This is what’s wild to me. I haven’t seen a single comment that says they’ve experienced a severe allergy attack, just “WHAT ABOUT KIDS WITHH ASTHMA HUH!”. As if they’ve suddenly become these huge advocates.
I agree, that ESA’s are abused, and that more action should be taken in regards to which dogs are allowed on planes (maybe a specific temperament test, or trainers giving a test that certifies them for flight? And stricter qualifying guidelines). But all these people just saying “Put on your big girl panties” or “get over it snowflake” are just going to make people want to do it more, or get more defensive. Instead of just attacking these people for being selfish, maybe calmly explain your point of view, and how the dogs effect you. This is more likely to get people to understand and stop abusing it then shouting “15% of people are allergic!!!!!!”. Not all this sarcastic anecdotal stuff.
I have a specifically trained service dog (diabetic, he is trained to perform 3 tasks, NOT an ESA) and I’m so tired of being heckled or yelled at because I don’t look like I need a service dog. He has saved my life at least twice. So yes, having him is worth dealing with these crazies. I say “crazies” because if you’re going to berate me or say shame on me without first ASKING about my dog or condition, there’s something wrong on your end. Not that not liking dogs is crazy. I understand that people have allergies and fears of dogs, so I try to be as accommodating and inconspicuous as possible. I’ll switch seats, try to pre board to be out of the way, and I would even switch flights if a person was ever severely allergic and could not be on the same plane (has never happened). But when you cause a scene and yell at me, you’re only making yourself look bad.
My least favorite is when people try to instigate a problem with my dog. Most don’t, as he looks like a traditional service dog, but I’ve had a few since, again, I don’t look disabled. He’s incredibly well trained and won’t respond to you pushing him and taunting him so... don’t?
I’m sorry you have dog allergies, and I’m sorry there wasn’t a more efficient way for me to travel.
Also, please don’t put dogs on seats.