Recently, more and more travelers are attempting to label their pets as "emotional support animals" or ESAs. This is in an attempt to avoid fees that are normally charged when pets travel with their owner in the cabin of an airliner. ESAs are animals that are typically dogs, cats, or miniature horses that assist an individual with some sort of disability. These ESAs do not need to be trained or certified, they simply need to be able to provide support and assistance to their owners. When it comes to air travel, ESAs especially help travelers with fears of flying and anxiety. For the ESA to be allowed to board, a letter from a professionally licensed mental health doctor must be presented. Typically, ESAs are common animals, but recently, more exotic animals have been labeled as ESAs. This raises concern to the ESA's fellow travelers because some feel unsafe when sitting next to an uncommon animal during a long flight. The airlines and FAA are working on new rules and regulations that specify which animals should be deemed ESAs.
Click here to learn more.
Questions:
1. Do you think ESAs should be regulated closer?
My answer- I think that there should be more regulations on ESAs. I think this because, currently, the only requirment is that the traveler must have a letter from a medical professional. I believe that the animal should have to go through training to ensure it is safe to do its job aboard airliners.
2. How would you react if you were seated by a traveler that had a peacock that was deemed an ESA?
My answer- I think that if the animal seemed calm, I would remain seated in my assigned seat. If the animal seemed excited or uncomfortable, I would request a seat change. I think it would be quite the experience to sit next to an exotic ESA.
Replies
Great job Trey!!
I agree with you because I think there should be more regulations that prove that the animals are fully trained and would not cause problems during long travel in an airplane. I would depend n the animal's actions for example if the animal was doing crazy things than I would be uncomfortable.
I agree. If these animals aren't fully trained they could become an annoyance or even a safety issue for the rest of the passengers. I agree. If I was seated next to an animal, and it wasn't bothering me, I wouldn't say anything. If the animal was bothering me, I would say something.
I think that there should be more regulations on ESA's because there is only one thing they need to prove in order for them to bring a dog on board with them. If the animal was being loud then I would say something to the flight attendants or someone on the plane to let me off so I can't get on the next one or get a different seat.
I agree with you. Currently, I feel that it is too easy for people to cheat the system just to benefit themselves. I agree. If the animal was becoming annoying or dangerous, I would most certainly request a seat change from the flight attendent.
I think that ESAs should be regulated, so people can't bring very strange, exotic aninmals on airplanes that would hurt people. If I was seated next to an exotic animal I think that it would be kind of weird. But I would be ok with it becasue it would be kind of cool as long as the animal doesn't try to hurt/bite anyone or anything.
I agree with you. If the ESA should regulate what animals are certified ESAs. I don't think that I would think it was rude, but I would be surprised. I would also be alright with it as long as it would leave me alone and not bother me.
Yes, becasuse basically anyone can get their pet registered as an emotional support animal. I think the animal should be required to have a vet make sure the animal is healthy and no risks to anyone. I think it would be cool but if the bird was defensive then I wouldn't like it.
I disagree with you that anyone can get their pet certified. The person must have an actual health issue to be allowed an ESA. I agree with you that a vet should check all ESAs to make sure they are safe to be in the cabin of an airliner.
I definitely think that if ESAs either should or should not be allowed. There's no for sure way to test people for panic attacks or anxiety or fear of flight. Maybe they could have a certain spot in the back of the plane for people with support animals. I also think that if they allow emotional support animals that they should be relatively the same price as regular animals traveling, this way the people who are faking it aren't getting too big of benefits.
-
1
-
2
-
3
-
4
of 4 Next