Help...Fly'n with Fido

[Art]

I know CSR has many pet lovers, airline employees, and pilots so I am hoping to get some help or guidance with a problem.

Each summer we fly American Airlines Miami to LA with our German Shepherd to visit our kids and grandkids. Last year, for the first time, the gate agent weighed both Ty and his carrier at check-in, and I was told the combined weight exceeded their 100 pound max. I pointed out that Ty has made the flight for the last 5 years and he has always been ~ 115 lbs. The agent claimed the weight restriction has been around for years, fortunately after appealing to the ground support manager Ty was finally allowed to board.

We have tickets to fly again this year, but I am concerned that the issue is likely to arise again, and I might not get the same relief from the ground support manager on duty.

Any and all advise will be welcome.

Thanks

 

[Chris Nowell]

I guess you're only options would be to; fly the kids out to visit YOU guys or take advantage of one of the many doggie day care centers. I don't think they're going to keep bending the rules for one person. Our friends regularly use the day care service and they claim the dog actually looks forward to it.

 

[mmcguire2002]

You can have him certified as a service dog. Google it. Many people do this.

 

[pilot2fly]

You cant do much about this unfortunately. The best thing to do is always be respectful and nice about it, that can help, but there are times when gate agents just dont care. Appealing to a manager on duty can be of help as well.

The service dog idea is a good one.

 

[OldSkool]

With airlines monitoring carry on this may become a way of life for both animal and luggage even though they are not the same. On my last three travels I have seen more carry on transferred to to baggage than ever before. My only concern is that I pay 25us to check mine and then the airlines checks gate luggage for free. Why am I charged for being conscience of my baggage size while miss America with her carry-ons weighing 100lbs checks for free?

 

[OldSkool]

You cant do much about this unfortunately. The best thing to do is always be respectful and nice about it, that can help, but there are times when gate agents just dont care. Appealing to a manager on duty can be of help as well.

The service dog idea is a good one.

Even service dogs are having a hard time getting and staying aboard. Any animal weighing over 75lbs may have an issue now a days. Check with your airlines and get their recommendations. Be sure to follow them to the letter because they are today.

BTW I have never seen anyone put their carry-on in one of those checker thingy s at the gate.

 

[Art]

Thanks for all the inputs!! I could probably get him Service Dog Certified, but I don't want to lie and bastardize a policy that the many truly needy and deserving people need.

My frustration is Ty is a large/long German Shepherd that would probably extend into the aisle (a legitimate safety concern). The airline policy for SERVICE Dogs that are too large is that they have to go below deck in their approved kennel without any weight limitations. The airline cannot and does charge for this, but do accommodate these larger animals. Meanwhile, I will gladly PAY a profit challenged airline (AAL), more than my passenger fare to do what they must do for free for large Service Dogs.

I guess I was hoping someone in the CSR community knows someone at American Airlines MIA ground operations that I could talk to.

Thanks, Art