers face every time they board a plane. And although we can’t totally stop the damage (wouldn’t that be nice?) we can enact regulations regarding how airlines report such damage, so consumers can choose the airline with the best record. Continue reading →

UAL to Implement Measures to Improve Service for Disabled Passengers

Posted on January 9, 2016 by Candy B. Harrington

As the result of a consent decree executed on Jan 7, 2016, United Airlines (UAL) is required to invest $650,000 to improve their services for disabled passengers. The decree resulted from an investigation of passenger complaints of a failure to enplane, deplane and transfer wheelchair-users in a timely manner at Houston International Airport , Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Denver International Airport, Newark International Airport, and Dulles International Airport. Continue reading →

A Denied Boarding at LAX

Posted on March 17, 2015 by Candy B. Harrington

Although we don’t have very many denied boardings to disabled travelers these days, they do happen. And since it happened to a friend at LAX yesterday, I thought it might be a good time to go over what you should do if it happens to you. Continue reading →

DOT Fines More Airlines

Posted on February 28, 2012 by Candy B. Harrington

Well the Department of Transportation (DOT) has certainly been busy this year; as they recently levied fines against two more airlines for non-compliance with the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). Continue reading →

United Airlines Chimes in on Wheelchair Policy

Posted on December 21, 2011 by Candy B. Harrington

As the busy holiday travel season is upon us, I thought I’d post a follow-up to my “Don?t Believe Everything Airline Employees Say” blog. As you recall, a friend of mine was horrified when an OKC gate agent informed her that a new policy would soon require wheelchair-users to retrieve and recheck their wheelchairs at all connecting cities.

Continue reading →

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