A diabetic passenger, Matias Rodriguez, has voiced frustration after being denied boarding on multiple Aeroméxico flights with his Great Dane service dog, Logan. The incident occurred in Vancouver, Canada, as Rodriguez attempted to fly home to Chile.
Rodriguez had previously traveled from Chile to Vancouver with Logan without issue. However, upon attempting to return, he was informed by airline staff that there was insufficient space on the plane for the large service dog. Logan is trained to alert Rodriguez to dangerous blood sugar levels, a critical function for his diabetes management.
Rodriguez was initially denied boarding on his scheduled flight and was rebooked for the following day. The same issue arose again, leading to another rescheduling. During this process, Aeroméxico officials suggested Rodriguez purchase a more expensive business class ticket, but offered no guarantee that Logan would be accommodated on that flight as well. Rodriguez stated he would not leave his service animal behind.
Aeroméxico typically operates flights between Vancouver and Mexico City using Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, which offer approximately 30 inches of legroom in economy class and 38 inches in business class, according to SeatMaps.com.
According to a friend, Vynka Contreras, the ordeal has caused significant stress for both Rodriguez and Logan. Contreras has been advocating on social media, urging the airline to show the same consideration that allowed Logan to fly to Canada. The Post has reached out to Aeroméxico for comment.