Alaska Airlines Passenger Claims Pet Dog Died Because He Was Forced to Move from First Class to Economy

A San Francisco man has filed a lawsuit against Alaska Airlines, alleging that its decision to downgrade his seating from first class to economy caused his French bulldog to die during a flight.

Michael Contillo had previously traveled in first class with his two dogs, Ash and Kora, before, never facing any issues.

However, in February, on a return flight from New York City to San Francisco, Contillo was asked to move to the 11th row in economy from the fourth row in first class along with both bulldogs for "safety purposes," SFGate reported.

"It makes no sense," Michael Contillo told Mercury News. "Because there's less space in the coach seats as compared to the amount of space in first class."

Contillo claims the dog carriers were both the correct size and that both dogs had their health examined before flying. Despite this, airline staff insisted they move.

"The plaintiff took the French Bulldogs to the SPCA Veterinary Hospital before the flights to conduct a wellness exam and specifically to have the Vet examine the Dogs to see if they were healthy enough to make cross-country flights," court documents state.

Upon arrival, Contillo discovered Ash's lifeless body in rigor mortis, suggesting the dog had been dead for at least four hours. Contillo filed the lawsuit against the airline on October 16, alleging that the last minute change caused Ash to become significantly distressed, leading to heavy breathing and ultimately, death.

"To move the dogs now would make them very anxious and excited, which would lead to extremely dangerous breathing and heart problems. This change could be lethal for a dog, especially right before you change altitudes," the lawsuit states.

The suit seeks accountability from Alaska Airlines.