First-Class Ticket Booked... "Please Move Me to Economy" Incident After Flight Attendant's Request Granted

Death of Pet Dog Showing Anxiety Symptoms
Healthy When Traveling in First Class on the Same Route

A man in the United States who had booked a first-class airplane seat for his pet dog ended up complying with a request to move to economy class, resulting in the death of his dog.

Alaska Airlines passenger plane. [Image source=Getty Images]

On the 25th (local time), NBC News in the U.S. reported the story of Michael Contillo, who lives in San Francisco. Contillo stated, "I bought a first-class ticket for my dog Ash on a flight on February 1 to provide more space and reduce contact with people," adding, "When we were asked to move to economy class, Ash became anxious, which led to health issues and ultimately the dog's death."

The lawsuit filed on the 16th at the San Francisco County Superior Court was brought against Alaska Airlines on grounds of breach of contract, negligence, careless hiring and supervision, and emotional distress.

According to the complaint, Contillo purchased first-class tickets in November last year for himself, his father, and two French Bulldogs, Ash and Cora, on a flight from San Francisco to New York. There were no issues at that time, and both dogs arrived safely. The dogs remained healthy while staying in New York, and when taken to a veterinary hospital for a health check, the vet determined that both dogs were fit for long-distance flights.

However, the problem occurred on the return trip. Contillo again purchased first-class tickets to return from New York to San Francisco so that the dogs could have more space. Following Alaska Airlines' policy, Contillo informed them before the flight that he would be traveling with pets in the cabin, paid an additional $100 (about 130,000 KRW) per dog at the airport, and placed Ash and Cora in carriers that met regulations.

But just before takeoff, Alaska Airlines flight attendants requested Contillo and his father to move to economy class "for safety reasons." Contillo argued to the flight attendants, "Moving the dogs is very dangerous. The new seats (economy class) had less space for the dogs to breathe and placed them closer to more people, which was disadvantageous for the dogs," but the staff ignored his explanation. Contillo ultimately complied with the crew's request and explained, "Ash immediately began breathing very fast and heavily and showed signs of anxiety." The complaint stated, "When Contillo and his father arrived in San Francisco, Ash's body was in rigor mortis."

Up to the time the lawsuit was filed, Contillo said he had not received any contact from the airline regarding the dog's death and described his pet Ash as "like a son to me, as I have no children."

Alaska Airlines did not respond to NBC's request for comment. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends that breeds with short snouts, such as pugs and bulldogs, be allowed to travel in the cabin due to the high risk of breathing problems during flights.