Air travel with my service dog is well worth the planning

As you read this, I’ll be on my way home to Massachusetts from a family wedding in Georgia. Right now, I’m getting excited about seeing family I haven’t seen in a while.

Because I have Friedreich’s ataxia, I use a wheelchair and have a service dog. I hate the tedious forms and the angst of airplane travel in a wheelchair, but for me, exploring a new place is a tremendous reward.

In addition to the joyful celebration of a welcome wedding, I’m also excited about hugging my nieces and nephews, hearing about what they’re doing, chatting with my sisters-in-law, witnessing the full bloom of an Atlanta April, and more.

My sweet service dog, Wendy, is joining my husband, Dave, and me on the trip. Since airplane travel with a wheelchair has been well covered on this site, I wanted to go over the steps I take to fly with Wendy. Many people have visions of my sweet girl shivering in a crate with the luggage, so I’m going to dispel that image right away: She flies in the main cabin with me.

She doesn’t like flying, but she’s very good at it and, like me, loves being in a new place. I’m sure her nose is overwhelmed by all the new smells upon arrival. Wendy, Dave, and I have adventures together, and she’s there to support me when I need her. Once we get out of our seats, her tail is held high and wagging, and her head is up as she confidently disembarks.

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Traveling with Wendy

My first decision is whether to bring her. When I travel domestically, either with someone or alone, I usually choose to bring her. I obviously need her more when I travel solo, so the decision hinges on traveling with her or not traveling at all. Domestically, I know we have rights; I’m able to bring Wendy into any public setting. When I travel internationally, however, I must consider the rights we have in the country we’re visiting.

Importantly, the agency I got her from, Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities, has trained her to be in public. In fact, I wasn’t allowed to take Wendy home until we passed a test to ensure we could be out in the world safely and unobtrusively.

Beginning in 2021, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) introduced paperwork requirements for service animals flying with their handlers. This initiative arose from the need to address increasing incidents involving untrained animals on flights, posing risks to passengers and crew. I understand the necessity of this measure. I’ve read some outrageous stories about people trying to fly with untrained emotional support animals.

But at the end of the day, it’s one more form to fill out. And I must fill it out anew each time I fly with Wendy because it’s time-stamped. Among the airlines I’ve used since the form was initiated, each has a slightly different policy about how to submit the form. So I visit the airline’s website and submit the paperwork in advance. It makes life a lot easier if I’ve done that before I show up at the airport.

Yes, I make sure Wendy has relieved herself before I go through security. She’s more comfortable, and I don’t worry! Most major airports have pet relief areas. My advice is to check the airport map before relying on finding one, as it might not be conveniently near your terminal.

Usually, no one holds her leash during security; she has to hold a down stay, and she sometimes gets patted down. Thanks to her training, these situations aren’t a problem. Security was my biggest worry before my first flight with Wendy, but it’s never been an issue.

Once on the plane, she curls up in the space where I put my feet, half of her body under the seat in front of me and half out. That might sound impossible, but it totally works. On the last flight we took, she popped up into a sitting position when the plane parked. Our row mate then asked us: “Was a dog there the whole time?”

Dave and I proudly said: “Yes. When you don’t know there’s a dog there, is when she is being great in public.”

As I write this, I’m packing for myself and Wendy. She’s a lot easier to pack for than I am! I’ll give her a good groom, then I’ll take a good shower. I’m ready for the hugs and family stories.

If you’re worried about traveling with your service dog, trust their training and remember neither your dog nor you will get good at flying as a team if you don’t do it.

Note: Friedreich’s Ataxia News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Friedreich’s Ataxia News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Friedreich’s ataxia.