A couple are asking for a refund after they sat next to a ‘snorting, farting’ dog on their flight home to New Zealand from Europe.
Gill and Warren Press were on the first leg of their journey home as they flew 13 hours from Paris to Singapore on a Singapore Airlines flight.
However, the Wellington couple were forced to sit next to a passenger with an emotional support dog in their premium economy seats.
Mrs Press said the dog regularly farted and dribbled on her husband’s leg who was wearing shorts.
‘I heard this noise – a heavy snorting. I thought it was my husband’s phone, but we looked down and realised it was the dog breathing,’ Mrs Press told Stuff.
After requesting to move seats, the couple were informed the only available seats were at the back of economy so they decided to stay where they were.
They then endured an unbearable smell on the flight as the animal took up Mr Press’s legroom and farted.
As the dog could not be put in the aisle, Mrs Press said the dog was practically laying underneath her husband’s legs.
After filing a claim for compensation to the airline, they were offered a travel voucher of NZ$200 (£95) per passenger.
However, Mrs Press is arguing this is unacceptable and she now wants a full refund.
A Singapore Airlines spokesperson said the carrier was directly in contact with the couple.
‘Singapore Airlines endeavours to notify customers who may be seated next to an assistance dog prior to boarding the flight,’ they said.
‘We sincerely apologise that this did not occur in this case, and will work with our airport teams to ensure that this lapse does not occur in future.
‘In circumstances where customers seated next to an assistance dog request to be moved, Singapore Airlines will assist to re-seat customers within the same cabin where space permits.’
