San Francisco Man Sues Alaska Airlines, Alleging Flight Downgrade Led to His Dog’s Death

Michael Contillo, a San Francisco resident, has filed a lawsuit against Alaska Airlines, claiming that his French bulldog, Ash, died as a result of a seat downgrade during a flight from New York to San Francisco. Contillo alleges that the airline’s decision to move him and his dogs from first class to coach caused Ash, a 3-year-old French bulldog, to experience fatal breathing problems mid-flight.

According to the lawsuit, filed on October 16, Contillo and his father had been seated in first class with their two French bulldogs, Ash and Kora, for their return flight. The dogs had flown comfortably in first class on the outbound journey without any issues. However, before takeoff, Alaska Airlines staff requested that the Contillos move to coach for "safety purposes." Contillo argues that the move caused extreme anxiety for Ash, a breed known for its respiratory issues, which worsened in the smaller space of the coach cabin.

The American Veterinary Medical Association advises keeping short-nosed breeds, like French bulldogs, in the passenger cabin for better air circulation due to their susceptibility to breathing difficulties. Contillo claims that Ash began breathing heavily and appeared distressed shortly after the seat change. Tragically, Ash was found in rigor mortis after the flight, with the lawsuit suggesting the dog died during the journey.

Contillo is suing Alaska Airlines for breach of contract and negligence for changing his seat. Alaska Airlines has declined to comment on the pending litigation.