KLM and Delta Face $200,000 Lawsuit Over Alleged Bed Bug Infestation
Key Points
- 1A Virginia family is seeking $200,000 in damages from KLM and Delta Air Lines.
- 2The lawsuit alleges a bed bug infestation on a March 21 transatlantic business-class flight.
- 3The incident highlights the challenge of commercial aviation pest control and the use of thermal disinsection technology.
- 4The complaint alleges cabin crew urged the family to remain quiet to avoid passenger panic.
A Virginia family of four has filed a federal lawsuit. They are seeking $200,000 in damages from KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Delta Air Lines. The suit alleges a severe bed bug infestation occurred on a transatlantic flight to Europe. The family claims the incident ruined their vacation and caused physical injury.
Allegations of Onboard Infestation
The family, including ophthalmologist Romulo Albuquerque and his wife Lisandra Garcia, were traveling on March 21. Their journey began in Roanoke, connecting through Atlanta to Amsterdam. The long-haul segment was a KLM-operated flight, booked through Delta Air Lines's SkyMiles program. They were seated in business class, which cost $8,800.
About two hours into the flight, Garcia noticed insects crawling on her sweater. The family quickly documented the insects with photos and video. The complaint details extensive bites on the children's necks, torsos, legs, and arms. Mrs. Garcia reportedly still has visible scars from the bites.
Attorneys for the family claim cabin crew urged them to remain quiet. This was allegedly to prevent a panic among other passengers. Before landing in Amsterdam, flight attendants reportedly warned against reporting the infestation. This was supposedly to ensure the family would not miss their connecting flight to Belgrade.
Airline Response and Legal Action
The family sought medical care upon arrival in Belgrade. A pediatric clinic confirmed the bites were from bed bugs. They were prescribed topical steroids and antihistamines. The family also had to dispose of clothing and personal items due to contamination concerns.
Attempts to settle the matter with the airlines failed. The family then filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia. Delta Air Lines stated the flight was not operated by them, but they will review the complaint. KLM declined to comment on the specifics. They stated they would respond through the appropriate legal channels. The case highlights the complex liability of code-share agreements.
Industry Impact on Cabin Hygiene
This lawsuit places renewed scrutiny on commercial aviation pest control protocols. Bed bug infestations are a growing concern for airlines. They carry a substantial financial impact. Grounding an aircraft for treatment leads to lost revenue.
Industry experts note that proactive management is key. Chemical treatments often yield disappointing results. Modern protocols favor thermal eradication (heat treatment). This method is non-chemical and can kill all life stages of bed bugs. It is often FAA compliant and allows for a quick return to service. Some thermal systems have even received non-technical objection (NTO) from major manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus.
The challenge for airlines is limited ground time. This makes a thorough disinsection difficult. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of robust cabin cleaning standards. It underscores the need for clear airline passenger rights when hygiene failures occur. This is a developing story in commercial aviation news.
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