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.

 

[p--and--t]

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

Actually as I interpret the article it says Qantas changed the policy about how to get approval, not changed their standards on who gets approved

"The Qantas service dog policy and the minimum standards required for service dogs has not changed…”

 

[muppet]

I’m glad QF has a policy and enforces it, although it needs to be simple and fair to deal with. I don’t want US-style flights that look more like a farm than public transport for humans.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

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.

You’re correct that there is a distinction between the two of them but nonetheless assistance dogs can be seen as forming a vital role in someone’s accessibility requirements. That the dog does not have accreditation from a recognized body, however, should not necessarily prohibit them from boarding with the passenger. For instance, some assistance dogs may receive specialized training to handle very unique medical conditions of the passenger (e.g. seizure) and such training may not be recognized by broad accreditation societies.

The other issue this story brings up is the lack of legislation in Australia when it comes to accessible transport. In places like the EU and Canada, such laws exist and when airlines fail to make accommodations to passengers steep civil penalties arise. And don’t even get me started on the prohibition of a disability tax more commonly referred to as one fare, one passenger(something which to my knowledge is still allowed in Australia)

 

[p--and--t]

I’m glad QF has a policy and enforces it, although it needs to be simple and fair to deal with. I don’t want US-style flights that look more like a farm than public transport for humans.

While not perfect by a long shot, they are lots of differences that cause us to be referred to as the lucky country (including by several close friends of ours who were born and raised in the US).

 

[Lynda2475]

That the dog does not have accreditation from a recognized body, however, should not necessarily prohibit them from boarding with the passenger.

Absolutely it should. Otherwise every tom, dick and harry will bring their favourite four legged friend on board claiming it is an assistance animal (hello USA).

If you need a dog to genuinely assist with a physical limitation or medical condition, then get one via an accredited facility; or pay to have it certified by one.

The other issue this story brings up is the lack of legislation in Australia when it comes to accessible transport.

Evidence?

Public transport in Australia is very accessible compared with much of the world.

In NSW all railway stations and light rail stations are accessible via wheelchair be it at street level, compliant ramp or lift. If you wait at correct location, staff will place a ramp to bridge the platform gap to board the train. Many stations in London and NYC still have no lifts.

Public busses can be lowered and have ramp and dedicate places for wheelchair passengers and those with limited mobility. Airlines provide wheel chair assistance. Some taxi licenses are contingent on being wheelchair accessible.

But a dog is not a person, and a non accredited assistance dog is just a pet.

And don’t even get me started on the prohibition of a disability tax more commonly referred to as one fare, one passenger(something which to my knowledge is still allowed in Australia)

We dont have a single fare structure. People on disability pension or NDIS support get concession cards which makes public transport significantly cheaper, some also get subsidized taxis and other community transport programs.

But a disabled person with a good job, pays the usual adult fare. I have worked with a few colleagues who are legally blind and they happily pay the same train fare as you and I because they receive the same service and expecting charity disrespects their ability.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Public transport in Australia is very accessible compared with much of the world.

But we aren’t talking about public transport, we’re talking about commercial flights.

We dont have a single fare structure. People on disability pension or NDIS support get concession cards which makes public transport significantly cheaper, some also get subsidized taxis and other community transport programs.

Again, the point I’m making here is that for commercial flights if you are disabled you have to pay more for your fare. In particular, those with accessibility issues who require a carer to travel or even some bulky medically necessary equipment must pay extra for that. In other parts of the world, the person with an accessibility concern wouldn’t have to pay a cent more.