A distressing situation unfolded for a California man aboard an Alaska Airlines flight, prompting him to file a lawsuit after claiming that his dog died during the journey.

Michael “Mike” Contillo, from San Francisco, was traveling from New York to San Francisco with his father and two French bulldogs, Ash and Kora, when tragedy struck on February 1.

Sudden Changes and Heartbreak

Contillo recalled the heartbreaking moment when he discovered that his beloved dog Ash, a three-year-old cream-colored French bulldog, had died mid-flight.

Just before takeoff, he and his father were instructed to move from their seats in first class to coach, a decision that the lawsuit argues caused undue stress to the animals.

Contillo expressed his concerns to the airline staff, noting that the sudden move could lead to “extremely dangerous breathing and heart problems” for his dogs, particularly as the flight prepared to change altitudes.


Confusion Over Safety Protocols

Having boarded the flight alongside other first-class passengers and settled into their seats for about 25 minutes, the abrupt request to relocate was jarring.

Contillo questioned the airline’s motives, wondering, “Who’s safety were they trying to protect?”

He felt the situation did not benefit anyone, human or canine.

Adding to his frustration, he wasn’t refunded the price difference between his original first-class ticket and the coach seat he was forced into.

The Tragic Outcome

After relocating, Contillo noticed Ash exhibiting signs of distress, including rapid and heavy breathing, which he attributed to anxiety from the sudden move.


Unfortunately, he was unable to check on Ash until after takeoff due to instructions to keep the carrier closed.

Initially believing Ash had settled in for a nap, Contillo’s world shattered upon landing in San Francisco, when he discovered his dog had passed away and was in rigor mortis—a condition that sets in about four hours after death, while the flight lasted five hours.

Grief and Lack of Support

In a moment of profound grief, Contillo knelt by the carrier, only to overhear a crew member’s callous remark suggesting he would blame them for the death of his dog.

He described the crew’s response as dismissive, stating, “They simply ignored us.”

The only interaction he had with Alaska Airlines after this incident was when an employee chased him down the terminal for a statement.


However, this employee did not follow through with their request, and Contillo has not heard from the airline since.

A Preventable Tragedy

Contillo believes that Ash would have survived if they hadn’t been forced into a more crowded area of the plane.

He purchased first-class tickets specifically for the comfort of his dogs and paid an extra $200 for them to travel in the cabin rather than being checked in the hold.

This wasn’t the first time Kora and Ash had flown; they had traveled to New York in November without any issues after receiving a clean bill of health from a veterinarian.

Allegations of Negligence

Contillo has accused Alaska Airlines of being “negligent, careless, [and] reckless” in their treatment of his dogs.


He detailed how the last-minute move contributed to Ash’s distress, emphasizing the significant emotional and mental toll that the loss has taken on him.

In his lawsuit, he highlighted Ash’s unique value as he viewed the dog as a son, having no children of his own.

Cherished Memories and Future

Remembering Ash, Contillo described him as an incredibly joyful dog, recalling the “bunny hops” he would do during morning walks and the affection he shared with the family.

As for Kora, who has been with him for a decade, Contillo recognizes that the loss is significant for her as well, noting their deep bond.

Thankfully, Kora remains healthy and happy alongside him in San Francisco, but the memory of Ash will always hold a special place in his heart.


What Lies Ahead

The emotional fallout from this experience raises questions about the airline’s responsibility and how they handle the well-being of pets during flights.

As Contillo navigates this difficult chapter, he seeks justice for Ash’s tragic death and hopes to prevent similar incidents for other pet owners in the future.

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