US Airways flight from Philadelphia to MacArthur Airport canceled over guide dog commotion
A US Airways flight from Philadelphia to MacArthur Airport was canceled after a commotion involving a guide dog.
Albert Rizzi, of Bellport, who has been blind for eight years, says a flight attendant ordered him to "stow" his guide dog Doxie under his seat last night. He insists that Doxie is not baggage, so he placed the dog by his feet.
As the airplane was taxiing to the runway, Rizzi says the flight attendant became enraged because Doxie's paws were partially in the aisle.
The plane returned to the gate, and Rizzi was removed by security.
Passengers then began protesting how Rizzi and Doxie were being treated, and the pilot announced that the flight was canceled.
US Airways says it will conduct a full investigation, but says that Doxie was not controlled, Rizzi was verbally abusive and he refused to comply with flight crew orders.
Rizzi and his fellow passengers were eventually brought to Long Island by bus. Now, Rizzi says he's exploring legal action against the airline.
For more on the guide dog kicked off plane, watch the clip to the left or click News 12 Extra on Optimum TV channel 612.