A social media influencer is facing intense criticism online after bringing her enormous Great Dane aboard a United Airlines flight, sparking questions about the legitimacy of the dog’s status as a service animal.
Piêtra Luccas, an Instagram model and influencer, went viral after sharing a video that shows her boarding the plane with her giant companion.
The footage, which has amassed nearly 46 million views, begins with Luccas approaching the cabin door, where flight attendants appear surprised at the sight of the massive dog. One crew member remarks, “Well, hello! I’ve been hearing about this guy.”
In the video, Luccas expresses concern about fellow passengers’ comfort, saying she wanted to ensure others around her were aware and comfortable with the dog.
A flight attendant reassures her, stating that everyone had been briefed and that it would be fine. The pair then board the aircraft, passing rows of intrigued passengers, some of whom are seen smiling at the unusual sight.
Despite the seemingly calm boarding, the incident has unleashed a storm of criticism across social media platforms. Commenters accused Luccas of selfishness, labelling her decision to bring such a large animal on board as inconsiderate.
“How rude can you be to burden everyone else with your selfishness?” one critic wrote. Another questioned the necessity of the dog, sarcastically asking, “Who brings a horse on an aeroplane?”
The criticism wasn’t limited to Luccas’ intentions. The Great Dane itself, known for its towering stature, became a talking point.
Male Great Danes can grow up to 32 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh as much as 175 pounds, according to the American Kennel Club. Though the breed is known for being gentle and dignified, many passengers seemed uneasy sharing a tight cabin space with such a large creature.
Doubt also circulated regarding the authenticity of the dog’s service status. Online sceptics accused Luccas of using the service dog label to bypass airline restrictions.
“She knows that’s not a service dog,” one user commented. Others alleged she was exploiting disability accommodations for personal convenience and attention. “This is narcissism at its worst,” another remarked, claiming she appeared to be able-bodied and did not require a service animal.
The broader issue of travellers misusing service animal policies was reignited by this incident. Critics argued that policies meant to support people with legitimate disabilities were being taken advantage of by those falsely claiming emotional support or invisible conditions such as anxiety or claustrophobia.
Luccas was not the first to face backlash for flying with a large dog. In a similar case from December, another Great Dane drew attention while boarding a commercial flight.
Passengers and crew members reportedly rolled their eyes as the dog wandered the aisle looking for its assigned space.
Content creator Gabriel Bogner also found himself in the spotlight recently for bringing his 140-pound Great Dane, Darwin, on a flight from Los Angeles to New York. Bogner, who suffers from Crohn’s disease, claimed the dog was a legitimate service animal and had secured multiple seats to ensure the dog’s comfort during the trip.
The ongoing controversy highlights the tension between accessibility for those with genuine medical needs and increasing concerns about passengers misusing service animal designations to fly with pets. It also underscores the need for clearer, more consistent regulations across the airline industry.
