Passenger forcibly removed from Southwest flight

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Re: "According to Southwest, the incident took place after a female passenger alerted the crew that she had what they described to be a "life-threatening pet allergy." At the time, there was an emotional support animal and a pet on board the flight. The airline told Business Insider that in order for the passenger to continue on the flight, she needs to present a medical certification clearing her to fly.

"Our policy states that a Customer (without a medical certificate) may be denied boarding if they report a life-threatening allergic reaction and cannot travel safely with an animal onboard," Southwest said.

In this case, the passenger could not produce the requisite medical documents."

http://www.businessinsider.com/southwest-airlines-apologizes-after-woman...

"emotional support animal "

 

so abused. the shit is absurd.

I agree, Turtle. I see people bringing their pets into the grocery store with a "service animal" vest all the time. It's bullshit. Nobody wants your dog in here, and I doubt your dog wants to be here either.

Being on a plane with a dog would be one step worse than a toddler. Who wants that shit?

 

Look at me...LOOK AT ME!

Uh, I'd like to take my dog everywhere but I don't.

Actually, I fly all the time and I love seeing animals on board so you are wrong with the “nobody wants your dog in here”.

What do you have against dogs? 

Also, I’ve never heard of a “life-threatening pet allergy” before, but if this is the case it sounds like the people at Southwest SAVED HER LIFE and should be applauded. 

>> What do you have against dogs? <<

Nothing. They are innocent victims (not the crime).

I have a problem with people that can't deal with life emotionally without their dog's presence. Do they have jobs?

I have a problem with disruptive passengers who make shit up and cause flights to be delayed as was the case here. Fortunately, from the articles I have read on this, the woman with the “allergy” was the issue and she was removed. 

Maybe you and this KOOK need to find an airline that doesn’t allow pets, 

The article is poorly written.

If you have a “life-threatening pet allergy” then I'd get off the plane without the cops assistance. Was she demanding the pet's removal? Who knows.

My pup is reactive on the leash, and he'd scare the shit out of everyone on that plane.

>>> Who knows

I know!

She was demanding the removal of two dogs, one pet and one service dog. 

And I accept your apology. 

you should buy an extra seat for your pet. OR your fat ass.

if i paid for my seat, your dog/pet should not be encroaching on anyone.

if people's allergies are "so bad", why not drive?

 

I’ve never heard or read of an incident where an animal infringes onto the seat of a passenger. Have you? Face of Mars would know for sure.

I might pay EXTRA to have a dog on my lap, as a matter of fact.

>>>>>>>I might pay EXTRA to have a dog on my lap, as a matter of fact.

 

Send me an email, we can arrange something.

>Have you?<

yes, people will try to have a german fucking shepard sleep on their floor space.

>> She was demanding the removal of two dogs, one pet and one service dog.  <<

The article never states that, but assume you're correct (no apology). It says she made the allergy claim, yet wanted to fly anyway. Her bad.

According to Southwest, the incident took place after the passenger alerted the crew that she had what they described as a "life-threatening pet allergy." At the time, there was an emotional-support animal and a pet on board the flight. The airline told Business Insider that for the passenger to continue on the flight, she needed to present a medical certificate.

"Our policy states that a Customer (without a medical certificate) may be denied boarding if they report a life-threatening allergic reaction and cannot travel safely with an animal onboard," Southwest said.

 

Do they require they require a doctor's note form the passenger with a emotional-support animal?

 

"excuse me, is your emotional support animal hypo-allergenic"?

^^Good question.  They may.  In fact, I bet that they are more likely to be asked for supporting documents than the allergy person.

 

I'm imagining that the world of emotional-support animals is similar to that of medical marijuana.  Some people really have a good (health-related) reason for the service/treatment and some don't.

Face of Mars would know for sure.<<<

Why would I know, let alone "for sure"?

I don't think my dogs would enjoy flying too much. There's not enough room for people on planes these days, why do you need to throw animals into the mix?

"Our policy states that a Customer (without a medical certificate) may be denied boarding if they report a life-threatening allergic reaction and cannot travel safely with an animal onboard," Southwest said.

She doesn't have to produce written documentation that she has a life-threatening allergy.  Rather, if she alleges she has a life-threatening allergy, she must produce a medical certificate stating that she nevertheless can travel safely.

Of course a person with an actual life-threatening allergy to all pets would basically have to live in a bubble.

 

>>>Why would I know

Because you have almost weekly posts here about airlines and airports, that’s why. 

It's an odd case, right? If someone simply states they have a life-threatening allergy, they are probably expecting the dog to be kicked off. However, the airline has to follow the ADA and allow service animals (but not therapy animals). If that person could die, they should leave the flight. Otherwise, anyone could just make the claim and have valid service animals kicked off.

Now, if there are documented disabilities on both sides, one that requires a dog and another that could die because of the dog, which has to leave? Would they be able to get into one of these new-fangled bidding wars?

Once the dog has been on the plane, the hair, dander, etc. is on the plane. The dog wins.

I say check the dog and put it with the baggage; give passenger a pacifier and a blankie.

This is precisely why Xanax and air travel go hand-in-hand. You don't need your fucking dog when you have mother's little helper. Crying kids and therapy ferrets won't bother you with a couple of mg in you.

Now, if there are documented disabilities on both sides, one that requires a dog and another that could die because of the dog, which has to leave? Would they be able to get into one of these new-fangled bidding wars?<<<

This is what kinda gets me.   Seems like it could be akin to them selling the same "space" to both someone who wants to recline and another who doesn't want to have the seat in front of them jammed into their knees.

If said impasse had arisen, would it not imply that any dog owner is subject to getting booted until the very last second when they close the cabin door?

>>>Why would I know

Because you have almost weekly posts here about airlines and airports, that’s why<<<

So, all of a sudden I'm now an "authority" re: aviation?

 

I Rarely Rarely Fly - In Fact I Rarely Leave My Area Code - Health Issues Will Do That to A Human

 

Plus It's An Expensive World Once You Leave 100 Miles From Your Pad For Any Amount Of Time

Turtle has a mellow threatening allergy to flying.

The lady was probably being passive aggressive and lied about her allergy to assert some power in a situation where one can often feel powerless.  All she needed was a preexisting beef with the abuse of the term "service dog" and a bad day travelling.  

 

If this was a legitimate ::thing:: for her, she'd be aware of the policy, but its not and she made it up and it bit her in the ass.

good for Southwest for removing the complaining passenger and getting the plane in the air. 

PS

Last day of an incredible SW Sale too, flights as low as $29!

 

 

 

I say check the dog and put it with the baggage; give passenger a pacifier and a blankie. <<<<

 

lmfao !

Southwest is like flying on a plane that's comprised of customers who were transported from a late night Denny's restaurant. It's not a pretty sight. 

I would rather deal with a calm person than a freaked out emotional mess that prayed out loud for 90 percent of my flight from Dallas to Columbus.   If a dog gets them there, who am I to judge?

"Our policy states that a Customer (without a medical certificate) may be denied boarding if they report a life-threatening allergic reaction and cannot travel safely with an animal onboard," Southwest said.

She doesn't have to produce written documentation that she has a life-threatening allergy.  Rather, if she alleges she has a life-threatening allergy, she must produce a medical certificate stating that she nevertheless can travel safely.

Of course a person with an actual life-threatening allergy to all pets would basically have to live in a bubble.

This. 

Southwest is like flying on a plane that's comprised of customers who were transported from a late night Denny's restaurant. It's not a pretty sight.   <<<<

 

More lmfao !

 

So, it's like the back of a Greyhound used to be?

^Yep, that's why I used to Go Greyhound and I now fly SWA...

I haven't been on a Greyhound in almost 30 years, since I took it from Port Authority to Plattsburgh, NY. By the end of the ride all the other degenerates in the smoking section were drunk, stoned and tripping pretty hard on Clowns. Sure, you had to deal with the smell of shit from the crapper, but it was a good time.

I Took a Greyhound to Arizona Once a Long time ago IT SMELLED LIKE HIGH HELL ! = Never Again !

>>> I Took a Greyhound to Arizona Once a Long time ago IT SMELLED LIKE HIGH HELL !

 

arizona?

the "Greyhound to Arizona" is a sexual move that involves iced tea, doggystyle and a race.

My honey badger keeps me centered.

arizona?<<

L.A. > to Tucson

 

>>> Do they require they require a doctor's note form the passenger with a emotional-support animal?

Yes, as a matter of fact, they do require a doctor's note from the customer flying with an emotional support animal. These pets fly for free so the documentation is required. 

Once the customer stated she had a life threatening allergy to animals, SW had no other recourse but to ask her to deplane and take another flight. They cannot be responsible for something happening in flight and this could cause a diversion which is very expensive. If you have an allergy so severe you would first inform the airline so they can try to make sure that the customer with the allergy is safe. Safety is always priority. 

I personally have no issue with pets flying. I think it's fine. The only thing is, the customers are required to leave the pets in their carriers and they are not supposed to be removed. However, emotional support animals are allowed to be on the lap of the customer with the emotional issue. I find that most people do not really have an emotional issue. Most want their pet to fly for free rather than pay $100 each way for the pet to be put under the seat. It's cheaper to get a doctor's note. 

>>the "Greyhound to Arizona" is a sexual move that involves iced tea, doggystyle and a race.

 

figured the last part would read and a barefoot zippy.

lol. much better, 4winds.

well done. thats the cherry on top.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dr-gridlock/wp/2017/09/27/a-southwes...

House Transportation Committee Chairman Bill Shuster, (R-Pa.) said that “there’s something clearly broken when passengers have been treated the way they have,” The Post reported.

Shuster warned airlines to “seize the day,” because if carriers do not reform their passenger policies, Congress will impose rules. And, he warned: “You’re not going to like it.”

 

That's why a U.S. Marshall and a Mailman with mace should be on every flight.

it's been so long that i have flown (2008) - I have never seen a pet on a flight I am against it - special cargo area o.k. but not in the cabin also t is right service dog privlidge is terribly abused ! The United States of SUCK ! no

Back about 10-15 years ago,  Southwest Air had the best (* AKA Super-Cheap *)  ''Travel Packages" between Oregon & Vegas.

Flight + Hotel for a few nights in some low-budget blue-light property,  destined for the wrecking ball,  was usually less $$ than plain airfare on some other airline.

All you had to do was show up on time and behave like a Grown-Up.  The hotels were worn out,  but always had beds,  showers,  electricity  & TV.

Couple hours on a  plane and * VOILA* the Flamingo.

DonLemonPlane-350x236 (1).png

 

http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-ln-southwest-airlines-woma...

Law enforcement became involved after Daulatzai refused to deplane, he said.

According to a policy on its website, the airline can ensure that a customer with severe allergies is seated far away from animals if notified of an allergy at the departure gate. The airline cannot provide advance notification of animals traveling on a particular flight.

Daulatzai teaches at the Maryland Institute College of Art, a spokesman for the school confirmed. According to her online bio, she is a socio-cultural anthropologist in the Humanistic Studies department. She previously was a visiting assistant professor at Harvard Divinity School.

Los Angeles resident Bill Dumas, 61, recorded the video and said Daulatzai was seated toward the back of the plane. He said passengers became uneasy when police arrived.

“It went from this very quiet conversation and suddenly erupted into this big physical confrontation,” he told The Times.

Dumas, who has a background in documentary film, said that Daulatzai put up fierce resistance.

“People really got the sense that the officers didn’t have another option.”

In the video, passengers appear to be attempting to film the incident and are asked to put their phones away.

Daulatzai tells the officers that they have ripped her pants and she needs to close them.

As the male officers surround her, she says, “I will walk off. Don’t touch me!”

Then she tells them, “I’m a professor. What are you doing?”

At that point, an officer pushes her.

“Oh, my God,” one passenger says.

A woman can be heard trying to calm Daulatzai down. “Show them that you’re walking,” she urges.

“I can’t walk! He’s got my leg!” Daulatzai says.

Others on the plane were less sympathetic.

“Jeez, lady, get off the plane. Make the complaint later!” one man says.

The flight landed in Los Angeles at about 11:30 p.m., 10 minutes after its expected arrival time.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/woman-dragged-off-southwest-plane-blames-profil...

The Maryland woman who was forcibly removed from a Southwest Airlines plane in a dispute over dog allergies alleges she was subjected to disparaging treatment by the law enforcement officers who escorted her off the plane.

"For me, it was clear a lack of conflict-resolution skills with them," Anila Daulatzai, 46, told ABC News of her interaction with the Maryland Transportation Authority Police (MDTA). "There's something they just didn't trust me with."

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She continued, "I was a brown woman with a hoodie."

Daulatzai said she is two months pregnant and was traveling to Los Angeles to care for her elderly father Sept. 26 when the incident occurred. She was forcibly removed from the plane at the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport in Maryland after refusing to leave on her own.

Daulatzai says the incident escalated after she asked whether there were any dogs on the plane.

"When I boarded the plane, the first thing I asked the flight attendant was, 'How many dogs are going to be on this plane?'" she told ABC News, adding that she "never, never" told Southwest officials that her allergy to dogs was life-threatening.

Daulatzai, who holds a faculty appointment at the Maryland Institute College of Art, found a seat away from dogs on the flight. She says the flight's captain continued to ask her about the allergy.

"He started by saying, ‘I'm uncomfortable with you being on this plane,’" she said. "I said, 'I'm sorry. I'm the primary caretaker for my father. I need to be there. I'm asking you to reconsider.'"

Daulatzai was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, failure to obey a reasonable and lawful order, disturbing the peace, obstructing and hindering a police officer and resisting arrest, according to Maryland Transportation Authority Police.

Daulatzai and her lawyer, Arjun S. Sethi, said in a statement Wednesday that Daulatzai was questioned while grading papers on the flight.

"Despite trying to convince the crew that she would be completely fine on the plane, she was asked by another Southwest representative to leave the plane," the statement said. "Shortly thereafter the Maryland Transportation Authority Police pulled her from her seat by her belt loop, dragged her through the aisle exposed with torn pants, and humiliated her for the world to see in a now viral video."

The statement continued, "The Maryland Transportation Authority Police later disparaged her, accused her of lying about her pregnancy, and made racist remarks about immigrants."

Daulatzai suffered physical injuries and mental trauma, according to her lawyer. They plan to take legal action against Southwest.

"We fear that when you Google her, the first thing that is going to come up are these criminal charges, which we plan to contest," Sethi told ABC News.

Southwest Airlines and MDTA officials did not reply directly to Daulatzai's allegations of racismon the flight when asked by ABC News.

Both Southwest Airlines and at least one fellow passenger contest Daulatzai's claim that she never said her allergy to dogs was life-threatening.

Southwest Airlines officials told ABC News in a statement that they were "disheartened by the way this situation unfolded and the customer's removal by local law enforcement officers."

The airline added that it publicly apologized to Daulatzai and has "made several attempts" to contact her directly since the incident.

"Southwest Airlines was built on Customer Service, and it is always our goal for all Customers to have a positive experience," according to the airline’s statement. "Our reports indicate the Customer stated that she had a life-threatening pet allergy, but she was unable to provide the medical certificate necessary to complete travel. There was one emotional support animal and one pet onboard the aircraft."

The statement continued, "Our policy states that a Customer (without a medical certificate) may be denied boarding if they report a life-threatening allergic reaction and cannot travel safely with an animal onboard. Our Flight Crew made repeated attempts to explain the situation to the Customer, however, she refused to deplane and law enforcement became involved. We do not have any further comment to provide."

Southwest Airlines' website does not mention the required medical certificate. It states that airline representatives will seat a passenger with an allergy far away from the animal, as Daulatzai claims she was trying to do.

"If a customer is severely affected by allergies to an animal and notifies us of his/her allergy at the departure gate, we can ensure that the customer with the allergy is seated as far away from the animal as possible," Southwest's policy reads.

MDTA officials told ABC News in a statement that they "responded to a direct request from a Southwest Airlines' captain to remove a passenger from a plane."

"Despite her clear attempt to resist a law enforcement officer, Ms. Daulatzai was professionally removed from the aircraft within the guidelines of the MDTA Police," the statement added. "This remains an open case that will be handled in the appropriate venue, not through various media channels."