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Today, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) met with the Office of the General Counsel of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). We spoke with members of their Office of Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings and Consumer Protection Division on behalf of people with asthma and allergies. We shared how critical it is that people with asthma and allergies have equal rights when they have to be on planes that have emotional support and comfort animals on board.

Many people are allergic to pet dander. It can trigger allergic reactions and asthma symptoms that may be serious for some people, especially in an enclosed area like a plane. We will continue to advocate for equal rights for people with asthma and allergies so they can feel safe and avoid reactions and asthma attacks while flying.

AAFA meets with DOT

Mark Vieth; Kenneth Mendez, AAFA President and CEO; and Jenna Riemenschneider, Director of Advocacy and Special Projects for AAFA; outside the U.S. Department of Transportation

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Wonderfu! Thank you for advocating for those of us with a & a. I see more emotional support animals and this makes me nervous, especially with regard to planes and similar enclosed, public spaces. I am highly allergic to cats, to the point that my lungs begin to close up after about 2 hours of exposure. I am seeing these animals now in so many places, with no regard for the many people who are allergic to them. There needs to be some safeguard for those of us whose health is threatened by their presence. As a colleague of mine said about us: “It’s not an acceptance issue, it’s a health issue.” Keep us posted, and I will stay on board!

G
Dawn Graziano posted:
Hello to my fellow advocates and sufferers.
Let's keep this conversation going.
I have been unable to travel by air for the last 4 years due to airline
polices regarding service animals and emotional support pets.
We must be considered and or rights protected as well. Let's keep the
conversation going and hear from more of you that have been affected.

Let


On Tue, Oct 8, 2019 at 3:26 PM Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America <
support@aafa.org> wrote:

Me too, been unable to fly from the west coast to the east coast since I had a terrible allergy/asthma attack on a plane flight in 2011. The attack was triggered by a dog (dander) in the cabin that was near the on board restroom I has to use. 

805Native
Melissa G posted:

Welcome to AAFA, 805Native! How long have you been dealing with allergies and asthma?

Thank you, I have been dealing with allergies for a few decades and was  diagnosed with asthma about 15 years ago. My allergy/asthma condition has gotten progressively worse the last 10 years. 

805Native
Hello to my fellow advocates and sufferers.
Let's keep this conversation going.
I have been unable to travel by air for the last 4 years due to airline
polices regarding service animals and emotional support pets.
We must be considered and or rights protected as well. Let's keep the
conversation going and hear from more of you that have been affected.

Let


On Tue, Oct 8, 2019 at 3:26 PM Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America <
support@aafa.org> wrote:
DG

Wow, I was quite surprised and over joyed to have an advocate for those of us who have allergic asthma triggered by dog and other pet dander. Traveling has become quite difficult the last several years due to the direct contact with allergens that trigger sinus infections and asthma. Thank you so much.  

805Native

Hi @Dawn Graziano,

There will be a public comment meeting sometime this fall (date has not been announced). 

We are preparing for our submission.  We will be sharing a survey with our members soon - the information we collect will be shared with DOT.

Additionally, we are meeting with the airline industry directly as well. We will keep everyone updated!

Melanie Carver

I cannot thank you enough.

This is what I have been waiting for. This is why I joined AAFA and became an advocate.

Please advise the outcome of the meeting and if there are any follow up meetings scheduled.

DG
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