FORT WORTH— American Airlines (AA) is facing a federal lawsuit after a flight attendant allegedly threatened a 73-year-old disabled passenger and had her removed from a regional flight in January because of her two Bichon Frise service dogs.
Melanie Mellon, from Fort Myers (RSW), Florida, was traveling home from Erie (ERI), Pennsylvania, on a connecting itinerary through Charlotte (CLT) when the incident occurred on the first leg operated by American Eagle regional carrier Piedmont Airlines (PT). She is suing the airline for violating the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Disabled Traveler Removed From American Eagle Flight
Melanie Mellon says she has been a longtime American Airlines customer and has flown with her two Bichon Frises in an approved carrier many times without any problems. According to PYOK, the history changed on January 3 during her return trip to Fort Myers from Erie.
Because there is no direct flight between Erie and Fort Myers, Mellon booked a connecting service through Charlotte. The first leg was operated by Piedmont Airlines, a wholly owned regional subsidiary of American Airlines that flies under the American Eagle brand.
Mellon arrived at the airport well ahead of the scheduled 6 am departure. At the check-in desk, she told the agent she would need extra time to board due to her disability.
The required paperwork for her service animals was already complete, and she showed the forms to the agent without any concerns being raised. She then cleared the TSA checkpoint and waited at the gate for pre-boarding.
Confrontation Onboard The Embraer Regional Jet
Unlike her previous American Airlines flights, Mellon says she was never called forward for pre-boarding. When she asked the gate agent about it, her request was allegedly refused, and general boarding continued.
Once on board the small Embraer ERJ regional jet, Mellon placed her two Bichon Frise service dogs into a crate that fit under the seat in front of her, the same way she had done on many earlier flights.
According to the complaint, just as the boarding door was expected to close, a male flight attendant stood over her, pushed his face to within about seven inches of hers, and in a threatening and intimidating manner ordered her to get off the aircraft. Mellon says she feared an imminent threat of bodily harm and believed she would be physically removed if she did not comply immediately.
The lawsuit states the flight attendant refused to explain why she was being forced off the plane and kept moving her along the aisle as if she were in custody.
After she was off the aircraft, Mellon says she was held in a waiting area against her will, afraid to leave in case it caused further trouble.
Service Animal Or Pet: The Core Dispute
The exact reason for the removal has not been fully revealed, but it appears closely tied to whether the two dogs were classified as service animals or pets.
Back at the ticket counter, Mellon was told she could travel on the next available flight, but only after paying a “pet in cabin” fee. To avoid further delay, she paid the fee and was allowed to board the next flight with her two dogs.
The distinction carries financial weight. Service animals can fly in the cabin for free, while American Airlines charges $150 per crate for pets.
Rules Around Service Animals On American Airlines
Passengers traveling with a service animal must complete and submit a Department of Transportation (DOT) Service Animal Air Transportation Form before travel.
American Airlines says the final decision on where an animal can travel for free as a service animal rests with the airline.
That determination is not simple. The DOT form is based largely on trust, with the owner certifying that the animal has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.
Legal Action And Case Details
Melanie Mellon is suing American Airlines for violating the Americans with Disabilities Act, along with claims of intentional civil battery, assault, and confinement. The lawsuit has been filed in the district court for the Western District of Pennsylvania under case number 1:26-cv-00103.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
