New Zealand couple seated next to 'snorting, farting' dog accepted refund: SIA
The couple were moved to economy class instead of being reseated within premium economy because the cabin was full.
Singapore Airlines planes sit on the tarmac at Changi Airport on Mar 3, 2016. (File photo: Reuters/Edgar Su)
SINGAPORE: A New Zealand couple who were seated next to a passenger with a dog have accepted a refund in fare difference for moving to a lower cabin tier during the flight, Singapore Airlines (SIA) said on Thursday (Sep 21).
Gill and Warren Press were travelling on an SIA flight from Paris to Singapore in June when they found that the passenger in the premium economy seat next to them had a dog. The dog was snorting, farting and drooling, Mrs Press told New Zealand website Stuff.
The couple were subsequently moved to two seats in economy class after take-off. SIA told CNA on Sep 9 that both passengers were not reseated within the premium economy class cabin as it was full.
After an email complaint, the airline had offered each of them a S$100 voucher (US$73) KrisShop voucher, which they rejected, Stuff reported on Sep 8. They also reportedly rejected another offer of of S$160 travel voucher a person.
"SIA apologises to Mr and Mrs Press for their experience on board their flight from Paris to Singapore," the airline said in response to CNA queries on Thursday.
"SIA has been in touch with them since the incident and appreciates their understanding in this matter.
"They have since accepted a refund of the difference in the fare between their original seats in premium economy class and their subsequent seats in economy class, as well as travel vouchers."
Stuff reported on Wednesday that SIA had emailed the couple to tell them that they would be reimbursed NZ$982.50 (US$795) each for the difference in cabin fares "as a gesture of goodwill". They would also get the NZ$200 travel vouchers that were offered earlier.
Since April, SIA has forbidden passengers from flying with emotional support dogs but allows assistance dogs on board flights.
On its website, SIA described assistance dogs as animals which are trained to perform certain tasks to assist persons with disabilities.
It described emotional support dogs as companion dogs that alleviate psychological disabilities.
