A tense scene unfolded at an airport this week, quickly escalating into a viral confrontation between a passenger and airline staff. The incident, now widely known as the “Two Cats Karen” debacle, centered around a refusal to accommodate a traveler’s unusual pet arrangements.
Alexandra Compton, a resident of Las Vegas originally from Portland, was attempting to fly home for the holidays with her two feline companions. The core of the dispute? Compton wanted to squeeze both cats into a single carrier and place it under the seat in front of her.
Airline personnel, adhering to established safety guidelines, calmly explained that the size of the cats and the carrier presented a potential risk to the animals’ well-being. The policy allows for up to two pets in one carrier, but only if they aren’t overcrowded and no body parts are exposed.
Compton’s response was immediate and forceful. She demanded to see the specific policy outlining weight restrictions for cats traveling under seats, a rule that, according to the airline, doesn’t exist. Her voice rose with each unanswered question, quickly drawing the attention of nearby passengers.
“Why are *you* the one deciding I can’t take my cat on the plane right now?” she exclaimed, her frustration mounting. She insisted the carrier was specifically purchased to facilitate this journey, a crucial element of her Christmas travel plans.
Despite attempts by staff to de-escalate the situation, Compton continued to argue, claiming the airline was deliberately preventing her from returning home for the holidays simply because she had two cats. She vehemently denied yelling, even as her voice echoed through the gate area.
“I’m not yelling!” she retorted, on the verge of tears. “You’re telling me I can’t go home for Christmas right now! Do you understand that?” The staff member remained steadfast, explaining that individual passengers cannot alter company policy.
The situation reached a fever pitch when Compton accused the airline of “ruining Christmas” and asserted that the company had no right to determine her cats’ comfort. Ultimately, she was informed she would need to purchase two separate carriers to comply with regulations.
Following the widespread circulation of the video, Compton addressed the incident publicly. She maintained her innocence, claiming she had followed all airline procedures and was expecting a full refund. She shared a screenshot of the airline’s pet policy, seemingly to support her claim.
“I’m viral! Here’s the info from the Alaska website – I did exactly as I always do while traveling with my cats,” she posted. “Alaska just wanted me to pay for a second seat, yeah no.” She concluded with a triumphant note: “But I’m home with my cats. Refund on its way.”
