Nikki and Laura write for fly HIA blog about their shared experiences traveling as a woman with a mobility disability and service dog and the gals share some fantastic tips that have made flying less stressful for them.
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| Guest Bloggers, Laura and Nikki |
Hi, everybody!
Normally my person, Laura McLean, is the writer. She’s a service dog trainer. She helps people like herself who want a
service dog find and train them. She can
teach dogs like me to do all kinds of cool things to make people with disabilities
lives easier. She has a her own blog
where she talks about life with me and what it’s like to have cerebral
palsy. In her case it mostly affects her
ability to walk Like I said normally
she does all the writing but since this is about me and some of my friends she
said it would be ok for me to talk with you just this once. I am so excited. I am Nikki the wonder dog and I am nine
years old. I have been Laura’s service
partner for seven years but I have been her buddy my whole life. I have a lot to say because she rarely lets
me speak my mind. I have to be honest
with you all though right up front. I
have never been on an airplane myself.
Laura has flown out of HIA several times. She wants me to tell you that she’s kind of a
nervous flyer and when she is nervous that makes me unsettled and that’s why
I’ve never been on a plane. But I have
lots of service dog buddies who love flying with their partners. So we decided to ask them for some stories
and tips for a safe and enjoyable trip.
We worked together and came up with a list of things we think are the
most important things you should know if you are flying with your service
animal or are on a flight with someone who is.
It’s very important for you to let the airline know when
your book your flight that you will be traveling with a service dog. The airline staff will often ask for your
dog’s weight. It helps the staff to help
you pick the best seat for everyone to be comfortable. You can of course pick any seat you like
but it is the law that we cannot block the aisles. Keep that in mind when picking your
seat. I weigh all of 36lbs. I am smaller mobility dog and even I take up
a lot of room when I am in the mood to stretch out and relax. My friend Nugget is a Great Dane. When she and her partner fly he actually buys
her a seat so she has extra floor space to be relaxed. What a great Dad!!
Leave yourself and your service animal plenty of time to get
where you need to be rushing isn’t advisable when traveling for anyone. But having a service animal is in some ways
like having a child. You should always
plan for the unexpected. Airports are
busy noisy places and even the most well trained service dog needs a little
time to adjust. Our friends who travel
often told us the earlier you can get to the airport the better is for both you
and your dog! It’s best not to feed us
before the flight to prevent upset stomachs and accidents. No one wants that! It is also not a good idea to medicate your
dog before a flight without the advice of her vet. Some medicines react differently at higher
altitudes.
Airport security is very important these days. We all have to go through it. Service dogs too!! According to my friend Ranger and his partner
it helps to tell the staff that he is a service dog and NOT a pet. Use that exact phrase. It is very important
to have your service dog under control in the area. For my Furry friends this means we have to be
on out best behavior. TSA staff may want
to touch you or have you walk through a machine or wave a wand the beeps over
you. They may want to inspect your
leash vest or collar. Don’t worry they
won’t take them off, and you won’t have to leave your person. They want to make
sure everyone is safe. For our partners
please help the TSA by telling them how this can be accomplished in the easiest
and safest way possible. Ranger and his
Dad also told us that it is important for your dog to take his bathroom breaks
before going through security because if you take your dog out after the security
check you and your dog will need to do it again. Thanks for the tips guys.
Once it's time to board your flight you and your partner will
often be afforded the opportunity to board first. This will give you both a few extra minutes
to find your seats and get settled in before the other travelers’ board. Then you’ll both be all set for take off.
Some other important tips we learned in talking to our
friends about their best and worst trips
Always have id on your dog and travel with a copy of his or
her medical information just in case.
Have extra supplies for your dog in your carry on the same
way you pack for yourself. Cause even
the dogs bags get lost sometimes.
Fly nonstop whenever you can. No one wants to be rushing through a crowded
busy airport with a service dog in tow.
It’s a disaster waiting to happen.
I am not a dog who likes to be rushed so running to make a connection
doesn’t sound like fun to me.
In closing, Laura and I would like to remind you that you are
the best advocate for yourself and your dog.
It is important to remember that the staff is there to assist you in
making your travel experience a pleasant one.
In the event that you need something or a problem arises ASK for
HELP. Approach problems or issues with a
cool head. It makes it easier to get
what issues resolved and makes life easier for everybody.
Happy travels,
Nikki, the wonder dog and friends
Thank you, Nikki and Laura, for sharing your experiences with us and our readers! Are you a traveler with a service animal and/or mobility disability - what tips might you have to share that compliment those offered by our guest blogger today?
Thank you, Nikki and Laura, for sharing your experiences with us and our readers! Are you a traveler with a service animal and/or mobility disability - what tips might you have to share that compliment those offered by our guest blogger today?
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