The first thing that you should research is which airlines fly to your destination, then find out which one has a non-stop flight to your destination and also your return ticket should be non-stop. Then if you have a choice of airlines find out which one has the least restrictions for your service animal and then that is the one you book your tickets with.
You can make your reservations online, however, once you get your ticket with all of your flight information, be sure and call the customer service department of the airline and state you needs and requirements and make sure they indicate it on your ticket information. This is the time to request bulkhead seating and to remind them that the Americans With Disabilities Act states that guide dogs and service animals are permitted to travel with their humans on public transportation. When the special requests are in place, ask them to email you a copy of the updated information. Then be sure and do all of this for your return ticket, as sometimes this information isn’t automatically put on the return ticket. Also get the name of the service representative and a direct phone number to the service department in case you need to call back for any reason.
While you are talking with the service representative be sure and ask the exact documentation and requirements for your service animal with that airline, always remember that each airline may have individual requirements and certificates in order for your service animal to accompany you while flying. These requirements will need to be current and usually can be completed by your veterinarian. Carry these papers with you along with your tickets and boarding passes.
Your service animal is not considered a pet so it is in a separate category and you should not be charged any extra costs to have them board with you. Do remember that you will need to get clearance and will be subject to quarantine laws where you are landing, so be sure all of that research is done prior to leaving so you aren’t separated for any length of time. There may be paperwork you need for this, so be sure and check so there are not any surprises.
When you get to the airport your guide dog and all of its equipment will need to be physically inspected right along with yours. Be sure and be clear to the inspection station the best way to inspect your dog and to be very clear, as only you know your animal and how it was/is trained. If your dog has been trained that it is off duty when its equipment is taken off be sure and indicate this to the inspector, to leave all of his harness etc on, and do not let them separate you from your animal.
Once your guide dog has been cleared for travel, flying with your dog should go smoothly and it gives you the wonderful freedom to know that you can enjoy traveling and experience all the wonders that able bodies people can, which of course is your definite right and that is why there are strict laws in place to protect you and your rights.
By: Darlene Siddons
Posts Tagged ‘Airline’
Travel Tips For Flying With Service & Guide Dogs
February 21st, 2010Travel Tips For Cheap Romantic Vacations
February 8th, 2010
You can also find cheap romantic vacations if you look online. You can certainly book directly with the hotel, or if you prefer you can go through one of the various packages Internet sites that offer accommodations around the world. I had an opportunity to visit India at attractive package by a website. Their packages include casual travels and tours, honeymoon or wedding events, diving packages that feature the best diving spots in the archipelago and golf packages for the corporate buff. These traveling sites have become huge influences on the cost of these tickets, and doing so by simply giving you comparisons and more information than the airline wants you to know. These days, with the many packages online out there, if you invest just a few hours of time researching your trip, then this will often end up saving hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Sometimes people get into a rut by using traveling agencies or depending only on the
Is That Travel Insurance Really Necessary?
January 15th, 2010
Very often we hear comments about the consequences of traveling without travel insurance yet we are still indecisive when it comes to getting a travel insurance policy. It could be that you may feel you have spent enough money on all the expenses for your trip abroad and therefore it is unnecessary to incur additional expenses, especially on insurance where the possibility of any mishaps is zero percentage. Shall we now view the whole scenario from a different angle? Why not allocate some extra cash to purchase insurance in return for a worry-free vacation, especially after spending so much on air tickets, accommodation, etc? You wouldn’t want any calamities to ruin your vacation, right?
Travel insurance is an advantage as it protects and covers any financial loss you face, which means in the event of any unexpected mishaps, you are certain to get your money back. And that includes medical treatment overseas or if you are unable to travel due to some unforeseen circumstances, you are guaranteed to get a refund. Imagine losing all the money spent on flight ticket if you are not covered by insurance. This is the benefit of having insurance prior to departure. I’m sure you will agree that one will never know what will happen next with all the uncertainties in the world.
What about losing your baggage during your flight? If the airline is able to locate your luggage then everything will be fine but what if there are certain items missing after your luggage has been returned to you? Or what if your luggage is gone forever? What will happen to you then? Well, be rest assured that as long as you are covered, insurance will replace whatever items that are lost or stolen. This is why insurance is appealing and necessary for travelers. It protects the assured parties from any unpredictable incidents that may happen prior to and during your trip.
Before you decide on which travel insurance policy, it is wise to check out the various types of insurance packages from other insurance companies first for you would wish to get the best value for your money. Make certain that you select a reliable and reputable insurance company with superb customer services. It is crucial that you know the coverage of your insurance policy and therefore remind yourself to read the fine prints carefully. If there are any doubts or you are unsure of any details in the policy, ask for clarifications.
By: Jackson Alan
