Florida woman: Airline told me to flush pet hamster

[jjenny]

I have spent two awful flights having allergic reactions to dogs in the vicinity...I would prefer a hamster in my aisle over a dog!
I am not sure how they can discriminate between animal type as long as they are are of a reasonable size and contained in a appropriate pet carrier...but, I for one, would like all pet owners to be in on section of the plane with separate ventilation...it really isn't fair that other passengers should suffer.

There is no section of a plane with different ventilation, unless you want to stick owners and their pets in cargo. There is a lot of expense to bring an animal on board. You have to pay for the animal to be allowed on the plane and for the vet certificate.

 

[eucalyptuz]

There is no section of a plane with different ventilation, unless you want to stick owners and their pets in cargo. I flew on a plane, there was somebody with a peanut allergies, and we were told we were not allowed to have peanuts. I guess that person should have flew cargo too.

Are you saying that on your flight, that the air crew stated that peanuts were forbidden as there was a passenger with an allergy? I almost wish they'd give the same consideration to people with pet allergies...in some cases it can trigger an asthma attack.
And no, I was not suggesting anyone ride in the cargo.

 

[jiminy]

Something smells about this. No one with a bit of sense or compassion would flush their living pet down anything. So if she wants to stick with this story she should be charged with cruelty.

As for airlines and pets, I have a few American friends who have variously tried to fly with animals without putting them in cargo. There was one airline (can't remember which) which allowed small animals in appropriate travel containers provided they would fit under the seat in front of you and they *must* stay in the carrier. However rodents were banned due to possibility of escape and hiding in/chewing things.

 

[Vedder]

http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/nation/2018/02/08/airline-flushed-hamster/110229624/

I can't process this story.

She had to take a later flight.

"For hours, Aldecosea said, she struggled with what to do. "

She couldn't contact a pet store, vet, college friend during those hours? The only choices were a) let her free outside or b) flush her?

I have zero sympathy for this woman. That poor animal didn't deserve this.

 

[Deleted member 50844]

Did she try to find someone in the airport to take her beloved pet? There is no way I could have flushed a live animal. Even taking it to the lost and found and saying I found it in the bathroom or something would have been better. At the end of the day SOMEONE would have taken the poor thing home with them.