Passenger reports dog occupying leg space during long-haul flight from South Africa

“Service Dog” in my leg space the entire flight. Should I complain? byu/noteverythingnotyet in unitedairlines

Another user tweeted their frustration with Delta Airlines regarding service dogs: "Hey @Delta this isn’t supposed to happen two #ServiceDogs in the same row that don’t know each other?!? Why you put us at risk of a missed medical episode & I just had two fusions! Flight1682 to Houston."

While airlines must provide wheelchairs for those who need them or wish to board early, additional space requirements often come at the expense of fellow passengers. In economy class, where space is already limited, this can be particularly burdensome.

Possible solutions include having passengers pay for any additional space their pets require or airlines providing extra seats free of charge. This approach aligns more closely with legal standards elsewhere but raises fairness issues when it involves emotional support animals claimed as service animals through paperwork.

The distinction between genuine service animals and those claimed as such by passengers remains contentious. Regardless of whether a passenger has a qualifying need, encroaching on another passenger's space remains problematic.