Qantas Passenger Discrimination Case

[kangarooflyer88]

Seems like Qantas had to be taken to Federal Court after denying travel to an individual with accessibility challenges because they needed to travel with their guide dog. Ultimately Qantas settled and has changed their policy regarding guide dogs.

9News has the story:

Qantas to change assistance dog policy after discrimination case

www.9news.com.au

 

[Lynda2475]

Noting that Guide Dogs (for blind people) are different from assistance dogs - the passenger who sued did not have a guide dog and their "assistance dog" was not accredited by one of the recognized organizations.

I used to frequently see a blind passenger and his guide dog (Labrador) on my regular QF flights to and from Melbourne, the crew all knew both passenger and dog well. Never any issues.

Assistance dogs trained by accredited organizations are also allowed to fly, unfortunately there are some companies training dogs to assist people who are not up to the same standards.

Agree that a national standard is required for assistance dogs.

IMO to be allowed to fly proof that the assistance being provided is related to mobility / independent travel should be required none of the US style anxiety pet bs.

This case seems to me to be a matter of the passenger not checking requirements to fly QF and assuming that VA (who are about to also allow pets in cabin) rules were universal.

 

[Cynicor]

Important distinctions to be made, thanks Lynda2475

 

[Quickstatus]

This will be a dilution of the standards regarding "assistance animals". Soon any animal can be an assistance animal or emotional support animal.

 

[MARTINE]

This will be a dilution of the standards regarding "assistance animals". Soon any animal can be an assistance animal or emotional support animal.

That probably explains the number of dogs who roam about our supermarket with their owner. One had a handwritten sign about how he ‘assists’ the owner

 

[Lynda2475]

I saw a lady with a small poodle wearing an assistance dog vest at the theatre recently. Being carried up the stairs the poodle wasn't helping her navigate the environment etc. The dog did sit quietly throughout the performance, but on the way out I overhead her telling someone that is was for anxiety, hmmn.