TAP Flight Cancelled After Refusing to Allow Emotional Support Dog in Cabin - Family Fights Back

A TAP flight from Rio de Janeiro to Lisbon was cancelled after the airline refused to allow an emotional support dog, Tedy, to travel in the cabin. The dog belongs to a 12-year-old child with autism spectrum disorder, who was already in Lisbon awaiting Tedy's arrival. Despite presenting a provisional and urgent court order, TAP suggested the dog be transported in the hold, a proposal rejected by the passenger accompanying the animal.

The Brazilian press highlighted the case, noting the child has been in Lisbon since April 8 without the dog. On that same date, Tedy was prevented from boarding the plane. A judge later issued an order on May 16 for the dog to travel with the child's sister.

Hayanne, the sister, shared with G1 that the child is 'stressed and unwell' and the dog 'has lost five kilograms from being away from her.' Despite this being the second time Tedy was barred from the cabin, Hayanne vowed to attempt boarding again on Monday, though the court order expired on Sunday.

TAP defended its decision, stating that allowing the dog in the cabin would 'violate the airline's flight operations manual' and compromise onboard safety. The airline offered alternative transport for the dog, which was declined. A TAP employee was fined by the Brazilian Federal Police for not complying with the judicial order.

The airline emphasized that 'the person needing the animal's assistance was not on this flight', and the animal was accompanied by someone not requiring its service. TAP expressed regret but stood firm on prioritizing passenger safety over judicial orders.

According to G1, this wasn't Tedy's first flight; the dog previously accompanied the child to Orlando, USA. The family argues that transporting Tedy in the hold would cause additional stress to the dog, trained to support individuals with such conditions and already separated from the child for an extended period.