Man claims Alaska Airlines economy seat led dog’s to death, sue the airline

• The lawsuit alleges negligence, as the airline forced Ash to sit in a coach seat instead of his designated first-class seat.
• Contillo accuses the airline of breaching the contract by unlawfully downgrading them from first class.
• Contillo claims severe emotional distress and seeks punitive damages.

Michael Contillo, a San Francisco resident, has filed a lawsuit against Alaska Airlines after the death of his French bulldog, Ash, during a flight from New York to San Francisco on February 1, 2024. Filed on October 16, the lawsuit alleges that negligence led to Ash’s death because the airline forced him to sit in a coach seat instead of his designated first-class seat before take-off.

In the lawsuit seen by “The Independent”, Contillo purchased first-class tickets for himself and his father to ensure their two French bulldogs, Ash and Kora, would have ample space to move around and minimal interaction with other passengers. Before the flight, a veterinarian examined both dogs and declared them fit to fly.

However, Alaska Airlines staff insisted that Contillo and his father move further into the aircraft for “safety reasons,” a decision that allegedly caused Ash unnecessary distress.

The last-minute relocation within the aircraft reportedly caused Ash considerable anxiety. Shortly after moving, he began panting and gasping for air. Contillo received instructions to close the carrier during take-off and could not check on Ash until the aircraft reached cruising altitude. Upon arriving at San Francisco International Airport, staff found Ash in rigor mortis, indicating he had died at some point during the flight.

The lawsuit includes several serious allegations against Alaska Airlines:

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• The airline’s policies reportedly did not consider that certain breeds, such as bulldogs, are at a greater risk for respiratory difficulties during air travel.
• They accuse the airline of breaching the contract by unlawfully downgrading them from first class.
• The complaint implies that Alaska Airlines did not provide its employees with adequate training on handling animals during flights.

Contillo states that he has experienced severe emotional distress due to the death of his pet.

The lawsuit also seeks punitive damages and highlights that Alaska Airlines employees appeared indifferent after Ash’s passing. Contillo noted that airline officials did not offer any condolences following the incident.

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