Flying in luxury isn’t reserved for humans—Spotty, a Swiss Dalmatian, proves that dogs can indulge in the high life too.
Earlier this month, Spotty, a four-year-old registered service dog, embarked on a 5.5-hour flight from Singapore to Tokyo in Singapore Airlines’ Business Class., showcasing impeccable manners and calm composure throughout the journey. As a registered and vet-certified service dog, Spotty was eligible to fly in the cabin, in accordance with Singapore Airlines’ strict policies.
However, as of April 2023, emotional support dogs no longer qualify for in-cabin travel with the airline.
Service Dog vs. Emotional Support Animal
- Service Dogs: Trained to assist with specific tasks related to a disability, service dogs are allowed in public spaces, including airplanes, under strict laws.
- Emotional Support Animals (ESAs): Provide comfort for mental health issues but do not require specialized training and are not granted the same access, including in-cabin travel with airlines.
A First-Class Canine Passenger
Spotty, behaved like the perfect traveler, sitting quietly with no fuss, no mid-air meltdowns—just the occasional tail wag and nap. Her poised demeanor made her an instant favorite among fellow passengers.
The journey started in the airport lounge, where Spotty looked completely at ease before boarding her flight. Despite being surrounded by new sights and sounds, she remained relaxed, not even requesting water until an hour before landing. Breakfast? She skipped it entirely, further proving her well-trained nature.
Her owner came prepared with pee pads in case of any doggie emergencies, but Spotty didn’t need them. She waited patiently until they landed in Tokyo before eating normally—like a true pro.
Internet Fame and Admirers
Spotty’s graceful travel style didn’t go unnoticed. A viral Instagram reel posted on 9 February captured the hearts of millions, garnering over 5.4 million views. Viewers flooded the comments, praising Spotty for being such a well-behaved and composed traveler.
Travel with Pets in Thailand
On January 4, 2025, The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) made travel more convenient for pet owners by launching a pet-friendly Red Line train service in Bangkok. Currently, the service is available for dogs and cats on Saturdays and Sundays only.
In 2021, Grab Thailand introduced the “GRAB PET” service, offering two booking options for pet owners: ‘Advance Booking’ or ‘On-demand.’ Prices are based on the size of the pet, with GrabPet normal (for small/medium pets) starting at 95 baht, and GrabPet XL (for large pets) starting at 145 baht.
As of now:
- Nok Air allows pets to travel as checked baggage on Boeing 737 flights.
- Bangkok Airways also allows pets as checked baggage.
- Thai Airways allows pets as checked baggage and has specific policies for service animals:
- In Cabin: Escort dogs, such as guide dogs for blind passengers or hearing dogs for deaf passengers, are allowed on all THAI flights free of charge.
- Service Dogs are allowed on specific routes.
- Emotional Support Dogs are allowed only on flights operating between Bangkok (BKK) and Los Angeles (LAX) free of charge.
Before you travel, always be sure to check the policies of your chosen operator to ensure smooth and stress-free travel with your pet.
