A PREGNANT American Airlines passenger is suing the airline after claiming she was verbally abused by a member of the cabin crew before her emotional support dog was locked in the bathroom.
Avigail Diverol, who was travelling with her husband and 87-year-old grandfather, claims she was also forced to move from business class to economy during the flight after being “screamed at” by a flight attendant.
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Avigail said in the complaint that she called the airline twice before boarding to confirm that her emotional support dog Simba, which she has for her severe anxiety, would be allowed in business class.
Despite being told that it would, a member of the crew then claimed it was not allowed in the cabin after she boarded, before taking the kennel from her and locking the animal in the bathroom for the remainder of the flight.
It is also claimed the the flight attendant made her sit in an economy seat halfway through the flight despite paying for a business class seat.
In the complaint, it states: “Regina, a flight attendant for AA, noticed Simba, and screamed loudly that the dog was not allowed in the cabin.”
CAN PIGS CAN FLY? What is an emotional support animal, can you bring them on planes and are you allowed have them in the UK?
It adds that after “more yelling and abusive behaviour,” she downgraded Avigail.
Despite telling the flight attendant she had anxiety, the member of staff said she “did not care”.
The flight attendant then took the dog before “slamming the dog, in its kennel, with the door to the bathroom,” despite the horrified passenger asking her what she was doing.
The law suit also adds that other flight attendants apologised for the behaviour of their crew member and said she was a “sour apple” during the flight.
Avigail was then met by police after the plane landed, with an AA official stating they should not have let a kennel “that big” on the plane.
However, American Airlines requirements state that an animal in a kennel “must fit under the seat in front,” which Simba did.
They also claim that the family, who had been flying with the airline for over 24 years and were part of the Million Mile Club, often had a positive experience with the airline.
The family are now suing the airline for $75,000 (£62,000) for damages.
American Airlines declined to comment when contacted.
Emotional support animals are allowed on flights, although some airlines are banning different creatures.
United Airlines no longer allows hedgehogs or peacocks, along with rodents, reptiles and spiders.
However, emotional support animals are different to service animals in that they are not trained for any specific tasks and are instead used for help with anxiety or depression.
