United Airlines has apologised after a passenger’s puppy died when a flight attendant ordered it be put in an overhead locker for the flight.
United Airlines has accepted “full responsibility” for a dog’s death after a flight attendant ordered the owner put the pet in an overhead locker.
The French bulldog died on United Airlines flight UA1284 from Houston to New York City on Monday.
A woman and her two children were travelling with the 10-month-old puppy.
I want to help this woman and her daughter. They lost their dog because of an @united flight attendant. My heart is broken. pic.twitter.com/mjXYAhxsAq
— MaggieGremminger (@MaggieGrem) 13 March 2018
According to accounts from fellow passengers, a United flight attendant told the woman to place the dog in the overhead locker for the duration of the flight.
When the woman protested, she was assured that the puppy would be safe.
The flight attendant allegedly threatened the family off the flight if they did not comply.
When the flight landed at LaGuardia Airport and the overhead bin was opened, the puppy was no longer breathing.
Although overhead lockers are not air-tight, it is very likely the dog died due to a lack of oxygen.
“This was a tragic accident that should have never occurred, as pets should never be placed in the overhead bin,” United said in a statement.
“We assume full responsibility for this tragedy and express our deepest condolences to the family and are committed to supporting them. We are thoroughly investigating what occurred to prevent this from ever happening again.”
The airline said it will refund the cost of the tickets and pay for a necropsy.
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