Service animals flying on flights crucial for many

Re: “Animals should not be in cabins on flights” (Letters to the editor, Page A6, Jan. 6):

While you might not understand “the rationale” behind service/support animals flying with passengers, I feel as though one needs to inform you that per the government and most airlines’ rules, service animals can come on the plane with the right paperwork, certification, etc.

If the concern is nontraditional companions, the federal government has announced that creatures like spiders are exempt from these legal rights. As someone terrified of spiders, I can understand hesitations at tarantulas on planes.

As someone who struggles with mental health and who knows some of the struggles one experiences from personal experience and from friendship, there is no self-serving component to an emotional support animal nor succumbing from any airline and passengers.

I do hope you can recognize the special privilege in not understanding how bad it can get and consider if what is being said further stigmatizes something.

— Naomi Maxon Dahl Sunnyvale