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SIA apologizes to NZ couple over unpleasant flight experience with pet dog, refund requested

Singapore Airlines (SIA) has apologized to New Zealand couple Gill and Warren Press after an uncomfortable flight from Paris to Singapore in June 2023, where they encountered a fellow passenger’s pet dog.

The couple expressed their discomfort, leading to a seat change and ultimately a refund request, citing issues with the airline’s response.

Published

1 year ago

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SINGAPORE: Singapore Airlines (SIA) has issued an apology to a New Zealand couple, Gill and Warren Press, who sought a refund following an uncomfortable flight experience involving a fellow passenger’s pet dog.

The incident took place during their 13-hour flight from Paris to Singapore in June 2023, where they had booked premium economy seats.

During the flight, the couple was surprised to discover a dog seated next to them.

They described hearing “heavy snorting” initially, which they believed was coming from a mobile device, only to realize it was the dog’s breathing.

“I heard this noise – a heavy snorting,” Mrs. Press told New Zealand news outlet Stuff.

“I thought it was my husband’s phone, but we looked down and realised it was the dog breathing. I said, ‘I’m not having this sitting next to us the whole trip.’”

According to her, the dog’s owner informed another passenger that he had the dog in the cabin due to his own anxiety.

However, she asserted that it was the dog that seemed to be distressed.

Requested a change of seats

Uncomfortable with the situation, they initially expressed their discomfort to a flight attendant, who could only offer them seats in the back row of economy class.

After enduring the situation for some time, the couple later decided to change seats.

In addition to the snorting, the dog was also passing gas, according to their account. Mrs Press mentioned that the dog was taking up Mr Press’ leg space, with its head under his feet and saliva dripping onto his leg.

“(The owner) couldn’t have the dog out in the aisle because they couldn’t get the trolleys through, so it had to come in farther, which meant his head was under my husband’s feet.

“My husband was in shorts, and was getting the dog’s saliva goo on his leg,” she told Stuff.

Upon speaking with a flight attendant again, they were relocated to seats at the front of the economy cabin, originally reserved for staff.

They were assured that an incident report would be filed, and they would receive further communication from the airline.

Delayed updates from the airline

However, after a week with no updates, the wife reached out to SIA’s customer service to voice her complaints.

The airline responded with an apology two weeks later, along with a S$100 gift voucher each for the airline’s KrisShop website.

Dissatisfied with the compensation, she declined the offer.

The airline later offered a S$200 travel voucher more than three weeks later, which also fell short of the couple’s expectations.

As a result, they requested a full refund for their premium economy tickets, emphasizing that their concern was not about disliking dogs but rather the lack of prior information about the situation and their disappointment with the airline’s customer service.

“We didn’t receive the experience we paid for,” she told Stuff.

SIA apologizes

A Singapore Airlines spokesperson reiterated their apology to the couple, acknowledging the inconvenience and distress they experienced during their flight.

“Singapore Airlines endeavours to notify customers who may be seated next to an assistance dog prior to boarding.

“In circumstances where customers seated next to an assistance dog request to be moved, Singapore Airlines will assist to re-seat customers within the same cabin where space permits.

“In this instance, we were unable to move Mr. and Mrs. Press within the same cabin as the premium economy class cabin was full,” they explained.

The spokesperson stated that the airline would continue to communicate directly with the customers in response to their feedback.

Additionally, SIA pledged to improve its procedures to ensure that passengers are informed in advance if they are seated next to an assistance dog.

It’s worth noting that as of April 1, 2023, Singapore Airlines no longer permits “emotional support dogs” on its flights, but it continues to accommodate approved assistance dogs, such as guide dogs, for passengers with disabilities, who had made prior arrangements and submitted the required documentation.

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Elderly men eating leftovers at People’s Park Food Centre spark concerns over rising living costs

A recent report revealed that elderly men have been seen eating leftovers at People’s Park Food Centre, raising concerns about their potential struggles amid rising living costs in Singapore. Online community are urging relevant agencies to reach out and understand their situations.

Published

7 hours ago

on

19 September 2024

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Singapore: A group of elderly men has reportedly been eating leftovers at in People’s Park Food Centre, as reported by Shin Min Daily News on Wednesday (18 September).

According to tips from readers, these elderly men have been spotted scavenging for food at the bustling food centre in Chinatown.

Witnesses noted that they not only take unfinished meals from tables but also search the dish return area for additional leftovers.

Several hawkers reported seeing multiple elderly individuals, including one specific man, frequently visiting the food centre to collect leftovers, although they were unaware of their identities and living situations.

A Chinese food hawker, who has worked there for over ten years, noted that at least three or four scavengers come daily, usually around 8 or 9 PM, and sometimes kind customers buy food for them.

Another stall assistant, Ms Ma, observed that diners often leave their tables, allowing the older man to sit down and eat the leftovers directly.

Cleaner Mr Quan mentioned that while he has seen the man taking food left by others, he has also witnessed him buying his own meals, suggesting he is not in dire financial need.

Additionally, Quan noted that these scavengers typically arrive around 10 AM and leave in the afternoon.

One Elderly Man Interviewed Attributes Leftover Eating Habit to Waste Prevention, Not Financial Struggles

Among the scavengers is Mr Wang, an 84-year-old resident of Bedok, who emphasised that he doesn’t want to waste food.

He told reporter, “I have a home and children, but it’s very lively here, so I come every day and go home in the evening.”

He acknowledged his habit of eating leftovers, stating, “It’s not because I lack money; I simply don’t want to waste food.”

He explained, “Some people order a lot and can’t finish it; sometimes a whole fish is left uneaten. ”

“When I see large plates of leftover food, I think it’s a waste, so I take it to eat, and it’s still warm,” he said, adding that other scavengers respect each other’s space and enjoy their own finds.

Not everyone supports the practice of scavenging for leftovers. Daniel Tay, a retired financial advisor and advocate for freeganism, expressed concerns about the potential dangers of consuming discarded food.

He pointed out that it’s often unclear how long the food has been left out or if it has been contaminated by animals or pests, which could lead to food poisoning.

“It’s extremely unhygienic. Diners might throw away food or toss used napkins into it, contaminating it further. If a diner gets sick, such as with the flu or COVID-19, they could pass the virus to someone eating the leftovers,” he warned.

Tay suggested a more proactive approach, encouraging people to ask diners if they can take home any uneaten food, which would help ensure the food is clean and raise awareness about food waste.

Netizens Urge Agencies to Address Challenges Faced by Elderly Amid Rising Living Costs

Comments on Shin Min’s Facebook page reveal that many netizens suspect the elderly men scavenging for food may be facing significant challenges and are urging relevant agencies to reach out to understand their situations.

Some are questioning whether the rising cost of living in Singapore is prompting individuals to resort to drastic measures to save money.

One netizen commented, “Every family has its own difficulties; who hasn’t faced storms and hardships? If you see an elderly person, please invite him to a meal. After all, we will all grow old one day. Whether it’s a blessing or a curse, only heaven and earth know. I believe that Singaporeans who see him will definitely invite him to a meal.”

Discussion on Singapore’s Hardwarezone forum also highlighted that many have witnessed similar situations, indicating that this issue is not new.

One netizen speculated that some elderly individuals might be facing mental health challenges. The user shared observation of an elderly woman in Little India who regularly collects cardboard and sells 4D lottery tickets. Despite receiving money from passersby, she continues her activities.

Another user recounted an experience of seeing an elderly woman eating directly from leftover plates and offered to buy her a plate of duck rice.

However, the hawker advised that it would be pointless, as the woman allegedly prefers eating leftovers to fresh food. The netizen expressed pity for her situation, noting that other customers had also tried to buy her a meal.

Not the First Time Elderly Individuals Spotted Scavenging for Leftovers at People’s Park Food Centre

This is not the first time elderly individuals have been spotted eating leftover food at People’s Park Food Centre.

In November 2022, 8World News reported that at least seven elderly people allegedly engage in such practice regularly at the hawker centre. These individuals typically search for unfinished food left on tables or at the tray return area.

At that time, in response to inquiries from 8World News, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) stated that they were collaborating with grassroots volunteers and hawkers to identify these elderly individuals and provide assistance if needed.

MSF encourages the public to report any elderly individuals in need of help by calling 1800-222-0000 or connecting them with local social service agencies through the OneService App.

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Fire at train depot causes second Circle Line disruption in two days

Circle Line services in Singapore were disrupted for the second time in two days after a fire broke out at Kim Chuan Depot on 18 September. The fire, which caused a power trip, was extinguished quickly, with normal services resuming shortly after.

Published

14 hours ago

on

19 September 2024

By

SINGAPORE: A fire at the Kim Chuan Depot on Wednesday (18 September) caused a brief disruption to Circle Line services, marking the second consecutive day of interruptions on the line.

The fire, which broke out around 8pm in one of the power system cubicles, resulted in a power trip that halted train services for approximately 15 minutes.

A netizen posted in the Facebook group Complaint Singapore, reporting the latest disruption.

According to SMRT, the transport operator, the incident caused several trains to stall, and lighting within the affected trains was briefly impacted.

Engineers at the depot quickly extinguished the fire, and the Singapore Civil Defence Force was activated to assist.

Power was restored by 8.10pm, and normal train services resumed five minutes later at around 8.15pm.

“We appreciate all commuters’ patience and apologise for the longer commutes over the past two evenings,” SMRT said in a statement posted on Facebook, explaining the swift restoration of services after the fire was contained.

In response to the incident on SMRT’s Facebook page, some commuters expressed frustration, noting that the disruptions were happening just before a planned fare increase.

Others raised concerns about the reliability and safety of train services.

Several also criticised SMRT for poor communication during the disruptions, highlighting issues with announcements and equipment at certain stations.

They urged the operator to make improvements before the fare hike takes effect.

The incident followed a major disruption the previous day, when a power fault at 5.50pm on 17 September halted Circle Line services for nearly two hours during the evening peak period.

Eleven trains were stalled inside tunnels for 15 minutes, leaving passengers without air-conditioning.

However, onboard batteries provided partial lighting and ventilation during the outage.

SMRT gradually resumed services, with normal operations restored by 7.40pm.

In a statement on Wednesday morning, SMRT said that staff worked through the night to diagnose the cause of Tuesday’s fault and ensure that all systems were fully operational.

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