Would you be okay sitting next to a 120-pound service dog on a flight? Here's what people are saying
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Flying has never been the most relaxing experience—but for passengers on a recent United Airlines flight, it came with a surprising twist.
Social media influencer Pietra Luccas boarded her flight from San Francisco to Miami with her 120-pound Great Dane, Charlie, who she describes as her trained service dog.
The sight of such a large animal walking calmly through the narrow aisle quickly caught attention—and sparked a wider debate about comfort, access, and the role of animals on planes.
The reactions have been mixed.
Some people applauded the effort to make air travel more inclusive for those with service animals.
Others raised questions about whether bringing a dog of this size into a confined space is fair to fellow passengers—or to the dog himself.
How it all started
Luccas posted a video of Charlie boarding the flight and settling in. In the clip, the dog towers over seated passengers as he calmly makes his way to the row she had booked.
She later explained that she always purchases three seats so Charlie has space to lie down and stay out of the aisle.
She also added that Charlie is quiet and sleeps most of the time during the flight.
“There are passengers who don’t like it, and I understand that,” Luccas said.
“But that’s why I buy the three seats for us.”
Also read: You won’t believe why this passenger had to give up their seat on a flight!
Public reaction: supportive or skeptical?
As with many things shared online, public opinion has been divided.
Some viewers felt that bringing such a large animal into the cabin—even with extra seats—was inconsiderate to other travelers.
Others doubted whether Charlie was truly a trained service animal.
One commenter shared concerns about passenger safety: “The dog is too big for the space. People and children will walk by to go to the restroom, and the dog may not like it. She is just entitled and has no respect for anyone.”
Others voiced worries about those with allergies or phobias who might feel uncomfortable in close quarters.
But many dog lovers defended Luccas.
One person commented, “I see no problem here. Dogs aren’t luggage.”
Another added, “I’d rather sit next to him than most humans.”
Also read: Travelers take note: Why New York's latest health alert may change your travel plans
What do airlines allow?
Under current rules from the US Department of Transportation, service animals are allowed in airplane cabins as long as they’re trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability.
Airlines may ask for documentation and are not required to accommodate emotional support animals in the same way.
Size can be a factor, especially if the animal cannot fit within the handler’s foot space.
In Luccas’s case, United Airlines reportedly moved her to a row with more legroom to make sure Charlie wouldn’t block the aisle or emergency exits.
How it affects other passengers
Even when handled responsibly, large service animals on planes can create complications.
Tight spaces, limited mobility, and shared air circulation can make things difficult for travelers with allergies or a fear of dogs.
Some passengers also expressed concern about how such situations could affect emergency evacuations or access to restrooms.
One person noted, “This definitely makes things harder for those who have allergies, fears, or don’t want to be in close contact with animals—especially on a crowded flight.”
Source: Instagram / pietra_luccas and greatcharliedane
Also read: Travel nightmare: Lost or stolen license? You never know when this might happen.
Is it safe or fair to the dog?
Some animal experts raised another concern—how safe and comfortable is it for a dog, especially a large breed like a Great Dane, to fly?
These dogs are prone to hip and joint problems, and airline floors are hard, cold, and cramped.
One breeder commented on Charlie’s visible muscle loss in the video and cautioned against putting such a large dog through repeated travel without special precautions.
This incident is part of a broader conversation about balancing accessibility with the shared nature of public spaces.
Service animals play a crucial role in supporting individuals with disabilities—but their presence, especially on airplanes, often invites complex reactions.
Tips for traveling with (or around) service animals
At The GrayVine, we understand that our readers may have differing perspectives.
Some rely on service animals themselves.
Others may worry about allergies, safety, or space.
And everyone, of course, wants to feel comfortable and respected when traveling.
Read next: Major disruption at airport throws travel plans into disarray–Here’s what we know.
Would you be comfortable flying next to a large service dog? Have you had positive or challenging experiences with animals on planes? Do you think airlines should set stricter rules around animal size, or is this simply part of creating a more inclusive travel environment? We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments!
Social media influencer Pietra Luccas boarded her flight from San Francisco to Miami with her 120-pound Great Dane, Charlie, who she describes as her trained service dog.
The sight of such a large animal walking calmly through the narrow aisle quickly caught attention—and sparked a wider debate about comfort, access, and the role of animals on planes.
Some people applauded the effort to make air travel more inclusive for those with service animals.
Others raised questions about whether bringing a dog of this size into a confined space is fair to fellow passengers—or to the dog himself.
A Great Dane like Charlie can draw attention on a flight—not just for size, but for the conversation it sparks about service animals and shared space. Image Source: Pexels / Matthias Zomer.
How it all started
Luccas posted a video of Charlie boarding the flight and settling in. In the clip, the dog towers over seated passengers as he calmly makes his way to the row she had booked.
She later explained that she always purchases three seats so Charlie has space to lie down and stay out of the aisle.
She also added that Charlie is quiet and sleeps most of the time during the flight.
“There are passengers who don’t like it, and I understand that,” Luccas said.
“But that’s why I buy the three seats for us.”
Also read: You won’t believe why this passenger had to give up their seat on a flight!
Public reaction: supportive or skeptical?
As with many things shared online, public opinion has been divided.
Some viewers felt that bringing such a large animal into the cabin—even with extra seats—was inconsiderate to other travelers.
Others doubted whether Charlie was truly a trained service animal.
One commenter shared concerns about passenger safety: “The dog is too big for the space. People and children will walk by to go to the restroom, and the dog may not like it. She is just entitled and has no respect for anyone.”
Others voiced worries about those with allergies or phobias who might feel uncomfortable in close quarters.
But many dog lovers defended Luccas.
One person commented, “I see no problem here. Dogs aren’t luggage.”
Another added, “I’d rather sit next to him than most humans.”
Also read: Travelers take note: Why New York's latest health alert may change your travel plans
What do airlines allow?
Under current rules from the US Department of Transportation, service animals are allowed in airplane cabins as long as they’re trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability.
Airlines may ask for documentation and are not required to accommodate emotional support animals in the same way.
Size can be a factor, especially if the animal cannot fit within the handler’s foot space.
In Luccas’s case, United Airlines reportedly moved her to a row with more legroom to make sure Charlie wouldn’t block the aisle or emergency exits.
How it affects other passengers
Even when handled responsibly, large service animals on planes can create complications.
Tight spaces, limited mobility, and shared air circulation can make things difficult for travelers with allergies or a fear of dogs.
Some passengers also expressed concern about how such situations could affect emergency evacuations or access to restrooms.
One person noted, “This definitely makes things harder for those who have allergies, fears, or don’t want to be in close contact with animals—especially on a crowded flight.”
Source: Instagram / pietra_luccas and greatcharliedane
Also read: Travel nightmare: Lost or stolen license? You never know when this might happen.
Is it safe or fair to the dog?
Some animal experts raised another concern—how safe and comfortable is it for a dog, especially a large breed like a Great Dane, to fly?
These dogs are prone to hip and joint problems, and airline floors are hard, cold, and cramped.
One breeder commented on Charlie’s visible muscle loss in the video and cautioned against putting such a large dog through repeated travel without special precautions.
This incident is part of a broader conversation about balancing accessibility with the shared nature of public spaces.
Service animals play a crucial role in supporting individuals with disabilities—but their presence, especially on airplanes, often invites complex reactions.
Tips for traveling with (or around) service animals
- If you’re a service animal handler: Always inform the airline in advance, bring the proper documentation, and be mindful of other passengers.
- If you’re a fellow traveler: If you have allergies or concerns, let the airline know when booking so they can try to accommodate.
- For everyone: A little communication and kindness can go a long way when we’re all sharing the same space.
At The GrayVine, we understand that our readers may have differing perspectives.
Some rely on service animals themselves.
Others may worry about allergies, safety, or space.
And everyone, of course, wants to feel comfortable and respected when traveling.
Read next: Major disruption at airport throws travel plans into disarray–Here’s what we know.
Would you be comfortable flying next to a large service dog? Have you had positive or challenging experiences with animals on planes? Do you think airlines should set stricter rules around animal size, or is this simply part of creating a more inclusive travel environment? We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments!
