Rebecca Manzi Nati Vargas was the protagonist of a divisive episode: Sky Airlines prevented her dog from boarding the plane because he was brachycephalic without notifying her in time of the change in policy
@soynativargas/Instagram
In the last few days, psychologist and influencer Nati Vargas‘s situation has caused controversy on social media regarding airline bans on animals traveling by air. Vargas publicly condemned Sky Airline for refusing to allow her to board a flight with her dog, even though she had already purchased a ticket for the animal.
She shared her experience on social media, explaining that she had planned a trip to Punta Arenas with her family, including her dog.
“I bought a ticket to Punta Arenas because I plan to live on an island at the end of the world with my family. My dog is considered part of my family, and I bought a ticket for him when I could.”
Before boarding, the influencer ensured that she was adhering to airline policy guidelines by contacting the company to inquire if her dog was permitted on board:
“Everything was perfect. He only needed his certificate, and he had it.”
But on arrival at the boarding gate, she received some surprise news:
“I arrive, and they inform me: ‘No, we don’t accept dogs anymore because last week, there was a puppy who died. He cannot enter a taxi, he cannot descend the stairs, he cannot move anywhere. The only possibility is to leave him here.'”
Faced with this turn of events, Vargas was left with no choice but to devise other arrangements and left the dog in the care of her sister. In a series of exchanges, she confirmed that the pet would go by sea to Punta Arenas.
Sky Airline’s response
Following Vargas’ complaint, Sky Airline issued an official apology statement on the incident. The airline justified its action as a way of protecting the health and well-being of brachycephalic animals, who are prone to respiratory issues.
“For the well-being and protection of brachycephalic breeds or mixed breeds with similar features—flat-faced and prone to breathing problems—we have had to discontinue transport services for these breeds of dogs and cats in the cargo holds of our aircraft, in line with industry practices.”
Sky also made a statement that it is trying to contact all passengers who may be affected by this new policy and advise them, with proposed alternative solutions. The airline reaffirmed its commitment to animal welfare and adherence to safety protocols for pet transport.
Animal welfare first—but at what cost without effective communication?
This controversial case is open to two opinions. First, the airline’s move is justified against the backdrop of recent incidents. It also reinforces the requirement to screen the breeding of brachycephalic dogs, which are greatly vulnerable as a result of the changes in their genes fueled by the beauty culture.
Meanwhile, though, one can’t help but sympathize with Vargas and her family, who were left scrambling to be reunited with their pet. Even if the policy is understandable, it should have been made in advance to ticket holders so they could make other arrangements. A wiser course of action would have been to implement the policy with an absolute effective date, rather than enforcing it as of that particular flight.
