Feb 25, 2018 1 min read

When I was young, traveling by commercial aircraft was very civilized. Passengers dressed up and were very courteous. By current standards, yesterday’s aircraft were primitive, but passengers had seating and legroom. Some aircraft had space for a conference room.

Today’s commercial flying standards have been degraded. Though smoking has been eliminated, seating and legroom have been reduced dramatically. And, to top it all off, comfort animals are now allowed on board. On a recent flight out of Pittsburgh, two large comfort dogs were allowed to board with one passenger. One of the dogs brushed up against me and deposited a large number of hairs. Another passenger had a dog in a cage that barked frequently. Then cats boarded.

I remember when airlines refused to serve peanuts because passengers could have allergic reactions. Passengers who are allergic to dogs or cats must suffer.

There are stories of passengers attempting to bring comfort ducks, geese or snakes on flights.

The concept of comfort animals on passenger flights must change. Place the animals in the cargo bins of aircraft.

Clarence M. Spicer

Washington