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By Liz O'Connell
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Before taking off on an airplane, flight attendants check that all items are properly stowed away and seatbelts are on. They'll walk through the aisles confirming passengers have followed instructions.
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Trying to follow the protocols, one passenger realized her "bag" wasn't going to fit completely under the seat in front of her. She filmed her experience and shared it in a June 28 TikTok video that left people in stitches.
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The space under the seat in front of you is typically used for a passenger's personal item. And while it was a personal item to TikToker user @sostarbcs, it still didn't fit the requirements. Luckily, the bag had an exception.
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The bag started to move and reveal itself in the clip. Turns out the passenger's bag is her service dog. As the caption reads, "He's a master of disguise" and he is easily mistaken for a duffle bag.
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The dog turned around and looked at the owner with big eyes. He was trying his hardest to fit under the seat and follow instructions even though he didn't need to.
With over 2 million views, 79,200 likes and 288 comments, the TikTok video quickly had viewers falling in love with this precious dog and his reaction to the instructions.
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"I read those eyes as 'I don't get paid enough for this' as if he wasn't exasperated for being confused as a bag," commented one TikToker.
Another wrote what the dog was thinking: "I'm trying mom I just don't fit."
A viewer chimed in: "Had the same thing happen to me when flying with my second guide dog. It's funny hearing the FA's reaction to finding out it's a service dog under the seat."
Flying With Service Animals
Airlines are required to recognize dogs as service animals and allow them to fly within and from the United States, according to the Department of Transportation (DOT). However, an airline may deny transport to a service dog due to the following:
- Violates safety or health requirements
- Poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others
- Causes significant disruption in the cabin or airport gate areas
- Service animal users not providing completed forms if required by the specific airline such as DOT forms about the animal's health and whether the animal can relieve itself in a sanitary manner
The Air Carrier Access Act defines a service animal as a dog, regardless of breed, that is trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.
Animal species other than dogs, emotional support animals, comfort animals, companionship animals, and service animals in training are not service animals. Owners wanting to transport other animals must go through the individual airlines.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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