Delta Air Lines Passenger ‘Livid’ After Losing First-Class Seat to Pampered Pooch

Delta Air Lines is under fire from a first-class passenger, who was furious that he lost his seat to a Leona Helmsley-style dog.

PEOPLE reports that on Saturday, Dec. 21, an anonymous traveler took to Reddit to complain that he “just got downgraded for a dog.” He even posted a photo of the offending four-legged cutie, hoping to garner sympathy from fellow Redditors.

Just Got Downgraded for a Dog
byu/ben_bob indelta

“I got upgraded to first this morning, only to 15 mins later get downgraded (to a [worse] seat than I previously had),” he wrote. “I asked the desk agent what was going on and she said, ‘Something changed.’ I then board only to see this dog in my first-class seat … And now I’m livid.” 

As it turned out, the dog was a service animal. And, per Delta Air Lines’ policy, the airline is required to accommodate such passengers.

“Delta teams are aware of the customer complaint and are researching the details of what may have occurred,” the airline said in a statement to PEOPLE. “Service animals are routinely accommodated on Delta without impacting customer seat assignments.”

The airline also invited the customer to contact them directly for clarification.

Delta Air Lines Unveiled a New First-Class Lounge in Boston

Speaking of first-class, Delta Air Lines recently announced its new first-class lounge in Boston’s Logan International Airport.

According to a press statement, this 6,700-square-foot premium dining space, which was designed by the renowned and decorated chef Ed Brown, will provide customers with a distinctive culinary experience marked by Delta’s signature warmth and service.

“No two Delta One Lounges are alike — with each new space, we strive to create something truly special and distinct to the host city, while never compromising on service or quality,” said Claude Roussel, vice president of Delta Sky Club and Lounge Experience, in a statement accompanying the press release. “We know our guests value the exclusivity and hospitality of dining at a Delta One Lounge. This lounge is designed to deliver the elevated, VIP experience guests want — an experience that draws inspiration from the history and culinary traditions of Boston.”