[PHXFlyer]

Southwest's policy is rather vague:

We maintain the right to refuse acceptance of a cat or dog exhibiting aggressive behavior or any other characteristics that appear incompatible with air travel.

(Boldface is Southwest's not mine!)

In my opinion it leaves too much open for interpretation by individual crew or ground staff. Just what characteristics are incompatible with air travel? Dogs bark. Cats meow. Babies fuss and cry. To what degree are animal noises incompatible with air travel?

With a posted policy so full of holes I would advise you to speak to an attorney Monday morning. I would also call your local TV stations in Reno and see if any of them would air your story. Southwest hates bad publicity and once they hear of your issues through the news media I'm sure they'll be swift with a settlement offer. Just ask the young woman who was made to "cover up" when she wore a short skirt and a blouse with a plunging neckline. I think she got several thousand out of Southwest and they didn't strand her at a connecting airport!