Outrage after dog dies in plane’s overhead luggage bin
Outrage has erupted online after a dog was found dead in its carrier after reportedly being forced into a United Airlines overhead luggage bin by a flight attendant.
A heartbroken passenger took to social media overnight after witnessing the horrifying incident unfold on a flight from Houston to New York on Monday.
“Tonight I was on a plane where I witnessed a @united flight attendant instruct a passenger to place her dog carrier (with dog) in the overhead compartment. The passenger adamantly refused but the flight attendant went on with instruction,” Maggie Gremminger said.
“At the end of the flight — the dog was found dead in the carrier. I am heartbroken right now. I didn’t question the flight attendant, but I could have.
“I assumed there must be ventilation as surely the flight attendant wouldn’t have instructed this otherwise. I heard the dog barking a little and we didn’t realise it was barking a cry for help.
“I am so heartbroken”.
In a separate post on Twitter, the woman said the dog, which was in a TSA approved dog bag, was about 10-months-old.
I just flew into LGA and witnessed a United flight attendant instruct a passenger to put her dog bag in the overhead bin. It was clearly a dog and while the customer was adamant about leaving it under the seat, the attendant pushed her to do so. (1)
— MaggieGremminger (@MaggieGrem) March 13, 2018
Myself and a fellow passenger felt like that was NOT a thing. I am not a flight attendant tho. Maybe they have air ventilation in there that I didn’t know about. I tried googling rules about pets on board but didn’t have ample time before takeout. (2)
— MaggieGremminger (@MaggieGrem) March 13, 2018
At the end of the flight, the woman found her dog, deceased. She sat in the airplane aisle on the floor crying, and all of surrounding passengers were utterly stunned. (3)
— MaggieGremminger (@MaggieGrem) March 13, 2018
I am disgusted and traumatized. Pets are family. How could a trained flight attendant instruct a passenger to place her dog in that bin. It was her job to understand the plane and it’s rules/limitations. (4)
— MaggieGremminger (@MaggieGrem) March 13, 2018
I don’t know how I’ll sleep tonight. It was clearly a dog in a TSA approved dog bag. Why would the flight attendant force the woman to put her dog there? I could have done something. I’m so upset.
— MaggieGremminger (@MaggieGrem) March 13, 2018
The woman’s emotional post instantly went viral with United Airlines issuing a statement taking full responsibility for the tragedy.
“This was a tragic accident that should never have occurred, as pets should never be placed in the overhead bin,” the airline said on Tuesday.
“We assume full responsibility for this tragedy and express our deepest condolences to the family and are committed to supporting them.
“We are thoroughly investigating what occurred to prevent this from ever happening again.”
