San Francisco Man Sues Alaska Airlines Over French Bulldog's Death During Flight

A man from San Francisco is taking legal action against Alaska Airlines, claiming that negligence on the airline's part led to the unfortunate death of his beloved 3-year-old French bulldog, Ash, after he was asked to switch from first-class to coach on a flight from New York to San Francisco.

According to Michael Contillo, who filed the lawsuit on Oct. 16 in San Francisco County Superior Court, he specifically purchased a first-class ticket to provide Ash with more space and to minimize contact with other passengers during the flight on Feb. 1. However, despite his efforts, Contillo was asked to move to the coach section, which allegedly caused Ash to become anxious and subsequently led to health issues that culminated in the dog's death. The lawsuit claims negligence, breach of contract, negligent hiring and supervision, and seeks punitive damages to be determined at trial.

French bulldog dies on Alaska Airlines flight

The written complaint states that in November 2023, Contillo had traveled from San Francisco to New York with his father and two French bulldogs, Ash and Kora. During this trip, they flew first class without any incidents, and both dogs arrived safely in New York. The suit alleges that both dogs remained healthy during their stay in New York, prompting Contillo to take them to a veterinary hospital for a check-up before their return flight to San Francisco to ensure they were fit for travel.

The lawsuit emphasizes that the vet confirmed both dogs were healthy and fit for a cross-country flight. On Feb. 1, Contillo and his father returned to SFO Airport with the two dogs. Contillo had purchased two first-class tickets with his father to ensure the dogs had ample space and the ability to board the flight early. He followed Alaska Airlines' policy by reserving both dogs in the cabin ahead of the flight, paying an additional $100 per dog at the airport, and transporting the dogs in carriers that complied with size requirements, the suit highlights.

Request to Move to Coach

Initially, the dogs were placed in the fourth row. However, shortly before take-off, an employee of Alaska Airlines requested that Contillo and his father move to aisle 11 of the aircraft for safety reasons. Contillo expressed his concerns, stating that moving the dogs before take-off would be extremely perilous for them, as they were calm at that moment but would likely become anxious and excited with the plane full of people. He emphasized that such a change could result in dangerous breathing and heart problems, potentially fatal for the dogs, especially right before changing altitudes. The new seats were notably closer to more passengers and offered less space for the dogs to breathe, which further exacerbated Contillo's concerns. Despite his protests, the employees allegedly disregarded his concerns, and he ultimately complied with the request.

Following the seat change, the suit states that Ash immediately exhibited signs of distress, exhibiting rapid and heavy breathing indicative of noticeable anxiety. Although Contillo was instructed to close the carrier, he observed that Ash had stopped moving and was unable to check on the dog until after a certain altitude had been reached. By the time they disembarked at San Francisco International Airport, Ash's body was found to be entirely in rigor mortis, with the suit quoting that rigor mortis typically sets in about four hours after death for dogs. Given that the flight lasted over five hours, the suit attests that the plaintiff and his father confirmed Ash's death and were devastated.

Legal Action and Claims

The suit cites the American Veterinary Medical Association's warning that short-nosed breeds, such as pugs and bulldogs, are more susceptible to respiratory problems during air travel and emphasizes the recommendation that such breeds should remain in the passenger cabin. It alleges that the crew and pilot exhibited a lack of sympathy for Contillo over the loss of his dog, with no one stopping to show concern, offer condolences, or exhibit any compassion. Contillo reported that as of the lawsuit's filing, he had not received any communication from the airline regarding the death of Ash, whom he described as a son to him, especially given that he did not have children of his own.