Flight of 13 hours ruined by snoring and gassy dog: couple requests refund

wellington, new zealand - A couple from Wellington, New Zealand, had their 13-hour Singapore Airlines flight disturbed by a snoring and drooling dog, leading them to request a refund.

Gill and Warren Press from Wellington, New Zealand, also noted that the dog was drooling. The couple had tickets for premium economy seats on Singapore Airlines. The annoyance grew to such an extent that they eventually moved to two much tighter seats.

The couple says they were not warned in advance that they would have a dog as a neighbor.

"I heard a sort of snoring that I thought was coming from my husband's phone," Gill told Business Insider. Upon closer inspection, they discovered a heavily breathing dog lying on the floor right in front of them. Midway through the flight, the animal started passing gas, which, according to the couple, did not stop.

As the dog was partly sticking out into the aisle at the start of the flight, it was gradually moved more towards Warren. "At one point, its head was under my husband's feet," the couple complained. The husband, who was wearing shorts, got drool on his legs.

When they complained about it, they were offered two more available but tighter seats. Cabin crew promised that Singapore Airlines would call back after landing to arrange a settlement. Two weeks later, they received an apology and an offer of $150 in compensation. When they made it clear they would not accept, they were given a higher offer of $240 (€217) a month later.

However, the couple is seeking a full refund of the ticket price. The airline stated in a response that they had apologized extensively and that the passengers were given an opportunity to move. Since the premium section in the plane was full, they had to move to tighter seats. Singapore Airlines said it was a passenger's guide dog.