I once flew from HI to San Fran and wondered why my asthma was so bad. Yep, a big dog in front of me. When I say big I mean it. The airline staff had been speaking to the guy in front of me about moving something and that it didn’t fit. She gave up. It was VERY uncomfortable for me.
Honestly, it’s just not fair not to let people know in advance. I don’t believe dogs should be allowed on planes or cats either. We pay a lot to board our animals. And for those who need support, I seriously think it should be limited to trained guide dogs for the blind. If the dog is trained it should still have to be in a certain section of the plane and the people who bought tickets nearby should be notified.
That is totally unacceptable. I hope the airline gets sued for quite a bit. Although I cannot understand why he didn’t get off the plane. There is no way in the world I’d fly under those conditions.
If the animal was a service dog it could certainly have been a full sized shepherd. The areas on which the feces were found would suggest a dog to me. Otherwise the fecal matter would have been primarily on the butt area of the seat and the passenger would have complained of a wet rear instead of smeared legs. A large dog with a yucky rear turning around the foot space would have left matter on the front of the seat and the wall.
Either way it’s disgusting and “It’s not my job” is a wholly inadequate response. Get on some gloves, clean the seat as best you can, apologize to the passenger, get him a voucher, then deal with the issue with your union or the higher ups after the flight has landed.
Its VERY unlikely a fullsize shepherd service dog would have taken a dump on the plane. Even if it didnt feel well… They are trained to hold it for long periods of time.
No, it could have been an ESA full grown animal. We know some people who took TWO full grown retrievers on a flight as ESAs. I’m voting dog. Do we get to vote? Who cares.
You KNOW that the flight attendants know–how could they not?
Honestly it doesn’t matter–like Sue22 says get some gloves on and clean it up. And then put in for a bonus.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/2018/11/06/bay-city-man-sits-feces-delta-flight-michigan/1900563002/ It was a dog.
Service dogs may be very, very well trained, but like people they’re subject to their own biology. A healthy dog certainly wouldn’t go on a plane but a sick one might not be able to help it. Even an ESA would resist as long as possible.
Heading back to the “Positive Stories from the Polling Place” thread, as this one is skeeving me out and I need some sunshine!
The guy flew because it was the last flight out and the plane was overbooked so no seats available. Besides. after he sat down and realized his plight it was pretty late already. I just can’t believe the reaction he got from Delta.
They should have been bending over backwards with apologies (and some concrete action) to correct the situation.
Guess Delta doesn’t realize that even in the medical field more people sue because they don’t get apologies about negligence than the negligence itself.
So… this thread belongs in the ESA thread??
If any creature is sick on an airplane, then the cleaning and cabin crew are responsible for making sure the area is cleaned and sanitized before letting passengers move into that area. Delta screwed up big time.
@Happytimes2001 : Before my son flies, I call the airline within the first few hours of the window of time they tell me to do so, to inquire about the presence of animals/booking of animals, what type, and where on the plane. Sometimes the agents are unable tell me the type of animal, as they say they do not know, but they are always willing to help me determine - and place - my son in a part of the plane away from any booked furry travelers.
I believe for many airlines, the policy is that one must present written proof attesting to any medical condition which might make it dangerous for a person to fly near an animal in order for a request for a change of seating to even be considered. I have heard that sometimes, if the change cannot be accommodated, that one (the human one) may simply be bumped from the flight and put on the next.
@Waiting2exhale That’s good to know. Fortunately, my asthma is mild so it’s not a problem except on long haul flights. Still, I have noticed an uptick in animals onboard. I’m thankful I don’t have to travel for work anymore. People are less and less considerate. But this story beats all.
I believe you can go onto your reservation and note your special needs, and can list your allergy there. Would guess that if your note precedes the reservation of someone with an ESA or carry on pet, your reservation should I would hope, trump theirs.
Hmmm… seems not
@jym626-- not positive but from what I remember from past conversations your allergy wishes do not trump the ESA.
I should have never opened this thread as it brings back bad memories. In the 80’s I was on a short flight from Chicago to St. Louis. The people behind me had motion sickness and vomited on the tray table. I was seated in the bulkhead next to an auntie and a toddler. She tired of having the child on her lap and placed him on the floor at her feet to crawl around. When he surfaced his head and face were covered in body fluids. Vomit? No it was diarrhea. Bless the flight attendant who rescued the child from auntie and cleaned him up before returning him. The flight contiuned on after the stop in St. Louis. Yuk.
@jym626 - I remember reading that Turkish Air will not allow pets on a flight if someone has already reserved a seat and told them that they are allergic. I don’t know if any other airlines do this, and it may only be possible because they are international flights.
Thanks @greenwitch. I remember reading previously about whose disability (if a severe allergy is deemed a disability) trumps whose. With tighter criteria for ESA’s on several airlines, I was hopeful that the number of pets flying as ESA’s would decline. Was just having a conversation with someone who has been hearing of many continued fake ESA letters for people who want their pets in a no pet rental or condo. Sigh…
. https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/can-sit-can-stay-behind-delta-passenger-forced-fly-seat-stained-feces-224107240.html. And on his Ferragamos!!!
Im reminded of a recent incident I experienced in the jetway area of an airport - well dressed woman with designer dog, stops for dog to do his business and carries on walking…people are disgusting
@igloo ’ Yeah, or sh*tty treatment ’ At least Delta did not poo-poo the report! :))