A passenger is suing American Airlines claiming it locked her emotional support dog in a plane’s bathroom.
Avigail Diveroli is seeking at least $75,000 in damages for mistreatment during the flight which also saw her downgraded from business class.
In the lawsuit Diveroli claims the airline confirmed the ‘medically necessary comfort animal’ could travel in the cabin.
However on the plane a flight attendant reprimanded her and said the animal was not permitted in the cabin.
American claims the dog was traveling as a pet and not an emotional support animal or a service animal.
"FAA regulations require pets to stay in kennels that fit under the seat, however, this kennel didn’t fit under the seat. The flight crew tried to handle the situation in accordance with FAA regulations," the airline told USA TODAY.
"Also, this travel was booked on a 777, which doesn’t allow pets in the premium cabin. Our team at the airport in Miami offered to rebook the passenger on a later flight, but they declined, and opted to take a seat with the pet in the main cabin."
The lawsuit said the flight attendant continued to verbally abuse Diveroli during the flight.
Like its rivals the airline has since tightened up rules for emotional support animals, requiring mandatory documentation that can be verified and advance notice.
New standardized rules governing the carriage of emotional support animals is soon to be published by the FAA.
