Couple Demands Refund After Sitting Next To Farting Dog On 13-Hour SIA Flight
They had booked premium economy seats and were hoping for greater comfort on the long-haul flight.
By May Vin Ang — 12 Sep 2023, 01:32 PM
A New Zealand couple is demanding a refund after they were seated next to a dog onboard their 13-hour-long Singapore Airlines (SIA) flight
Gill and Warren Press, the couple from Wellington, were travelling back to New Zealand from Europe in June, when they were surprised to find a dog accompanying the passenger in the seat beside them.
They had booked premium economy seats on their flight from Paris to Singapore and were hoping for greater comfort on the long-haul flight.
However, their experience was quickly ruined by the presence of the emotional service dog and its laboured breathing
"I heard this noise – a heavy snorting," the wife told New Zealand news website Stuff after the incident.
"I thought it was my husband's phone, but we looked down and realised it was the dog breathing," she added.
Press said that she overheard the dog's owner telling another passenger that he had the dog with him because he has anxiety.
The couple initially tolerated it, but the wife claimed that the trip quickly became intolerable due to the dog's smell, as well as that it was farting, occupying legroom, and drooling on her husband's leg.
The couple requested for a change of seats and were moved to empty seats in the economy cabin after take-off, as all premium economy seats at the time were filled
They later complained about the incident to the airline, and were intially offered a SGD100 (RM343) KrisShop gift voucher each, which they rejected. Later, they were later offered travel vouchers worth NZD200 (RM553) per person.
However, Press said the compensation was still unacceptable and they told Stuff that they are still seeking a full refund for the flight.
Meanwhile, a spokesman from SIA told CNA that they have apologised to the couple and are still in contact with them to provide further necessary assistance on the matter.
Since 1 April, SIA stopped allowing passengers from flying with emotional support dogs, which they described are companion dogs that alleviate psychological disabilities.
However, assistance dogs such as guide dogs and hearing dogs that are trained to assist persons with disabilities, are still allowed onboard SIA flights with required documentation prior to travel.
The passenger was able to travel with his emotional support dog in June as he had sought approval prior to the policy change.
