Question about flight experience...Should I complain to the airline?

I had an issue on my flight home yesterday and was wondering if it was worth complaining to the airline. We flew back on a smaller plane. It's capacity was 40 passengers. About 10 minutes after we boarded it my eyes started watering and were itchy. I normally don'[t have this happen with my allergies. As soon as we were able to walk around I figured the root cause. In the row behind me the passenger had a small kitten in a cage. The flight was filled to capacity so there were no open seats or I would have ran to one. I am allergic to cats but have never had a reaction on a flight. My eyes are bothering me today from yesterday but it will pass. I was wondering if I should complain to the airline and let them know about my flight experience. To my knowledge I have never had a cat so close for such a long period of time. I don't understand how pets can be allowed on when there could be people with severe allergies. I mean they watch out for people with peanut allergies but what about pet allergies. Thoughts...Comments?

Re: Question about flight experience...Should I complain to the airline?

I would absolutely complain. If you don't, than they can't fix a potential future problem, not just for you but for other travelers with similar allergies. You've got nothing to loose by making the airline aware of your experience.

Re: Question about flight experience...Should I complain to the airline?

I would be angryyyyyyyy and most certainly complain. BUT they're going to ask if you brought this to the attention of a flight attendant...sometimes in a situation like that, they make special arrangements and get others to switch seats for you.

I have the same allergy, and I would be miserable for a few days after an experience like that.

Re: Question about flight experience...Should I complain to the airline?

Posted by Shorty

I would be angryyyyyyyy and most certainly complain. BUT they're going to ask if you brought this to the attention of a flight attendant...sometimes in a situation like that, they make special arrangements and get others to switch seats for you.

I have the same allergy, and I would be miserable for a few days after an experience like that.

Re: Question about flight experience...Should I complain to the airline?

It doesn't hurt to complain to them! They have to rectify some policies for the future, so definately! What airline???

Re: Question about flight experience...Should I complain to the airline?

Re: Question about flight experience...Should I complain to the airline?

I would def. complain! Yes, you probably should have told a flight attendant, but, still put in a complaint.

Re: Question about flight experience...Should I complain to the airline?

You should complain. I don't think pets should be allowed onboard at all. The air is recirculated on the plane so even if you moved, you would have still been subjected to the pet dander. My husband is highly allergic to animals (wheezing / asthma) and he suffers greatly whenever an animal is onboard.

Re: Question about flight experience...Should I complain to the airline?

Re: Question about flight experience...Should I complain to the airline?

Funny...I was on a flight with a cat yesterday in a carrier! Delta too...where were you flying from?

Im so sorry you are not feeling well and had that experience...I have to fly with Chloe when I move to Atlanta...I'm not sure what Airline and the policies yet.

Re: Question about flight experience...Should I complain to the airline?

I am curious as to what thier reply is.

I think it is ok for small pets to be in the cabin in a crate under the seat.

I remember reading it somewhere.

they have to travel too, I do believe it is up to you to let the attendant know so that they can give you a different seat or maybe benadryl. I am not sure.

edited to say if they cant give you the benadryl then I think its up to the passenger to take their own precautions. I would read thier policy before writing to them

Message edited 8/13/2007 11:20:24 AM.

Re: Question about flight experience...Should I complain to the airline?

Re: Question about flight experience...Should I complain to the airline?

I had the exact same experience only the stupid woman had taken the cat OUT of the carrier and was holding it on her lap. We signaled the fight attendant, she yelled at the lady, but at that point I was practically hyperventilating bu the flight was sold out and there were no other seats. i complained when we arrived at the airport and we got upgraded to first class for the next leg of the trip. Definitely say something!

Re: Question about flight experience...Should I complain to the airline?

Absolutely say something today. Sure, it was a short flight, but these days quick flights can turn into day-long ordeals.

Hope you feel better soon!

Re: Question about flight experience...Should I complain to the airline?

I would definitely complain to the airline about it. I see why a pet owner would prefer to have their pet in the cabin with them, however, I don't see how that can be allowed when some people have life threatening allergies to animals. Potentially really dangerous at 10,000 feet.

Re: Question about flight experience...Should I complain to the airline?

I think there is a HUGE difference between bringing a pet on a 747 and bringing a pet on a 40 passenger plane. I would definitely complain and ask what their policy is, so I can plan around that for future trips.