logo
Funny Animals Interesting Freaky Pop Culture

Online Users Discuss Their Reactions To Being Seated Near Service Dog On Airplane, Many Would Welcome Company

by May

Did you know that airlines have to make sure that people with disabilities can bring their service animals and emotional support animals into the cabin with them? If you need it, you can ask for a bulkhead seat before the flight takes off.

In the airport, there are special areas for the animals to go to the bathroom, and if you need help getting there, just ask the airline. During the flight, it's up to you to take care of your furry friend—make sure they have food, care, and someone to look after them.

But although airlines allow dogs in the aircraft cabin, some people may not be comfortable being seated next to a dog. Fortunately, airlines will always have a solution for such passengers, particularly those suffering from allergies

If you approach a flight attendant, they will do their best to get you seated as far as possible from the canine or place you on the next available flight. Chances are slim for a first-class upgrade since those seats are usually occupied by paying customers and MVPs.

However, airline staff are willing to assist and might be able to find you a better seat in coach. It's important to remain respectful and composed.

Even if you suspect someone is misusing the system, once they're on the plane, it means the airline has already validated their right to be there with their animal.

Engaging in an argument won't lead to a resolution. And speaking of flying with dogs, a question was raised on Quora:

What will you do if someone sitting next to you on the airplane brought a service dog and the dog is sitting below you?

Let's take a look at some of the interesting answers from the community.

They gladly changed seats with a passenger who didn't want to be near a dog during a flight.

This happened to me a few years ago. The woman behind me asked to change seats because she did not want to sit next to a service dog.I was delighted to change seats with her.The dog was sweet and well-behaved, even during the meal service. I chatted with the dog’s person, a college student on her way home for Christmas.We had a lovely time. After I landed and stopped at the ladies’ room I saw my seat mate (with her dog) and her parents waiting for me in front of a Dunkin’ Donuts in the airport.They offered to buy me a donut as a gesture of gratitude for my kindness. I declined and told them it had all been a pleasure.They gladly changed seats with a passenger who didn't want to be near a dog during a flight.gettysignature

One user would gladly be of assistance to the owner of the service dog.

I would introduce myself to the person next to me and ask if it's ok for me to acknowledge the dog. I would tell them to let me know if they need anything and then I'd do whatever I would do if the dog wasn't there.My daughter has a friend who has type 1 diabetes. I have had a few scares with her glucose dropping into dangerous levels. Now that she has a service dog I can actually sleep when she sleeps over because the dog will make sure to alert her and bark if her glucose is too high or low. Service dogs are extremely important to their person.If someone has an issue or a fear of dogs and the person next to them has a service dog then that person should nicely ask an attendant if anyone on the flight would switch seats with them.One user would gladly be of assistance to the owner of the service dog.gettysignature

They'd love the opportunity to have a new friend.

You mean sitting or laying on the floor by my feet?I’d do this cos it means I got a new friendThey'd love the opportunity to have a new friend.via Charlotte Webster

One dog owner had this experience and tells people that it was a great experience.

Happened to me. A lady arrived with a beautiful golden retriever service dog, and asked if the lady next to me and I minded having a dog next to us. Having three dogs of my own, I was thrilled to share my flight with this lovely creature. Wonderful quiet dog and great experience overall (at least as much as flying allows now-a-days lol!)One dog owner had this experience and tells people that it was a great experience.gettysignature

This user would talk to the owner by all means.

I'd do f*ck all. I'd enter a dialogue with the owner. I'd share pictures of my heeler/monster. Hopefully we'd talk dog. And at some point, with permission, get to know the pooch.Or, have a beverage, read my Kindle and sleep.What would you do?This user would talk to the owner by all means.sydaproductions

This user be like, "Must resist petting!"

I’m going to have to sit on my hands to stop from petting the dog! Hopefully the dog’s owner or handler will give me permission.This user be like, gettysignature

What an introverted traveler might do: When the dog is off duty, they ignore the owner and show friendliness toward the dog.

I will look at the dog’s person and ask “is the dog on duty?”If the answer is yes, I will proceed to ignore the dog for the remainder of the flight.If the answer is no, I will ask “may I?”If the answer to THAT is yes, I’ll pet the dog and mostly ignore the person.I’m not particularly fond of people. Dogs, however? And a dog with an actual job? I get along very well with all sorts of animals, dogs included. And working dogs get a lot of extra respect from me.What an introverted traveler might do: When the dog is off duty, they ignore the owner and show friendliness toward the dog.gettyimages

Most users responded positively to the question. After all, it's not every day that you get to see a service dog during a flight.

If you're in a similar situation and you love dogs, it's always for the best to prioritize the comfort of the owner. After all, service dogs are trained professionals diligently assisting their handlers. Understanding and respecting their role enriches the travel experience for all.

Share this article:

Facebook icon Pinterest icon Tumblr icon Link icon Twitter icon

Related Articles

Cat Owner Made The Ultimate Cat-Sitting Manual To Ensure Her Cats Get Royal Treatment

Cat Owner Made The Ultimate Cat-Sitting Manual To Ensure Her Cats Get Royal Treatment

Cat Collects So Many Neighbor's Shoes, Owner Creates Facebook Group To Return Them

Cat Collects So Many Neighbor's Shoes, Owner Creates Facebook Group To Return Them

Exceptionally Rare "Doomsday Fish" Discovered Off Southern California Coast

Exceptionally Rare "Doomsday Fish" Discovered Off Southern California Coast

Here’s A Look At The World’s Largest Spider That’s Moved Into Northern South America

Here’s A Look At The World’s Largest Spider That’s Moved Into Northern South America

This Beloved Penguin Was Famous For A Fascinating Reason—And The World Is Morning Its Death

This Beloved Penguin Was Famous For A Fascinating Reason—And The World Is Morning Its Death

Lily Allen Gave Up Her Adopted Dog For The Strangest Reason

Lily Allen Gave Up Her Adopted Dog For The Strangest Reason

A Look At The Terrifying Moment Orca Came Into View With Trainer In Its Mouth

A Look At The Terrifying Moment Orca Came Into View With Trainer In Its Mouth

Toronto Zoo Orangutan's Daring Escape Attempt From Outdoor Habitat Caught On Video By Surprised Guests

Toronto Zoo Orangutan's Daring Escape Attempt From Outdoor Habitat Caught On Video By Surprised Guests

Scientists Detect DNA Of Alive Prehistoric Fish In The Connecticut River, Kicking Off A Race To Locate It

Scientists Detect DNA Of Alive Prehistoric Fish In The Connecticut River, Kicking Off A Race To Locate It

Golden Eagle Attacks 20-Month-Old Girl And Three Others In Norway, Leaving Deep Wounds

Golden Eagle Attacks 20-Month-Old Girl And Three Others In Norway, Leaving Deep Wounds

Portland Airport Gains Popularity Online For Its Therapy Liamas

Portland Airport Gains Popularity Online For Its Therapy Liamas

Scientists Poured Cement Into Abandoned Ant Hill And Made Interesting Discovery

Scientists Poured Cement Into Abandoned Ant Hill And Made Interesting Discovery

Gen Z Revamps Animal Shelter’s Marketing, and the Internet Can't Get Enough

Gen Z Revamps Animal Shelter’s Marketing, and the Internet Can't Get Enough

22 Heartwarming Pictures Of Overly Cute Dogs That'll Leave You Grinning From Ear To Ear

22 Heartwarming Pictures Of Overly Cute Dogs That'll Leave You Grinning From Ear To Ear

Artist's Reimagined Disney-Style Pet Portraits Leave Their Owners In Awe

Artist's Reimagined Disney-Style Pet Portraits Leave Their Owners In Awe

From Mischief To Fame—Raccoon Becomes TikTok Sensation

From Mischief To Fame—Raccoon Becomes TikTok Sensation

Veterinarian Sparks Debate By Naming 5 Dog Breeds He’d Avoid

Veterinarian Sparks Debate By Naming 5 Dog Breeds He’d Avoid

Cat’s Apology Card Goes Viral After Vet Visit Gone Wrong

Cat’s Apology Card Goes Viral After Vet Visit Gone Wrong

This Orphaned Kitten’s Plush Mama Is The Cuddle Buddy We All Need

This Orphaned Kitten’s Plush Mama Is The Cuddle Buddy We All Need

Four Pandas Delight Zoo Visitors With An Adorable Tea Party Picnic

Four Pandas Delight Zoo Visitors With An Adorable Tea Party Picnic

50 Rescued Cats and Their Inspiring Makeovers

50 Rescued Cats and Their Inspiring Makeovers

Canadian Border Agents Stunned By Unexpected Find After Peeking Into Mysterious Box From China

Canadian Border Agents Stunned By Unexpected Find After Peeking Into Mysterious Box From China

Cat’s Reluctant Attack On Dog In Funny Video Has Everyone Cracking Up

Cat’s Reluctant Attack On Dog In Funny Video Has Everyone Cracking Up

Heartbroken Dog Abandoned for Being ‘Ugly’ Finds His Angel

Heartbroken Dog Abandoned for Being ‘Ugly’ Finds His Angel

Lonely Shelter Cat Reaches Out For Love, Melting Hearts As He Waits For His Forever Home

Lonely Shelter Cat Reaches Out For Love, Melting Hearts As He Waits For His Forever Home

Stray Feline Mom Takes The Ultimate Risk To Give Her Little Ones A Chance At Survival

Stray Feline Mom Takes The Ultimate Risk To Give Her Little Ones A Chance At Survival

Categories

Funny Animals Interesting Freaky Pop Culture

Business

About Us Advertise Contact Us

Legal

Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy DMCA Removal
 Logo
About Us Privacy DMCA Removal Contact Us Terms Funny Animals Interesting Freaky Pop Culture

© 2025 - All Rights Reserved

 logo

Sign In to

facebook icon Sign in with facebook
facebook icon Sign in with google

Or sign in with email

Need an account? Sign Up

Forgot Password?

By creating an account, you agree to the Terms of Service

 logo

Sign Up to

Already have an account? Sign In

By creating an account, you agree to the Terms of Service

Edit profile

User Photo