An 81-year-old woman from the Bronx has found herself stuck in Puerto Rico with her longtime companion — a pet parrot — after the airline that flew them there refused to let the bird on the return flight.
Maria Fraterrigo, who traveled to visit family on the island, brought along her parrot, Plucky, in a proper cage. She had flown from New York without issue, but when trying to board her flight home, the airline denied her passage due to their pet policy.
Plucky, an African Grey Parrot, has been with Fraterrigo for more than 20 years. She describes the bird as her emotional support animal, especially after the loss of her husband Richard in 2019. Richard, a former court officer and NYPD employee, died from a cancer related to the aftermath of 9/11.
“He helped me through the grief. Plucky has kept me company, lifted my spirits, and made me laugh during tough times,” she shared.
The family says they double-checked with the airline, Frontier, before the trip. Her son, Robert Fraterrigo, even chatted online with a Frontier agent, explaining that Plucky was a support animal and received confirmation.
Maria successfully boarded her outbound flight from JFK on January 4 with Plucky in a TSA-approved carrier. But on April 5, at the airport in Puerto Rico, she was told at the gate that she could not bring the bird on board for the return flight.
“They told her, ‘You can’t board with the bird — give it away or leave it,’” Robert said.
Frontier later admitted the bird shouldn’t have been allowed on the original flight and offered a refund and a travel voucher. They cited their policy against allowing parrots in the cabin.
“My mother didn’t do anything wrong. All she wants is to come home. No one is helping her,” Robert said, frustrated.
He’s explored other travel options, including private charters, to bring his mother to Tampa, Florida, where he lives — but so far, no luck.
Maria remains in Puerto Rico, waiting for a solution that would allow her to reunite with her son — and bring Plucky home, too.