United apologizes after puppy dies on flight
The airline is facing criticism after a 10-month-old dog died in an overhead compartment—as was ordered by a flight attendant. What is the carrier doing to address consumer outrage?
United’s PR team can’t catch a break.
Anger toward the airline peaked again after a family’s 10-month-old puppy died during a flight to New York. On the instructions of a flight attendant, the passenger placed her dog in an overhead bin, where the animal died.
The death is being investigated to determine the cause.
United confirmed the incident and expressed regret.
The Kansas City Star reported:
“This was a tragic accident that should never have occurred, as pets should never be placed in the overhead bin,” United said in a statement given by United spokesperson Maggie Schmerin to several media outlets.
“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.”
The story was broken by several people on social media, including passenger Maggie Gremminger, once again highlighting how local stories go national with the help of modern technology.
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