ROANOKE, Va. – A family from Roanoke is taking legal action against Delta Airlines and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, claiming they were bitten by bed bugs during a flight to Serbia. They are seeking $200,000 in compensation through a federal lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia.
The Albuquerque family embarked on their journey from Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport. According to the legal documents, the incident occurred two hours into their connecting flight from Atlanta to Amsterdam on March 21, 2025. One family member reported feeling an unsettling sensation, likening it to bugs crawling on her, later discovering the insects on her light-colored sweater.
All family members, including children, reported experiencing welts and rashes as a direct result of the bed bug bites, leading to discomfort throughout their flight. The lawsuit details that these bites caused considerable physical and emotional distress, depriving the family of the chance to fully enjoy their vacation.
The complaints included personal injuries, itching, pain, anxiety, and feelings of humiliation. Furthermore, the family incurred medical expenses to treat their bites and found it necessary to dispose of clothing and personal items that they believed were infested, adding to their distress.
This case underscores ongoing concerns about cleanliness and passenger safety within the airline industry, especially as travelers become more vigilant about their experiences.