Passenger Accuses Airline of Dog's Death: 'Nobody Offered Help or Compassion'

new york, san francisco - A passenger has filed a lawsuit against the American airline Alaska Airlines after his dog died following a move from business class to economy class.

A passenger has filed a lawsuit against the American airline Alaska Airlines after his dog died following a move from business class to economy class.

In early February, Michael Contillo flew from New York to San Francisco with his two dogs, including a four-year-old dog named Ash who was described as 'a very healthy and active dog with no history of illness or surgeries.' Contillo ensured that both dogs were fit for the long flight by taking them to a veterinarian before the flight. He had reserved cabin spots for the dogs in advance and paid an additional $100 per dog at the airport.

Contillo and his dogs boarded the plane in the business class in the fourth row. However, just before takeoff, Alaska Airlines staff asked them to move to aisle 11 'for safety reasons.'

Despite Contillo's concerns that moving the dogs would be dangerous as they were calm at that moment, the staff insisted. Sadly, shortly after the move, Ash started breathing heavily and rapidly. Contillo followed instructions to keep the carrier closed during takeoff but noticed that Ash had stopped moving and was unresponsive.

Contillo, who had flown with Alaska Airlines without any issues before, felt devastated by the loss of Ash and the lack of assistance or compassion from the airline staff.

He has since filed a complaint against Alaska Airlines for breaching the ticket agreement and acting negligently.