Diabetic Traveler Says Airline Refused to Let Him Fly With His Great Dane Medical Alert Dog
A diabetic traveler says he was left stranded in Canada after Aeroméxico repeatedly refused to let him board flights with his Great Dane service dog, who helps alert him to potentially dangerous changes in his blood sugar.
Matias Rodriguez, a Chilean national, was attempting to fly from Vancouver back to Chile with his dog, Logan. According to reports, the Great Dane is trained to detect changes in Rodriguez’s blood glucose levels and warn him of possible medical emergencies.
Rodriguez reportedly traveled to Vancouver with Logan without encountering the same problem. However, when he tried to return home, he was allegedly denied boarding because the airline said there was insufficient room for the large dog.
His friend and translator, Vynka Contreras, said Rodriguez had completed the required paperwork and tried to find a solution with airline staff. He reportedly offered to purchase three seats together to make room for Logan, but that did not resolve the issue.
According to the reports, Rodriguez was rebooked for another flight but encountered the same problem. He was then told that purchasing a first-class ticket costing more than $3,000 might be necessary, although he was reportedly warned that even an upgrade would not guarantee the dog could travel.
Rodriguez refused to leave Logan behind, saying the dog was essential to managing his diabetes. Contreras said the repeated delays had caused considerable stress for both Rodriguez and his service animal.
Aeroméxico had not publicly responded to requests for comment at the time of the latest reports.
The dispute has raised questions about how airlines accommodate passengers who rely on medical alert dogs, particularly when the animals are unusually large. Airline policies and accessibility rules can involve requirements concerning documentation, behavior and whether an animal can be safely accommodated within the cabin.
Rodriguez’s case remains unresolved in the reports available, with another attempt to travel planned after he purchased a more expensive ticket.
Source: dailymail
