Passengers left gobsmacked after traveler brings 'emotional support Great Dane' onto plane

Travelers were left stunned after they saw an unusual passenger joining their flight recently - an enormous Great Dane dog.

Many people are nervous fliers, but for most, it's something they can try and take their mind off by listening to music or trying to sleep through it.

However, others might need a little bit more help - such as the assistance of an emotional support animal.

While you might imagine that to be a smaller animal, one traveler brought a Great Dane approximately the size of a small horse with them on a recent flight.

The footage was shared by Rob, who goes by the handle @clearpath_coach on Instagram, as he joked: "Me: Have we taken this support animal thing too far? Society: Hold my beer."

He added in the caption: "Returning from #bandondunes. The flight attendant’s reaction is everything."

In the clip, the air hostess can be heard saying "Ow" and flinching after the ginormous dog stepped on her toe on its way in.

In a follow-up video, he revealed that the massive pooch was in fact given its own seat, adding: "She survived and he got his own seat..all [good]."

People flooded the comments to share their thoughts, writing: "So the person who has an anaphylaxis allergy to pet dander can what? Hold their breath the entire flight?"

Others added: "If you want to take a dog, take a dog, but don't pass it off as a service dog just to circumvent policy."

Some were more amused by it, writing: "Id rather this than a bunch of rude screaming kids. That dog can sit next to me anytime," and: "I'd rather sit next to the sweet giant than another person."

According to the American Kennel Club, Great Danes can weight between 140-175 pounds, so it's no wonder the flight attendant may have flinched when it put all its weight onto her toes.

Some people did think letting it ride in the cabin was a bit much, writing: "The flight attendant didn’t do anything wrong. Everyone is not a dog person. All due respect that’s a huge difference between traveling with a small dog and larger dog."

Others added: " love dogs but this s**t is getting out of hand," and: "I’d be livid if I was sitting next to this man. Y’all gotta have SOME consideration for other people."

However, it does seem like this won't be a common occurrence (much to the disappointment of those of us who would love to see a big cuddly pup in the cabin) as the US Department of Transportation recently moved to tighten regulations around flying with emotional support animals.

Passengers were stunned to see the dog enter the plane. Credit: urbazon/Getty Images

It has stated that only trained service animals should be allowed to join their owners in the cabin, according to the New York Post.

The US Department of Transportation states: "Under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) a service animal means a dog, regardless of breed or type, that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. 

"Animal species other than dogs, emotional support animals, comfort animals, companionship animals, and service animals in training are not service animals."

It adds: "Airlines are required to recognize dogs as service animals and accept them for transport on flights to, within and from the United States. Airlines, though not required, are free to transport other species for passengers if they choose to do so."

Featured image credit: urbazon/Getty Images