New Zealand couple wants fare refund after unpleasant flight next to 'farting' dog

A New Zealand couple, Gill and Warren Press, have lodged a complaint with Singapore Airlines, seeking a refund for their airfare after enduring an unpleasant 13-hour flight from Paris to Singapore. The couple's discomfort stemmed from the presence of a dog seated next to them in the premium economy section of the plane.

The couple, hailing from Wellington, were returning home from a European trip in June when they discovered that their neighbouring passenger had brought along a dog. Gill Press described the initial shock, recounting the heavy snorting noise that first alerted them to the animal's presence. Initially mistaking the sound for her husband's phone, she was taken aback to find it was the dog's breathing.

The couple requested a seat change, but the only available options were in the rear of the economy class. Unwilling to accept a downgrade, they decided to stay put. However, as the journey progressed, the dog's behaviour became increasingly disruptive. In addition to the loud snorting, the dog was also passing gas and drooling, with its head under Mr Press' feet, causing discomfort and annoyance.

The couple's ordeal was reported by New Zealand's Stuff media, which quoted Mrs Press saying, "The owner couldn't have the dog out in the aisle because they couldn't get the trolleys through, so it had to come in farther, 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."

Singapore Airlines has since apologized to the couple for the inconvenience caused during their flight. However, it remains unclear whether the couple will receive the refund they are seeking.