Transatlantic Flight Bed Bugs: Virginia Family Sues Delta, KLM for $200K

A Virginia family is suing Delta Air Lines and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. The lawsuit alleges a severe bed bug infestation occurred during a transatlantic flight in March 2025. The Albuquerque family of four is seeking at least $200,000 in damages. This Virginia family bed bug lawsuit highlights the challenges of maintaining airline cabin cleanliness standards.

Lawsuit Details and Allegations

The complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia. The Albuquerque family lawsuit names Romulo Albuquerque, his wife, and their two children as plaintiffs. They purchased round-trip tickets for a vacation to Belgrade, Serbia. The tickets were bought through Delta's SkyMiles program.

The trip began with a Delta flight from Roanoke, Virginia, to Atlanta. The family then boarded a KLM-operated flight from Atlanta to Amsterdam, Netherlands. The bed bug infestation on airplane allegedly began about two hours into this overnight flight.

Crew Response and Passenger Injury Claim

Lisandra Garcia reportedly noticed bugs crawling on her sweater and felt itching. The family claims all four members were bitten multiple times during the flight. The bites caused “raised and itchy welts, lesions, and rashes”. The family claims this ruined their vacation and caused significant distress. They submitted photos of the bugs and visible bites as evidence in the lawsuit.

According to the lawsuit, flight attendants were alerted to the issue. The crew allegedly urged the family to stay quiet to prevent a panic. Furthermore, the family claims they were advised not to report the issue in Amsterdam. This was allegedly to ensure they did not miss their connecting flight to Belgrade, Serbia. Upon arrival in Amsterdam, KLM staff reportedly gave the family plastic bags for their belongings.

Airline and Industry Response

This incident on the Delta KLM transatlantic flight raises questions about airline cleaning procedures. Aviation pest control is a complex operational challenge for carriers worldwide. Bed bugs can easily hitchhike on luggage and clothing. This makes proactive detection and eradication difficult on commercial aircraft.

In response to the lawsuit, Delta Air Lines issued a statement. A spokesperson noted the allegations relate to flights not operated by Delta. They confirmed Delta would review the complaint and respond legally. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines also stated they were unable to comment on specific allegations. They confirmed they would address the matter through the appropriate legal channels. The family's attorneys specialize in aviation law. They are likely pursuing the case under international air travel rules, such as the Montréal Convention. This convention governs carrier liability for passenger injury.

Industry experts note that a proactive approach to detection is crucial. Airlines that use proactive measures average fewer infested seats. The most effective eradication systems use heat treatment. This ensures the core temperature of materials reaches 60°C to kill the pests.

For more updates on this and other commercial aviation news, follow industry reports. The outcome of this passenger injury claim will set an important precedent. It will define the legal obligations for cabin cleanliness and passenger safety on international routes.