Introduction
Mikhail Galin, a Russian passenger on an Aeroflot flight, made headlines in November 2019 when he smuggled his cat onto a flight from Moscow to Vladivostok. Galin's actions caused a stir on social media and sparked a debate about airline pet policies. In this article, we'll explore the story of Mikhail Galin and his cat on Aeroflot.
The Story
Mikhail Galin had planned to take his cat, Viktor, on a flight from Moscow to Vladivostok. However, he was told by Aeroflot staff that Viktor was too heavy to fly in the cabin and would have to be transported in the cargo hold. Galin was concerned about the safety of his pet and decided to take matters into his own hands.
Galin came up with a plan to smuggle Viktor onto the plane by switching him with a lookalike cat at the airport. He purchased a similar-looking cat from a local market and put it in the carrier instead of Viktor. He then went through security and boarded the plane with the fake cat.
The Reveal
Once the flight was in the air, Galin took Viktor out of the carrier and began to take photos of him on the plane. He later posted these photos on social media, where they went viral. The photos showed Viktor sitting comfortably on the plane, wearing a tiny harness and leash.
When the flight landed in Vladivostok, Galin was met by Aeroflot staff who were suspicious of his actions. They demanded to see the cat, and Galin revealed that he had switched Viktor with a lookalike cat. The staff were shocked and immediately contacted the police.
The Aftermath
After being questioned by the police, Galin was released without charge. However, he was banned from flying with Aeroflot in the future. The airline also released a statement condemning Galin's actions and reminding passengers that pets must be transported in the cargo hold if they exceed a certain weight limit.
The story of Mikhail Galin and his cat on Aeroflot sparked a debate about airline pet policies. Many people criticized Aeroflot for not allowing pets in the cabin, while others argued that Galin's actions were dangerous and put the cat at risk.
The Debate
The debate about airline pet policies is ongoing, with many airlines allowing pets in the cabin under certain conditions. Some airlines require pets to be transported in the cargo hold, while others have weight and size restrictions for pets in the cabin. It's important for pet owners to research airline policies before booking a flight with their furry friends.
The Future
The story of Mikhail Galin and his cat on Aeroflot has brought attention to the issue of airline pet policies. It's possible that airlines may change their policies in the future to accommodate more pets in the cabin. However, it's important for pet owners to understand the risks and limitations of flying with their pets.
Conclusion
The story of Mikhail Galin and his cat on Aeroflot is a cautionary tale for pet owners who want to fly with their furry friends. While it's understandable that Galin wanted to ensure the safety of his pet, his actions were dangerous and put the cat at risk. It's important for pet owners to research airline policies and understand the risks before flying with their pets.