Southwest Flight Attendant Sues Airline Over Pet Allergy Discrimination
A long-time employee claims she becomes 'violently ill' from pet dander and Southwest failed to accommodate her allergy.
A Southwest Airlines flight attendant is suing the airline, alleging disability discrimination for failing to accommodate her severe allergy to pet dander. Lisa Patterson, who has worked for Southwest for over 25 years, claims she becomes "violently ill" when exposed to cats and dogs on flights.
Patterson's hypersensitivity to pet dander became a significant issue after Southwest began permitting small domesticated animals on its flights in 2018. According to the lawsuit, approximately one year after the policy change, Patterson formally requested an accommodation from a company superior, explaining that exposure to pets would cause her to suffer a "severe illness."
Despite her concerns, Patterson was informed months later that no accommodation could be made. The lawsuit states that following this denial, she experienced "difficulty breathing" due to pet exposure while working.
In 2021, Southwest implemented accommodation measures for crew members with allergies. However, Patterson argues in her suit that these options were not adequately favorable for an employee with her level of sensitivity. The available accommodations included swapping flight positions or flights with other crew members, or opting to go home and forgo pay. Patterson found it challenging to find colleagues willing to switch positions and difficulty securing alternative flights without pets.
The lawsuit also alleges that suggestions to move pets away from Patterson's work areas were disregarded by Southwest superiors.
As a consequence of the airline's alleged failure to provide reasonable accommodations, Patterson claims she has either lost substantial income or has become so ill while working flights with pets that she requires expensive medical attention. She asserts that Southwest's actions constitute discrimination and is seeking compensation for lost salary, benefits, and seniority, along with coverage for her attorney's fees.
Southwest Airlines did not immediately respond to a request for comment.