Airline passenger sparks heated debate after complaint about ‘service dog’ that sat in their legroom the entire flight
- A United Airlines passenger detailed the incident in a recent Reddit thread
- Shortly after posting about it, over 1,000 Reddit users gave their verdict
- Many people said it would be their nightmare, but some said they would love it
The debate over airplane etiquette continues to rage and a passenger has stoked the fire after asking about the correct place for guide dogs to sit.
In a Reddit threadthe United Airlines passenger joked, “‘Service dog’ sat in my legroom the entire flight. Should I complain?”
Along with the question, they posted a photo from their flight, which showed them sitting in the front aisle row of a plane with someone else’s service dog at their feet.
Speaking about the incident, they added: ‘A very sweet dog, but clearly not a service dog. In my legroom the entire flight (including takeoff and landing). The owner tried, but couldn’t move the dog. He was too big and wouldn’t move.’
Shortly after posting about the incident, over 1,000 other Reddit users commented on the thread to give their opinion.
In a Reddit thread, the United Airlines passenger joked, “Service dog” in my legroom for the entire flight. Should I complain?’
Along with the question, they posted a photo from their flight, which showed them sitting in the front aisle row of a plane with someone else’s service dog at their feet
Many people said that the passenger had the right to file a complaint, either with the cabin crew during the flight or with the airline after landing.
One person said they experienced something similar on a flight and after complaining through the airline’s app, they received 10,000 miles.
Other participants were shocked at the prospect of sitting next to a dog, with some citing allergies and others fearing the four-legged friends.
One commenter simply described it as their “nightmare” on a plane.
They continued, “Not because of the legroom, but because I’m allergic to dogs in the air. Were you given a warning and a chance to move?”
‘If a dog were that close without warning that he had to take an allergy pill at least an hour before the flight, it would mean breathing difficulties and sore eyes until I could shower and wash off the dog hazard.
“That said, I fly a lot and this has never happened to me. I’m not looking forward to it.’
A flight attendant joined the conversation and said this should not have happened and that the passenger should file a complaint.
Many people said that the passenger had the right to complain, either to the flight attendant during the flight or to raise it with the airline after landing (stock image)
They wrote: ‘Did you let the FA know before the doors closed? I am a dog mom and love dogs.
‘But I’m also a flight attendant and in principle an assistance dog is not allowed to stand in the aisle or take up the floor space of other travelers.
“The gate agent probably would have come by and explained everything to the passenger and then moved on.
‘You have to call customer service. I’m sure you’ll get some miles or some credit.”
While most readers said the passenger had a right to complain, others said it was actually their dream scenario.
A dog lover exclaimed, “I’d happily pay extra for this!”
While another expressed similar sentiments, writing: ‘This would be the best flight EVER for me!’
The United Airlines website has clear rules for traveling with service animals.
It instructs owners: ‘Your dog should sit in the floor space in front of your seat. They are not allowed to sit in the aisle or on the floor space of the travelers next to you.
‘You can transport your assistance dog in a travel carrier if you wish, as long as it meets the dimensions.
“You cannot sit in the exit line with a service animal.”
DailyMail.com has contacted United Airlines for comment on the matter.
