Tennis player Anastasia Potapova criticized United Airlines after a flight attendant threatened to remove her and her four-kilogram miniature poodle mix, Bula, from a flight from Houston to New York ahead of the US Open. According to the 25-year-old athlete, the airline employee exhibited extreme disrespect, unpoliteness, and discrimination during the boarding process.
Dispute Over Service Dog Erupts During Boarding
The conflict began immediately after Potapova boarded the aircraft with her registered assistance dog, Bula. According to reporting by BILD, the flight attendant claimed the four-kilogram dog was too large and attempted to place Potapova on a blacklist without justification. Potapova stated that she checked airline policies prior to travel and that Bula travels regularly without incident. “She had no right to say such things,” Potapova told BILD, noting that the animal is an official assistance dog that remains calm and well-behaved during her travels.
Public Outcry and Social Media Response
Following the incident, Potapova posted about her experience on Instagram, where she detailed the hostility she faced. Some respondents claimed the employee had previously displayed rude and discriminatory conduct toward other travelers.
Upcoming US Open Match and Airline Contact
The dispute comes at a critical time for the world number 25, who is preparing for her opening-round match at the US Open against 19-year-old Czech player Tereza Valentova.
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