Fury as influencer is allowed to bring 120lb 'service dog' on flight... who's in the right?

Daily Mail​

11-05-2025

A social media influencer has sparked fury online after bringing her massive Great Dane 'service dog' onto a commercial United Airlines flight.
Pietra Luccas, 27, from San Francisco, California, was flying to Miami, Florida, in April with friends and her roughly 120-pound four-year-old Great Dane service dog, Charlie.
Video footage captured the moment Luccas stepped on to the plane with visibly shocked passengers reacting as they spotted the massive dog.
The clip, which Luccas shared on her Instagram account, quickly went viral - amassing more than 1 million likes and hundreds of comments.
Social media users argued over whether such a large animal should be permitted on the aircraft.
The towering Great Dane - which can weigh up to 175 pounds - can be seen in the video taking up the aisle of the aircraft as horrified passengers look up from their seat.
'I didn't have any difficulty getting him on board,' Luccas told Newsweek. 'I always buy three seats, but, in this case, the cabin crew wanted me to have the front seat with more leg room for Charlie.'
'There are passengers who don't like it, and I understand that. But that's why I buy the three seats for us. During the flight, Charlie is trained to be quiet. He pretty much sleeps most of the time.'
She then recorded the huge pet sleeping on the floor of an entire row inside the aircraft.
Despite taking precautions, the video has left users divided, with many arguing that Charlie is simply too big for the confined space of an airplane cabin.
'This should not be allowed… this is getting ridiculous,' wrote one commenter.
Many users accused the Great Dane of not being a real service dog.
'No, she knows damn well that's not a service dog lol,' one wrote.
Some accused Luccas, who also has an OnlyFans account, of being inconsiderate of other humans.
'She doesn't have any respect for other human beings. The dog is too big for the small seats and space in the airplane. 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.'
But others defended Luccas, with one person writing: 'I see no problem here. Dogs aren't luggage.'
Another added: 'I would be so pissed if you didn't sit next to me.'
'I'd rather sit next to him than most humans,' joked another commenter.
Some dog experts even raised health concerns for the giant breed.
The towering Great Dane pounds - which weigh up to 175 pounds - can be seen in the video taking up the aisle of the aircraft as shocked passengers look up from their seat
One experienced breeder wrote: 'I have been a breeder of Great Dane for over 20 years. And all I can see is how much pain he is in. That left hip is bad.
'You can even see the loss of muscle. Please do not make him walk, to much, run or put him on hard surfaces. Especially a plane floor. ;('
Some commenters mentioned the irony in airport security protocols.
'But I have to check in a 4 oz bottle,' wrote one user.
Others raised concerns about accommodating passengers with allergies or fears of dogs.
'It definitely excludes people who have allergies, fears and/or just don't want to be in close proximity closed in with someone's dogs especially in case of emergencies,' another commenter argued.