Plane passengers get $1,400 refund after dog farted on them for 13 hours

A couple who say they were sat next to a farting dog during a 13-hour flight have been given compensation over the incident.

Gill and Warren Press hit headlines earlier this month after they said their Air Singapore flight was ruined by a snoring, flatulent emotional support dog that left ‘saliva goo’ all over their legs.

The couple were travelling from Europe to New Zealand and had been on the first leg of their trip, from Paris in France to Singapore, when they encountered the four-legged farter.

Speaking to Stuff, Press said: “I heard this noise – a heavy snorting.

“I thought it was my husband’s phone, but we looked down and realised it was the dog breathing.

“I said, ‘I’m not having this sitting next to us the whole trip.’”

However, after flagging the issue with a flight attendant, the couple were told the only option available to them was in economy. So they decided to stay put and hoped the pooch would settle. But he did not and continued ‘farting’ throughout the journey.

Pexels/Jeffry Surianto

Press added: “They couldn’t have the dog out in the aisle because they couldn’t get the trolleys through, so it had to come in further, which meant his head was under my husband’s feet.

“My husband was in shorts, and was getting the dog’s saliva goo on his leg.”

After initially complaining, the couple were offered $116 travel vouchers, which they were unhappy with.

In a statement to LADbible at the time, Singapore Airlines said: "Singapore Airlines (SIA) apologises to Mr and Mrs Press for their experience on board their flight from Paris to Singapore.

"SIA endeavours to notify customers who may be seated next to an assistance dog prior to boarding. In circumstances where customers seated next to an assistance dog request to be moved, we will assist to re-seat customers within the same cabin if space permits.

Pixabay/Myléne

"In this instance, we were unable to move Mr and Mrs Press within the same cabin as the Premium Economy Class cabin was full. Our crew offered to move Mr and Mrs Press to two empty seats in Economy Class, which they accepted after take-off.

"We are in contact with them to provide further necessary assistance on this matter."

However, after pushing for a refund - the couple say they have since been given around $1,410, which they plan to donate to a New Zealand charity that matches visually impaired people with guide dogs.

Speaking to Insider, Press said: “The principal wasn't about the money, it was truly about making people accountable.”