Meet the helpful hound who’s easyJet’s most frequent flying dog

A LABRADOR has been named easyJet’s most frequent flying dog after taking his 35th flight.

Guide dog Joey mainly flies between London Luton and Paphos in Cyprus with owner Jan Gibson and her husband Roger.

He has been with Mrs Gibson of Swindon, Wiltshire, for five years.

She said: “The crew and passengers often fuss over Joey and take photos as it’s not often you get to see a dog on a plane.

“Joey even gave a captain a lovely kiss while a selfie was being taken and he has been in the cockpit when the aircraft was on the ground.

“Joey enjoys flying and will usually sleep at my feet through most of the flight, although he does go for a walk halfway through.

“I give him a chew after take-off to help his ears equalise the pressure, similar to us having a sweet, and also when we are on final descent.”

EasyJet does not allow animals on its flights, apart from guide and assistance dogs.

In 2012, the budget carrier established a committee of disability experts to give it guidance on the services it provides to passengers who require special assistance.

Former home secretary Lord Blunkett, who is chairman of the group, said: “We always seek to improve the travel experience for all passengers, including people travelling with assistance dogs.

“We are very pleased that Joey and his owners, Jan and Roger, are able to regularly fly with easyJet. I hope this also reassures other people with assistance dogs that they can travel too.”

EasyJet group director Peter Duffy said: “With 35 flights under his collar, he must be one of the most travelled dogs in the country and we are really pleased Joey, Jan and Roger have chosen to fly with us again and again.”