The internet is buzzing with mixed reactions after a passenger had to relinquish their first-class seat for a dog.
While it’s common to hear about passengers being asked to give up their seats for other travelers, being moved for an animal is certainly unusual.
A traveler shared their exasperating travel experience on Reddit, which included an image of the dog alongside its owner.
“I got upgraded to first this morning, only to 15 mins later get downgraded (to a worse seat than I previously had). I asked the desk agent what was going on and she said ‘something changed’,” began the Reddit user.
“Okay, fine, I am disgruntled but whatever, I then board only to see this dog in my first class seat … And now I’m livid.”
The passenger detailed how, upon contacting the airline, they were informed that relocations might occur for service animals and no alternatives were offered.
“There is no way that dog has spent as much with this airline as I have … What an absolute joke,” the user expressed.
“What’s the point of being loyal to this airline anymore, truly. I’ve sat back when others complained about this airline mistreating customers lately and slipping in service levels, but I’m starting to question my allegiance as well.”
Comments flooded the Reddit post, showing a divide in opinions.
“Yeah, don’t blame the dog, he has no choice. Shame the owner,” one commenter noted.
Another added: “If you’d paid for your seat then I think it’s a legitimate gripe. Complimentary upgrades can be taken away for a variety of reasons though, not just service dogs, without compensation.
“Doesn’t hurt to try with a complaint email, but be prepared for a second rejection just in case.”
A third person remarked: “That sucks. I don’t see why they can’t at least put you back where you were and move whoever got upgraded back where they were.
“Or better yet, why don’t they know about this need ahead of time?”
A fourth user humorously observed: “Notice how nowhere else in life do you see this quantity of service animals? Go to the airport and all of a sudden they appear.”