Moving across continents can be stressful, but for one couple, it turned into a nightmare when their dog was accidentally flown halfway across the world. Bluebell, a rescue Labrador mix, endured a harrowing 63-hour journey spanning three continents due to an airline error. Weeks later, her family says she’s still reeling from the ordeal.
A Routine Move Turned Chaotic
James and Madison Miller had carefully planned their relocation from the United Kingdom to Nashville, Tennessee. While Madison flew ahead to prepare their new home for Bluebell, James followed with their 5-year-old rescue pup on a flight booked through British Airways. As per airline policy, Bluebell traveled in a temperature-controlled cargo hold. However, instead of being loaded onto the Nashville-bound flight, Bluebell’s crate was mistakenly placed on a plane headed to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
A Grueling 63-Hour Journey
Because there were no direct flights from Riyadh to Nashville, Bluebell had to endure a circuitous route. She was flown back to London before finally catching a flight to Tennessee. Including long waits between connections, the journey took over 60 hours. When Bluebell finally arrived in Nashville, she was terrified. Madison described the moment, explaining how the distressed dog bolted out of her crate and headed for the parking lot, desperate to escape.
Discrepancies Over Bluebell’s Care
The airline’s cargo service, IAG Cargo, acknowledged the mistake and issued an apology, stating that Bluebell had regular access to water, received refreshments, and was given walks during her layovers. They highlighted the care she received at the Heathrow Animal Reception Center. However, Madison disputed these claims. She was told Bluebell received only a 20-minute walk during her 27-hour layover in Riyadh and was fed just twice throughout the multi-day ordeal.
Lingering Trauma for Bluebell
Since the incident, Bluebell’s behavior has drastically changed. Once a confident and social dog, she now suffers from severe separation anxiety and is wary of strangers. The Millers explained they cannot leave her alone, as she becomes distressed and destructive. The family is working to help Bluebell recover, but the process has been challenging. Behavioral therapy and anxiety medication are among the measures they’ve taken to help their beloved pet feel safe again.
The Millers Seek Compensation
The Millers have requested $10,000 from British Airways to cover the costs of Bluebell’s therapy, medications, and damages caused by her anxiety. Thus far, the airline has only offered frequent flier miles, which the Millers feel is insufficient given the trauma their dog endured.
Not an Isolated Incident
Unfortunately, airline mix-ups involving pets are not uncommon. In 2018, United Airlines mistakenly sent a Great Dane to Japan instead of Kansas City, Missouri. In that case, the airline chartered a private flight to reunite the dog with its family. The Millers hope British Airways will take similar responsibility.
A Hope for Better Standards
The Millers are advocating for more stringent standards in pet transportation to prevent such distressing mistakes from happening again. Madison emphasized the emotional toll this event has had on their family and their dog, urging airlines to prioritize pet safety.
Moving Forward
As Bluebell continues her recovery, the Millers are focused on helping her rebuild her confidence. They hope sharing their story will raise awareness about the risks of transporting pets via airlines and inspire industry-wide changes to better protect furry passengers.
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