Maria Fraterrigo, an 81-year-old grandmother from the Bronx, faced a tough situation while trying to return home from San Juan, Puerto Rico. She was scheduled to fly back to Kennedy International Airport on Saturday night, but her emotional support parrot, Plucky, became a problem at the gate.
Maria had traveled with Plucky before without any issues. However, this time, a Frontier Airlines agent informed her that parrots are not allowed on their flights. This news left her feeling stranded and upset. She had always considered Plucky, an African gray parrot that can even say her grandchildren’s names, as a key part of her emotional support.
In a phone interview, Maria recounted her experience at the airport. The agent told her she wouldn’t be able to board the flight with Plucky and insisted she needed to leave her bird behind. Maria refused to consider that option, saying, "No way, I’m not going to get rid of my baby."
This incident highlights a growing concern among travelers who rely on emotional support animals. While some airlines have specific rules about which animals can fly, the regulations can vary widely. Maria’s experience raises questions about how airlines handle emotional support animals and the impact of their policies on passengers.