Where Do Service Dogs Sit On An Airplane? Guide to Service Dogs on Planes

All You Need to Know About Where Service Dogs Sit on Planes

As a trained service dog handler myself, I’m often asked questions about traveling with my dog and what the rules are regarding where she’s allowed to sit on planes. In this detailed guide, I’ll answer all the most common queries people have on this topic based on my own experiences over many flights with my seizure alert dog, Lucy.

Can a Service Dog Sit on My Lap?

The short answer is yes – service dogs are legally permitted to sit on the lap or at the feet of their handler during air travel. However, from what I’ve witnessed, it can definitely be a challenge to keep a large dog on your lap for the duration of even a short flight! Unless the dog is very small, most handlers opt to purchase an extra seat instead.

Do I Need to Buy an Extra Ticket for My Service Dog?

No, according to the Air Carrier Access Act, airlines cannot require you to buy an extra seat for your service dog. They must allow the dog to accompany you in the cabin at no additional cost. However, it’s considered polite etiquette to purchase an extra “lap seat” if the dog needs its own space due to size.

Where Will My Service Dog Sit if I Buy an Extra Ticket?

If you purchase an extra seat for your service dog, the dog will typically be permitted to sit on the floor at your feet. Most airlines allow the dog to remain there even if someone else purchases the extra seat. However, they may ask you to stow the dog under the seat during takeoff and landing for safety reasons.

From my experience, as long as the dog remains well-behaved and doesn’t disrupt other passengers, the flight attendants are usually flexible about letting them have a bit of extra room on the floor between flights.

Can My Service Dog Sit in the Aisle or Across the Row?

In general, no – most airlines require service dogs to sit directly at their handler’s feet or on their handler’s lap for safety. Sitting in the aisle could pose a tripping hazard if the dog isn’t secured. And sitting across the row may disrupt other passengers by jumping onto their seats. However, small dogs may occasionally be allowed to sit on the empty middle seat of a row.

Is There Any Way for My Dog to Stretch Out During a Long Flight?

I know how uncomfortable it can be for large dogs to spend hours crammed under the seat! For longer flights, one possibility is to contact the airline in advance and politely explain your dog‘s size limitations. They may be able to assign you bulkhead or exit row seats where the dog has extra floor space.

Alternatively, during low-traffic periods you could ask if your dog can briefly stretch in an empty row – but don’t push it if the flight attendants say no for safety reasons. Overall, just be considerate of other passengers and most airlines will try to accommodate your needs.

What if My Dog Becomes Disruptive During the Flight?

Even well-trained service dogs can occasionally become distressed or anxious in the cramped plane environment. If this happens, stay calm and leash your dog firmly. You may need to muzzle and contain them temporarily for crew and passenger safety.

Contact a flight attendant right away so they can help problem-solve with you. Explain that it’s unusual behavior for the dog, let them know what techniques help soothe them (like reassuring tone or treats), and apologize sincerely for any inconvenience caused. Most staff will understand as long as you act responsibly.

Does the Carrier Have to Make Exceptions if My Dog Causes Issues?

No – while airlines are required to permit service dogs onboard, the rules also state dogs must be in control by their handler at all times. If a dog is disruptive or displays aggressive behavior, the carrier does have grounds to refuse it on future flights for safety reasons. So it’s important to select dogs as your service animal who can handle stressful situations calmly.

What If My Dog Needs to Go Potty During the Flight?

This can be tricky! Most flights are too short for service dogs to need bathroom breaks, but on occasion an animal may have an accident due to anxiety. If possible, try to take your dog potty right before boarding. During flight, ask for a travel pad or towel in case of emergencies, and contact crew discreetly if help is needed cleaning up.

Any Other Tips for Comfortable Air Travel with a Service Dog?

Here are a few more suggestions based on my flying experiences:

1. Bring lots of high-value, soft treats to keep your dog occupied and calm.
2. Consider giving your dog a light sedative prescribed by your vet for anxious pets.
3. Request bulkhead or exit row seating in advance so your dog has a barrier at their feet.
4. Bring your dog’s favorite toy or blanket for comfort.
5. Confirm service dog policies directly with your specific airline before flying to avoid uncertainties.

With some preparation and open communication, many service dog handlers have found air travel to go smoothly overall. Just be respectful of crew needs while still advocating gently for your legal rights when necessary. Most of all, keep that sweet puppy of yours well-behaved through treats and soothing tone – that’s guaranteed to win people over!

I hope this detailed guide helped shine some light on commonly asked questions about where service dogs sit during air travel. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions!

Where Service Dogs Sit on Planes

Type of Dog	Where They Sit
Psychiatric Service Dog	At the handler’s feet in the cabin or on the handler’s lap.
PTSD Service Dog	At the handler’s feet in the cabin or on the handler’s lap.
Seizure Alert Dog	At the handler’s feet in the cabin or on the handler’s lap.
Guide Dog	In the cabin at the handler’s feet.
Hearing Dog	In the cabin at the handler’s feet to assist with alerts.
Mobility Assistance Dog	In the cabin at the handler’s feet to provide support services as needed.
Autism Assistance Dog	In the cabin at the handler’s feet to help manage anxiety and promote safety.

FAQ

1. Where can my service dog sit on an airplane?

   Service dogs basically need to sit at their owner’s feet under the seat in front of them on an airplane. They can’t sit in the aisle or on an empty seat. The dog has to stay on the floor at all times.

2. Can my service dog sit on my lap during take-off and landing?

   Sometimes it seems sorts of overwhelming for the doggy to sit on the loud airplane floor during the noisiest parts. Kinda as a special exception, service dogs are allowed to sit on their owner’s lap for take-off and landing as long as the dog is small and fits without issue. However, the animal needs to be moved back down during normal flying.

3. Is there a certain type of vest or identification required for a service dog on a plane?

   Federal regulations say that service dogs must wear some type of vest, leash or harness that identifies them as a service animal. However, it doesn’t have to be anything specific – whatever clearly shows the pooch is working and not just a pet. Airlines can’t demand certain vests or color. On the paw, they just need a way to recognize the helpful pup at a glance.

4. Will my service dog’s behavior impact whether they can fly?

   If a service dog acts wild, barks non-stop or looks all stressed during the flight, that’s a red flag. Perhaps the stunning pup isn’t ready for air travel after all. But is it fair to blame an animal for getting scared in a loud plane? Maybe the doggie just needs reassuring pats. At the same time, the dog’s behavior can’t disrupt or compromise other passengers’ comfort – that’s a no-no.

5. Does my service dog need any special health records?

   As a general rule, service dogs are basically not supposed to need any special medical records or paperwork to fly. However, some airlines may require a basic vaccination certificate just to prove the pooch is healthy. But most experts say this shouldn’t be necessary if the dog is clearly well- behaved. Overall, service dogs are meant to possess extensive training – not health certificates.

   

6. What if my dog seems nervous – can they take anxiety medication?

   If a service doggo honestly seems like he may have some fears of flying, it’s alright to give him calming supplements before a trip in some cases. Nevertheless, sedatives are a big no-no according to federal rules. But perhaps a natural anxiety remedy from the pet store could take the edge off without getting the pup loopy? On the other paw, distracting and comforting dogs is usually best. Are medications truly needed? I’m no expert!

7. Can an airline deny entry to my service dog?

   Airlines are required under law to allow service dogs to fly in the cabin. However, if a dog is out of control or disruptive, the pilot does have final say on whether it can fly for safety reasons. At the same time, airlines can’t just deny dogs access due to their particular breed. According to the ADA, service animals must generally be given access – it can only be refused if the critter causes real problems or doesn’t fit properly.

8. Do service dogs need any special airline reservations?

   When making a flight booking for yourself and your service pup, tell the airline up front about bringing the assistance animal. Some carriers require a simple notification, while others may have paperwork. But most experts agree – reservations don’t need to be special as long as it’s clear a dog is involved. Alternatively, you can always ask the airline directly what their rules are. But hopefully Fido’s pass won’t cost extra – service animals should fly free of charge!