To receive such assistance, the passenger must self - identify to airline staff at the airport as the person with a disability needing this service. (transportation.gov)
Sometimes airline staff will voluntarily approach pet owners on the plane once their pets have been loaded safely onboard, but this is not always the case. (upgradedpoints.com)
I'm glad there are others who have experienced the fact that airline staff don't seem to have consistent knowledge of their own policies. (havebabywilltravel.com)