Grandmother Is Stranded When Her Parrot ‘Plucky’ Can’t Board Flight

Maria Fraterrigo, a grandmother from the Bronx, was scheduled to fly from San Juan to Kennedy International Airport on Saturday night. However, upon arriving at the gate for her return flight, an agent for Frontier Airlines informed her that her companion, an African gray parrot named Plucky, was on a no-fly list. Despite having flown with Plucky on her outbound Frontier flight in January without any issues, she was told that parrots were prohibited by the airline, leaving her stranded.

The agent’s refusal to allow Plucky on the flight led to a four-day ordeal for Ms. Fraterrigo, during which her travel plans were in limbo. Eventually, Frontier relented and rebooked her on a flight for Wednesday night, with Plucky set to accompany her.

The incident highlighted the ongoing debate between airlines and passengers regarding which animals are allowed on commercial flights. While some unusual pets have made their way onto planes, the rules for service animals have become stricter. Despite the confusion, members of New York’s congressional delegation, including Senator Chuck Schumer, advocated for Ms. Fraterrigo to be rebooked with her emotional support parrot.

Frontier Airlines spokesperson Jennifer F. de la Cruz stated that parrots do not qualify as emotional support animals under their policies or those of other U.S. airlines. Nevertheless, Frontier acknowledged the hardship caused to Ms. Fraterrigo and expressed regret for any confusion regarding their policies.

Since the passing of her husband, Richard Fraterrigo, Maria Fraterrigo has found comfort in her 24-year-old parrot, Plucky. The bird, designated as an emotional support animal, has been a constant source of companionship for Ms. Fraterrigo, who refused to travel without her feathered friend.

In December, Ms. Fraterrigo’s son, Robert Fraterrigo, inquired about bringing Plucky on a flight, citing a doctor’s letter confirming the bird as an emotional support animal. Despite Frontier’s policy prohibiting large birds like parrots, a customer service agent had initially approved the request based on the provided documentation.

After facing initial resistance from Frontier, Ms. Fraterrigo was eventually rebooked on a flight with Plucky, following the submission of additional documentation. Plucky, a small and lightweight bird, was accommodated with a seat under the front seat in a specially designed carrier.

Despite the initial challenges, Ms. Fraterrigo was grateful for the opportunity to travel with Plucky, who had been a source of solace during her husband’s illness and passing. The unique situation garnered attention from the media and prompted efforts from lawmakers to ensure Ms. Fraterrigo’s reunion with her beloved parrot.

As Ms. Fraterrigo prepared for her journey back home, she expressed anxiety about the flight, as did Plucky, who usually refrains from talking when nervous. With the necessary documentation in hand, Ms. Fraterrigo and her loyal companion were finally ready to embark on their return trip.

The resolution of the situation brought relief to both Ms. Fraterrigo and her family, who had been distraught over the initial refusal to allow Plucky on the flight. With the required paperwork in order, Ms. Fraterrigo was reassigned a seat for her journey back home, marking the end of a challenging ordeal.

Despite the setbacks, Ms. Fraterrigo’s determination to travel with her emotional support parrot underscored the bond between humans and their animal companions, showcasing the importance of understanding and accommodating such relationships in various settings.