A 76-year-old New York City woman finds herself stranded in Puerto Rico after a mishap with her emotional support parrot while flying with Frontier Airlines. Maria Fraterrigo boarded her flight at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York with her emotional support bird, Plucky, in a TSA-approved carrier. However, things took a turn when she attempted to board her return flight from Puerto Rico.
According to reports from WABC-TV, WCBS-TV, and CBS News, Maria was told by the airline’s staff in Puerto Rico that her bird was not allowed back on the plane. The staff insisted, “No, no, no, that was a mistake at JFK. If you want to get on the flight, get rid of the bird.” Maria was shocked by the response, saying, “Imagine that!” and adding, “I have been traumatized. It’s like I am abandoned. My medicine is home, doctor’s appointment… Everything is just a nightmare.”
What You Need to Know About Frontier Airlines Emotional Support Animal Policy
Frontier Airlines’ emotional support animal policy has been a point of confusion in this case. Although Maria had traveled with Plucky before, Frontier clarified that they do not allow large birds like parrots onboard. The airline’s policies state that emotional support animals are only permitted if they meet specific criteria, and parrots do not qualify. The company explained, “Parrots do not qualify as emotional support animals under our policies nor those of any other U.S. airline we are aware of.”
Maria’s son, Robert, has been working tirelessly with the airline to find a resolution, emphasizing that his mother’s emotional support parrot is essential to her well-being, particularly after the loss of her husband. He noted that the vet had provided documentation confirming that Plucky was an emotional support animal, which was accepted by the flight staff when they initially departed. However, the return flight revealed a discrepancy in policy enforcement.
The Confusion Over Frontier Airlines Emotional Support Animal Policy
The case has drawn attention to the discrepancies in how the emotional support animal policy is enforced. Frontier Airlines has apologized for any confusion and refunded Maria’s flight ticket, offering her a $250 voucher. Despite these efforts, Maria remains stranded in Puerto Rico, facing difficulties in finding alternative transportation back to New York. Robert has reached out to smaller airlines and private charters, but so far, there has been no success.
Maria’s insistence on traveling with Plucky stems from the emotional comfort the bird provides, especially after the passing of her husband. While the situation is unfortunate, it highlights the need for clearer communication regarding the Frontier Airlines emotional support animal policy and the rules surrounding travel with animals. For now, Maria’s main goal is clear: to return home with her beloved parrot.
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Source: www.people.com
