A disabled marine corps veteran who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder says he was removed from a recent American Eagle Airline flight because he was traveling with his service dog.
Local media outlets confirmed the news, explaining how the veteran was asked to get off the airlines because of his 80-pound dog named Beauty that reportedly always travels with him. Shockingly, the veteran explained how he had already informed the airlines beforehand about his travel plans with his pet. Yet, the way they behaved with him was not only bizarre but highly disrespectful too, he added.
The veteran who goes by the name of Ryan Foster says he notified all respective authorities regarding his travel as he suffers from PTSD and hence needs everything to go smoothly and according to plan. After all, he was a war hero who completed more than 130 combat missions while being posted in the nation of Iraq.
However, on Wednesday, Ryan was booted off of his own flight that was scheduled from Chicago to Buffalo in New York, since he was accompanying a travel dog, explained the report.
The veteran was given two options, either to get off the flight or hold the 80-pound heavy service dog in his lap for the entire 2-hour flight duration.
Hence, Ryan responded to the American Eagle Flight authorities by getting off as he had no other choice than to do so. Now, the veteran is hitting back at the airline for their behavior.
Meanwhile, reports from a spokesperson from the airline mentioned how the initial report showed that the veteran de-boarded from the aircraft on his own. However, Ryan says that’s not true as the airline asked him to leave in the end.
Currently, investigations into the matter are being conducted as to why the airline refused to accommodate Ryan’s service animal, despite being informed prior to his flight day.