Passenger Files Suit Against Alaska Airlines After Pet Dies During First Class to Coach Move

SAN FRANCISCO — A San Francisco man has filed a lawsuit against Alaska Airlines after his French bulldog died during a cross-country flight when airline staff required him to move from first class to coach seating, according to court documents filed Wednesday.

Michael Contillo alleges in the lawsuit, filed in San Francisco County Superior Court, that his dog Ash died after airline employees forced him to relocate despite his protests about potential health risks to his pet.

The incident occurred during a return flight from New York to San Francisco in February. Before the journey, Contillo had obtained veterinary clearance for his dogs to fly and purchased first-class tickets specifically to ensure adequate space for his two French bulldogs, Ash and Kora.

According to the lawsuit, Alaska Airlines employees approached Contillo and his father before takeoff, instructing them to move to coach "for safety purposes." Contillo objected, stating that his pet carriers met airline requirements and warning that relocating could trigger dangerous anxiety-related breathing complications in the dogs.

Despite these concerns, airline staff insisted on the move to a more crowded section in Aisle 11, the lawsuit states. After complying with the relocation request, Contillo noticed Ash, who was nearly four years old, displaying signs of severe distress, "breathing very quickly and heavily, with noticeable anxiety."

Airline regulations require the pet carrier to remain closed during the flight. Upon landing in San Francisco, Contillo discovered Ash had died during the journey, the court documents reveal.

"I'm loudly weeping," Contillo told the Mercury News. "They see our dead dog. They see me crying. Not a single one of them stops to offer any help or condolences."

The lawsuit alleges negligence, emotional distress, and breach of contract against Alaska Airlines. Contillo is seeking unspecified damages. The airline has not addressed the specific claims, with a spokesperson stating to The Times that the company does not comment on pending litigation.

The legal action comes after Contillo claims he received no response from the airline regarding Ash's death. The incident began during what was intended to be a routine return leg of a two-month trip to New York, where Contillo had traveled with his father and both dogs in November 2023.