A New Zealand couple is demanding full compensation from an airline, asserting that a "snorting" and "farting" dog in their aisle disrupted their experience.

Gill and Warren Press are seeking a full refund from Singapore Airlines after their 13-hour flight from Paris to Singapore was spoiled by a fellow passenger's dog.

As reported by Stuff, a New Zealand news website, the couple initially felt "surprised" when they realized a passenger was bringing a dog on their long-haul flight.

“I heard this noise – a heavy snorting,” Gill mentioned.

“I thought it was my husband’s phone, but we looked down and realized it was the dog breathing.

“I said, ‘I’m not having this sitting next to us the whole trip’.”

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It was later revealed that the passenger — holding the dog — confided to another individual that he “gets anxious” during flights and required the little fur companion for comfort. However, the couple claimed the dog “appeared to be in a distressed state”.

Gill and Warren voiced their concerns to a flight attendant, but unfortunately, the only available seats at that time were at the back of the plane in economy — meaning they would have to leave their premium economy seats. So, they decided to endure the 13-hour flight.

Midway through the journey, the couple stated they couldn’t bear it anymore as the dog was "farting" and slobbering all over Warren’s leg.

“[The passenger] couldn’t have the dog out in the aisle because they couldn’t get the trolleys through, so it had to come in further, which meant his head was under my husband’s feet,” Gill told Stuff.

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

(Image source: Stuff.co.NZ)

The couple called a second time for a flight attendant. This time, they agreed to move seats as they could no longer tolerate flying with the dog.

According to the publication, the couple was reportedly relocated to an aisle in front of the economy cabin, ultimately giving up their premium economy seats. These seats were also free as they were originally reserved for staff.

Upon moving seats, the couple was informed that an incident report would be filed regarding their experience.

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After a week of silence, the Wellington couple decided to follow up on their incident report via an email to the airline’s customer service team.

Gill and Warren received a response two weeks later, but according to them, they only got an SGD $100 (AUD$114) gift card for the airline’s website. Disappointed, they replied, stating that it “didn’t reflect the difference in value between their premium economy seats and the economy seats they ended up in.”

Singapore Airlines reportedly responded three weeks later, adjusting the gift cards to SGD$160 (AUD$185) per person.

Due to this modification, the couple described the process as “unacceptable” and are now pursuing a full refund for the flight.

“We didn’t receive the experience we paid for,” Gill continued.

According to Stuff, the couple was mostly upset that they weren’t informed about the dog before booking the seats, and they have a dog of their own. Thus, their complaint didn’t stem from a dislike of animals.

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A spokesperson for Singapore Airlines has again apologized to the couple for “any inconvenience or distress” this incident caused, as per the publication.

“Singapore Airlines endeavors to notify customers who may be seated next to an assistance dog prior to boarding the flight. We sincerely apologize that this did not occur in this case, and will work with our airport teams to ensure this lapse does not happen in the future,” they said.

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

According to the company’s website, from April 1, the airline “no longer allows customers to travel with their emotional support dogs on board flights.”

However, the airline will continue to allow dogs to assist people with disabilities on board flights.

Even as a huge dog lover who enjoys being around the adorable creatures 24/7, I can fully comprehend what this couple is going through. Being surrounded by farts for 13 hours straight in a flying tin can sounds like a nightmare.

Hopefully, the Press couple will receive some form of compensation soon, and hopefully, the little doggo won’t have to endure such a long flight again.

Image source: Warner Bros. / Scooby-Doo