Just FYI, the "proper transportation" is the exact same thing, you just pay the airline $100 (in Delta's case, $150 per way) for the pleasure. They still go in the cabin with you, you still have all the same issues, they just want to skim some extra cash out of you.
It wouldn't be nearly as irritating that they charge for it if there were something they were actually providing (like a more pet-friendly place to ride), but they don't.
> Just FYI, the "proper transportation" is the exact same thing
It's not. Dogs have to travel in their kennel under the seat, which is significantly more stressful for small dogs than on your lap, speaking as someone who travels with an actual ESA
It wouldn't be nearly as irritating that they charge for it if there were something they were actually providing (like a more pet-friendly place to ride), but they don't.