"Go to the economy seat." The flight attendant's request...a first-class passenger who lost his dog

ⓒYonhap News Agency

In the United States, a man who had reserved first class seats for his dog filed a lawsuit claiming that his dog died after following a crew request.

Michael Contilo, a San Francisco resident, filed a lawsuit against Alaska Airlines in the San Francisco County Superior Court on the 16th for breach of contract, negligence, careless recruitment and supervision, and negligence in emotional damage, according to NBC News.

According to the complaint, the problem occurred on Feb. 1, when Contilo boarded a flight to San Francisco with his father and two French bulldogs.

Contillo, who purchased first class, informed in advance that he was accompanied by an in-flight companion animal in accordance with Alaska Airlines policy. At the airport, they paid an additional $100 (about 130,000 won) per dog and moved the dogs in a carrier that conforms to the regulations.

However, just before takeoff, the crew of the aircraft demanded to move to the economy seat for safety.

Contilo told the crew, "Moving a dog just before takeoff is very dangerous for dogs," and the economy seat explained that there is less room for dogs to breathe, and that dogs can become extremely excited and lead to dangerous heart problems. However, he said the crew ignored his explanation and eventually had no choice but to move.

The complaint stated that one of Contilo's dogs immediately showed signs of anxiety, breathing very quickly and heavily after moving. Later, when they arrived in San Francisco, the dog had already been rigid after death.

Contillo, who had just stayed in New York, claimed that his two dogs were healthy enough to be told by veterinarians at a veterinary clinic that it was OK to fly long distances before getting on the plane.

It also said it had not received any contact from the airline about the death of its dog until it filed a lawsuit.

Alaska Airlines has not responded to NBC's request for comment in this regard.

The U.S. Veterinary Society recommends that breeds with short snouts, such as pugs and bulldogs, board their cabins because they are more likely to develop breathing problems during flight.

Reporter Lee Yu Na from Digital News Team.