An 81-year-old woman from the Bronx, Maria Fraterrigo, finds herself stranded in Puerto Rico after Frontier Airlines refused to allow her emotional support parrot, Plucky, to board her return flight to New York City. Maria had traveled from JFK Airport to Puerto Rico on January 4 with Plucky in a TSA-approved carrier, accompanied by a veterinarian’s letter designating the bird as an emotional support animal. However, on April 5, at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, airline staff denied Plucky’s boarding, stating that the initial allowance was a mistake and that large birds like parrots are not permitted onboard
Frontier Airlines’ policy specifies that only “small household birds” are allowed in the cabin on domestic flights, explicitly excluding larger birds such as parrots. Despite this, Maria was permitted to fly to Puerto Rico with Plucky, leading to confusion and distress when she was denied boarding on her return flight. She expressed feelings of abandonment and trauma, emphasizing her need to return home for medical appointments and access to her medication.
Maria’s son, Robert Fraterrigo, has been actively seeking solutions, including contacting smaller airlines and exploring private charter options, to reunite his mother and Plucky with their family. He highlighted the deep emotional bond between his mother and Plucky, especially following his father’s death from a 9/11-related cancer. Frontier Airlines has refunded Maria approximately $190 for her ticket and issued a $250 voucher, stating that they are investigating the matter and working with the family to resolve the situation.
This incident underscores the importance of clearly understanding and adhering to airline pet policies, particularly concerning emotional support animals, to prevent such distressing situations.
