Traveling with pets can be stressful and, at times, even challenging. There is a lot that owners have to take into consideration when planning a trip with their pet, especially if it is a lengthy trip. You need to figure out if you are able to make stops during your trip to feed your pet. Also, if you have a dog, you also need to figure out when you can take a break from traveling so the pup can relieve itself.
However, flying on an airplane brings on a whole different level of stress and difficulty when traveling with a dog. Madison and James Miller, unfortunately, were faced with one of the worst-case scenarios when they moved from England to the United States via plane with their dog, Bluebell, a black labrador mix. Madison on Nov. 30, 2022, while James and Bluebell flew the following day, with the Millers having paid $2,100 just for Bluebell to be on the flight.
The couple explained that instead of going to Nashville, Tennessee, with them, their dog ended up on a flight that took her to Saudi Arabia. They were horrified at the matter and terrified for their dog’s livelihood. Fortunately, Bluebell is safe and sound but has clearly been impacted by this mistake. The poor pup now massively struggles with being left alone.
The Miller couple has expressed their dissatisfaction with the airline they used, explaining that it has not done enough to remedy this horrible situation.
“We did everything right moving Bluebell to America with us, and it’s been an absolute nightmare,” James Miller told NPR. “We don’t know if she’ll ever be the same. It’s breaking our hearts.”
According to NPR, James and Madison said that British Airways and its sister airline IAG Cargo have not done enough to remedy the problem when they sent Bluebell to Saudi Arabia rather than Tennessee. The British Airways site reads, “All pets need to travel in the hold, but don’t worry – our expert suppliers will ensure they’re just as comfortable as you are.”
However, when James landed in Nashville, the almost 5-year-old rescue dog and her cage were nowhere to be found. Eventually, a staff member explained that Bluebell had accidentally been put on the wrong flight. The couple asked for a “proof of life” photo, where they were able to see Bluebell in her cage. Unfortunately, they had to wait two more days until they were finally reunited.
The Millers said their dog spent more than 60 hours stuck in her cage with little to no access to food or sunlight. The mistake had a huge impact on Bluebell. James explained:
“We simply cannot leave her alone. The first time we tried to leave her at home alone after the ordeal she ripped through her kennel in the first 10 minutes. The next time she chewed through a wooden door crying the whole time.”
The Millers asked British Airways for about $9,810 to help pay for the behavioral therapy and anxiety medication Bluebell now needs due to her separation anxiety, as well as replacing household items she has destroyed.
An IAG Cargo spokesperson said, “We are very sorry for the recent error that occurred during Bluebell’s trip to Nashville.” However, a representative said “no monetary compensation is available” but offered Bluebell’s owners 50,000 frequent flier miles instead, which the Millers refused. The company said it is still working with the Millers “to resolve the situation.”
Have you ever traveled with a pet? What was the experience like? Let us know, and be sure to pass this along to your family, friends and any pet owners you know.
