Southwest Airlines doesn't let passenger fly with pet fish

[Finance85]

I'm not sure why this is in the news, and why this woman thinks Southwest Airlines did anything wrong.



A California woman is claiming a Southwest Airlines agent forced her to leave her pet fish at the airport last Wednesday.

Lanice Powless, a University of Colorado student, was flying to California from Denver International Airport when she said a Southwest Airlines employee informed her that she would not be allowed to bring her pink beta fish, Cassie, onboard with her.

Powless had gotten the fish her freshman year of college to combat loneliness she was feeling being away at school. The two formed a fast friendship, Powless said to 10News.

"I put my finger in there, he come up and nibble my finger. He was a cool fish," she said. "I even got him a heater, because it gets so cold in Colorado."

https://www.foxnews.com/travel/sout...rline-forced-her-to-leave-pet-fish-at-airport

I fly about 45 weeks per year. Even if I didn't fly that much I would have zero sympathy. I'm glad the airlines are cracking down on "emotional support" animals. It's gotten ridiculous.

 

[RTM58]

California woman......
#weed

 

[noleclone2]

Ok-so I know there are a lot of emotionally fragile people out there, and can see some folks forming weird attachments...but here is where the story gets fishy:

" She eventually found a traveler on another airline that allows fish on board to care for Cassie on her behalf. But airport staff separated them, so Powless never got her name"

Huh? You are so attached and dependent yet can just give it up to stranger and not give name? And then:

"KGTV reached out to Southwest Airlines. A spokeswoman said airport staff are trained, and in this case, followed protocol. She said counter staff offered a later flight so Powless could make arrangements for her fish, but said she did not take the offer."

And she was so attached but could not take a later flight to get her fish to a friend?


I bet this is a scam to start a gofundme page.

 

[ReliableOstrich]

Lot of folks on the TC could use an emotional support beta fish, might have to suggest they head out to Denver to pick up this woman's fishie and some herbal relaxants.

I don't get the emotional support animal thing but I also don't suffer from panic attacks, so I'll withhold judgement. Flying is obviously stressful for a lot of folks and these types of stories are in the news at least once a month. Airlines might want to use some of their record profits on either improving the experience or providing folks with an emotional support <whatever> during flights so they leave their fish, giraffes, sheep, dogs, birds, ferrets at home.

- Ostrich

 

[Finance85]

Lot of folks on the TC could use an emotional support beta fish, might have to suggest they head out to Denver to pick up this woman's fishie and some herbal relaxants.

I don't get the emotional support animal thing but I also don't suffer from panic attacks, so I'll withhold judgement. Flying is obviously stressful for a lot of folks and these types of stories are in the news at least once a month. Airlines might want to use some of their record profits on either improving the experience or providing folks with an emotional support <whatever> during flights so they leave their fish, giraffes, sheep, dogs, birds, ferrets at home.

- Ostrich

Or... people who are afraid of flying, or have unusual support animals, should find another mode of transportation.

 

[lizfsu]

Can she go through security with the bowl? Or is she also subject to 3oz?

 

[ReliableOstrich]

Or... people who are afraid of flying, or have unusual support animals, should find another mode of transportation.

As the number of people suffering from anxiety continues to grow that becomes a bad business decision for airlines.

 

[ericram]

Beta is right. Pet fish, lol. Buy a new one, shesh.

 

[Random_John]

For me, this issue isn't about the fish. The issue is why is this becoming an issue? Take this person, 25 years ago what would she have done? Would she even know to have an emotional attachment to a fish? I do not understand the pathology that leads to this kind of behavior.

 

[cfbfan23]

All dogs (save for dogs aiding the vision-impaired) and cats should be off flights, as well. But the airlines love those pets fees and the 100% margins they bring. They won't allow peanuts on some flights (which I don't have a problem with) but they will allow cats.

 

[ReliableOstrich]

For me, this issue isn't about the fish. The issue is why is this becoming an issue? Take this person, 25 years ago what would she have done? Would she even know to have an emotional attachment to a fish? I do not understand the pathology that leads to this kind of behavior.

I think these are the right questions to ask.

There is a mental health crisis in this country and no one, regardless of race, religion, wealth, or geography is spared from it. Time spent hand-wringing or pearl-clutching over support animal choices is time better spent understanding and focusing on the mental stability of the nation and how to reverse the trend.

There's a high chance someone you are close to has considered suicide, an even higher chance someone you're close to has anxiety, depression, or mood related disorders. This isn't someone else's problem, it's all of ours.

 

[NDallasRuss]

There is a mental health crisis in this country and no one, regardless of race, religion, wealth, or geography is spared from it. Time spent hand-wringing or pearl-clutching over support animal choices is time better spent understanding and focusing on the mental stability of the nation and how to reverse the trend.

Figuring out mental health issues isn't profitable.

Drugs though...drugs with crazy side effects that can be prescribed to people are very profitable.

 

[Finance85]

Can she go through security with the bowl? Or is she also subject to 3oz?

TSA will allow a small fish bowl, as long as it's clear, and passes an extra layer of security.

Southwest started banning live fish in 2017 and it's even part of their FAQ about animals that are allowed.

 

[Finance85]

All dogs (save for dogs aiding the vision-impaired) and cats should be off flights, as well. But the airlines love those pets fees and the 100% margins they bring. They won't allow peanuts on some flights (which I don't have a problem with) but they will allow cats.

Beginning early 2019, Delta is banning cats and dogs younger than 4 months old. The airlines do love pet fees, and have had to crack down because people are finding their way around the fees by claiming their animals are for emotional support. They can buy a vest for their dog for $20 and claim it's a service animal and avoid the fees.

 

[Finance85]

For me, this issue isn't about the fish. The issue is why is this becoming an issue? Take this person, 25 years ago what would she have done? Would she even know to have an emotional attachment to a fish? I do not understand the pathology that leads to this kind of behavior.

25 years ago she would have followed the airline rules, or used ground transportation. She wouldn't have had social media try to demonize the airline on her behalf.

 

[Gonolz]

Figuring out mental health issues isn't profitable.

Drugs though...drugs with crazy side effects that can be prescribed to people are very profitable.

Emotional support Xanax is still allowed on flights, right?

 

[Finance85]

Emotional support Xanax is still allowed on flights, right?

You crack me up. I need to get down to Clearwater and buy you an adult beverage. You are still in the TPA area, right?

 

[Gonolz]

You crack me up. I need to get down to Clearwater and buy you an adult beverage. You are still in the TPA area, right?

Yep. Let me know if you ever make it down this way.

 

[Semiologist]

25 years ago she would have followed the airline rules, or used ground transportation. She wouldn't have had social media try to demonize the airline on her behalf.

I was thinking something similar. 25 years ago she would be someone you would see on a Trailways or Greyhound bus. Sitting in the back talking to her fish.

 

[phideltflg]

No doubt, there is a mental health crisis in this country, but there are also tons of people abusing the system as well. You have to scratch your head when you see people carrying their "service" dogs on to a flight. You never really know someone else's true situation, but you can't tell me our society isn't getting a little bit ridiculous when it comes to some of these things.

 

[SoddyNole]

 

[NDallasRuss]

Emotional support Xanax is still allowed on flights, right?

As long as you're willing to share with your row-mates

 

[LesClaypool]

As long as you're willing to share with your row-mates

I have to take an Ativan to get on a plane. It's like low-grade Xanax, and I take the lowest dose available, but it does the trick. Takes the edge off just enough that I don't put my feet through the floor or rip an armrest off, especially during takeoff - which is when I really struggle the most.

Anyway, speaking of sharing, I gave my daughter one on Saturday when we were flying back from Rome, via Amsterdam b/c she only slept for 2 hours the night before we were leaving. When I take it, it just baaaarely gets my heart rate under 120bpm. She took one and slept the whole way - 9 hours. Didn't flinch once the whole way home. No fair.

 

[Dr. Nole]

You and i are on the same page SoddyNole

 

[SeaPA]

I was thinking something similar. 25 years ago she would be someone you would see on a Trailways or Greyhound bus. Sitting in the back talking to her fish.

Hey now, 35 years ago SeaPA used to sit on a Greyhound bus to Tally to escape the boredom of a small town in southern Georgia. I didn't talk to any fish, but I did get very excited when the stop in the next town south was at a liquor store. When I got back on the bus with a handful of cans of Club Cocktails, the driver told me "you know you can't drink those on the bus, right?"
When I responded, "I wouldn't think of doing that" he laughed & said, "go to the back of the bus, son."

 

[MagNoleA]

Emotional support Xanax is still allowed on flights, right?

Jeffrey Dahmer was once diagnosed with an eating disorder. How's that for feeding into one's psychosis?

 

[FSU_UCLA]

My 10AM showed up to the appointment with a 90lb pitbull and Emotional Support Animal forms from United and American Airlines today. Last year I was on a senior committee at UCLA tasked with managing the thousands of requests for ESA exemptions in student housing, classrooms, etc. It’s a vexing problem, to characterize it diplomatically.

 

[FSU_UCLA]

For me, this issue isn't about the fish. The issue is why is this becoming an issue? Take this person, 25 years ago what would she have done? Would she even know to have an emotional attachment to a fish? I do not understand the pathology that leads to this kind of behavior.

I wouldn’t be so quick to jump to “pathology.” The world is a very different place today than it was 25 years ago.

 

[OrlandNole]

My 10AM showed up to the appointment with a 90lb pitbull and Emotional Support Animal forms from United and American Airlines today. Last year I was on a senior committee at UCLA tasked with managing the thousands of requests for ESA exemptions in student housing, classrooms, etc. It’s a vexing problem, to characterize it diplomatically.

Did you sign the form? I'd love to see the dog of peace on a flight.

 

[Finance85]

Jeffrey Dahmer was once diagnosed with an eating disorder. How's that for feeding into one's psychosis?

I see what you did there.

 

[Formerly Rockymtnole]

Did you sign the form? I'd love to see the dog of peace on a flight.

Imagine a three hour flight with a pit bull next to you the entire flight. Smh...

 

[Random_John]

I wouldn’t be so quick to jump to “pathology.” The world is a very different place today than it was 25 years ago.

Granted and the world was different in the1800 's vs 25 years ago. But between the 1800's and pre-internet how often did people beg to take their service (insert creature here) anywhere? People were lucky to not be dying of cholera. Now, people need fish on a plane.

Circumstances led to this. If fear of dying by musket-ball doesn't warrant needing a fish in the 1800's why does name calling warrant it now?

 

[Finance85]

If the fish made that much of a difference, she wouldn't have gotten on the flight, and she wouldn't have given the fish away. So was the issue a need for emotional support, or is the issue one of self-entitlement?

 

[CoDuke]

https://www.delish.com/food-news/a25604652/popeyes-emotional-support-chicken/

Popeye's solved this problem.

 

[Finance85]

https://www.delish.com/food-news/a25604652/popeyes-emotional-support-chicken/

Popeye's solved this problem.

Waiting for someone to post how insensitive Popeyes (and you) are.

 

[MIKE_G]

 

[FSU_UCLA]

Did you sign the form? I'd love to see the dog of peace on a flight.

I consider prescribing emotional support animals to be outside of my scope of practice and hence proscribed by my code of ethics and the stipulations of my license.

 

[FSU_UCLA]

Granted and the world was different in the1800 's vs 25 years ago. But between the 1800's and pre-internet how often did people beg to take their service (insert creature here) anywhere? People were lucky to not be dying of cholera. Now, people need fish on a plane.

Circumstances led to this. If fear of dying by musket-ball doesn't warrant needing a fish in the 1800's why does name calling warrant it now?

Times change.

 

[Finance85]

Here's the Southwest Airlines policy, from their website -

General Information
Southwest Airlines allows small vaccinated domestic cats and dogs to travel with you in-cabin under the seat in front of you. All pets must be carried in an appropriate carrier, as indicated below.

Pet Reservation & Payment Information

• Pets traveling are subject to a $95 Pet Fare each way per pet carrier.
  
  Pet Fares are nonrefundable and may not be applied toward future-date travel if unused. Please note, the Pet Fare is subject to change at any time.
• U.S. Domestic Flights: Reservations must be made in advance by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). On the day of travel, Customers must bring the pet to the airport in an approved pet carrier. Proceed to the airport ticket counter to check the pet in and pay the Pet Fare before going to the departure gate.

 

[Gonolz]

https://www.delish.com/food-news/a25604652/popeyes-emotional-support-chicken/

Popeye's solved this problem.

That is a great idea. Fried chicken now smells like firelogs, which are very comforting.