Southwest staff took extra care of the fish over the summer.
After four long months, a Southwest Airlines passenger was finally reunited with her pet fish in Tampa, Florida. Employees of the company took care of the traveler's betta fish after learning that the pet wasn't allowed to fly.
The passenger, named Kira, was heading home in the spring after finishing her first year of university. However, she was told at the airport that she couldn’t fly with Theo, her fish. Thankfully, Southwest customer service agent Ismael stepped in to take care of Theo until Kira's return.
Kira and Ismael kept in touch during the summer, keeping up to date on Theo's well-being. After four months away, Kira returned for her studies to take back custody of her beloved pet.
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This isn't the first time a staff member at an airport stepped in to babysit Southwest Airlines' customer's fish. In December 2018, passenger Lanice Powless left her pet with employees at Denver International Airport after she was told that she couldn't board the plane with the fish.
Taking a look at Southwest’s website, the carrier’s policy states that the company welcomes “small vaccinated domestic cats and dogs in an appropriate pet carrier in the cabin on domestic flights,” and carriers must be stowed under the passenger’s seat. There are specific rules for those flying to Puerto Rico, and the operator doesn’t accept pets on flights in and out of Hawaii.
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While flying with pets is usually a smooth process with plenty of preparation, there is sometimes drama. For instance, this summer, a cat escaped from its carrier after arriving at Boston Logan and was missing for three weeks. It was finally found in mid-July after a large-scale search party.
Overall, there is plenty to consider when traveling with pets. While the Transport Security Administration (TSA) allows passengers to fly with live fish in water and a clear transparent container after inspection by a TSA officer, different operators have different policies that are subject to numerous variables. Factors include animal size, type and age, destination, and aircraft type. Nonetheless, there are airlines that specialize in carrying beloved animals across the skies.
Regarding Theo’s care, Kira showed her appreciation for the efforts of Ismael and his partner Jamee with a gift. Kira, Ismael, Jamee, and Theo all posed for a photo to mark the joyous occasion.
While there has been so much stress across the aviation industry over the last few years, it's great to see such a heartfelt moment amid all the chaos.
What are your thoughts about this Southwest Airlines employee taking care of a passenger's pet fish for four months? What do you make of the overall situation? Let us know what you think in the comment section.
Deputy Editor - Sumit comes to Simple Flying with more than eight years’ experience as a professional journalist. Having written for The Independent, Evening Standard, and others, his role here allows him to explore his enthusiasm for aviation and travel. Having built strong relationships with Qatar Airways, United Airlines, Aeroflot, and more, Sumit excels in both aviation history and market analysis. Based in London, UK.