What To Do As A Person With Severe Pet Allergies On A Plane With A Service Animal

Flying can be a nerve-racking experience for anyone, but when you're dealing with severe pet allergies and there's a service animal onboard, it can be a major hurdle in your travel plans. Service animals are protected by law, so airlines are required to accommodate them. However, your comfort and health as a passenger with allergies are also important. Luckily, there are several things you can do to ensure you have the most comfortable experience possible while traveling with pet allergies.

People with severe allergies should advocate for themselves with effective communication. Start by notifying the airline about your condition as soon as you book your ticket. Most airlines recommend doing this at least 48 hours before your flight. This gives staff time to consider your seating arrangement — hopefully, they can place you far from the service animal to make it less likely you'll be affected. In any case, be sure to carry your allergy medication, including antihistamines or an EpiPen, so that you're prepared for any allergic reactions.

When boarding, politely ask the crew if they can help you out. While airlines can't remove a service animal, they may offer other solutions, like asking another passenger to switch seats with you. If your allergies are really bad, consider wearing a mask on the plane. Remember, staying calm and prepared will help you have a safer and less stressful journey.

The key to traveling with pet allergies is preparation. Consult with a doctor beforehand if you need medication. You can also request a letter from your doctor, which can be shown to the airline to make your case. However, in most cases, asking a flight attendant for help should do the trick. The filtration system on planes is excellent, as the air is cycled about every three minutes. This should help reduce the chances of pet dander affecting you, as long as you are seated away from the animal. But you can also use the air vent above your seat to blow clean air toward you.

At the end of the day, pet allergens can make it onto a plane regardless of the presence of a service animal. Many people who have pets might carry hair and dander on their clothing, and service animals who were previously on the plane may leave it behind before you board. For added protection, pack hypoallergenic wipes to clean your area (especially the most touched spots on an airplane), or ask a flight attendant to do so before you board.

If you think sharing the cabin with a service animal could cause severe issues, it might be worth it to buy travel insurance. This gives you the option to rebook without losing money if there's no other solution. Some airlines may also offer to book you on another flight if necessary.