A couple whose flight was ruined by a ‘farting, snorting’ emotional assistance dog has received compensation from the airline in a major victory.
New Zealand couple Gill and Warren Press were given $1,410 by Singapore Airlines following a dispute that lasted months with the carrier.
The support dog belonged to another passenger and sat next to the couple in premium economy as they flew 13 hours from Paris to Singapore in June.
The couple, who own a dog, claimed the problem wasn’t the presence of the animal on the flight, but that they should have been warned in advance.
A couple whose flight was ruined by a ‘farting, snorting’ emotional assistance dog has received compensation from the airline
The dog sat next to New Zealand couple’s premium economy seats as they flew 13 hours from Paris to Singapore
‘I expect to see a baby. I expect young children. But I don’t expect a dog,’ Ms Press said.
Ms Press said the dog regularly farted and dribbled ‘good’ on her husband’s leg who was wearing shorts.
‘I heard this noise – a heavy snorting. I thought it was my husband’s phone, but we looked down and realised it was the dog breathing,’ Mrs Press told Stuff.
After requesting to move seats, the couple were informed the only available ones were at the back of economy so they decided to stay where they were.
They then endured an unbearable smell on the flight as the animal took up Mr Press’s legroom and farted.
As the dog could not be put in the aisle, Ms Press said the canine was practically laying underneath her husband’s legs.
The owner’s pet got anxious which was why he was travelling in the cabin.
At first the couple received an apology and two $73 gift vouchers.
After filing a claim for compensation to the airline, they were offered travel vouchers worth $185 per passenger.
Mrs Press argued this was insufficient, arguing it didn’t cover the difference in cost between premium and economy seats.
The couple plans to donate the money to an animal charity.
‘The principal wasn’t about the money, it was truly about making people accountable,’ Ms Press said.
Singapore Airlines previously released a statement following the couple’s complaints.
‘SIA endeavors to notify customers who may be seated next to an assistance dog prior to boarding,’ the airline said.
‘In circumstances where customers seated next to an assistance dog request to be moved, we will assist to re-seat customers within the same cabin if space permits.’
Gill and Warren Press were given $1410 by Singapore Airlines after a dispute lasting months
‘In this instance, we were unable to move Mr and Mrs Press within the same cabin as the Premium Economy Class cabin was full.’
A Singapore Airlines spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia it has been in touch with Mr and Mrs Press and ‘apologises to [them] for their on board their flight from Paris to Singapore’.
‘They have since accepted a refund of the difference in the fare between their original seats in premium economy class and their subsequent seats in economy class, as well as travel vouchers.
‘SIA remain committed to offering the best possible travel experience for all of our customers.’
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