A Virginia family has filed a lawsuit against KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Delta Air Lines, claiming their business-class flight from the United States to Europe was infested with bed bugs, leading to severe discomfort and a ruined vacation. The complaint was submitted in federal court in Roanoke, detailing the distress experienced by ophthalmologist Romulo Albuquerque, his wife Lisandra Garcia, and their two children during the journey.
The ordeal began aboard the transatlantic flight, where, about two hours in, Garcia started feeling itchy and noticed bugs crawling on her clothing. Despite reporting the situation to flight attendants, the couple alleges they were advised to keep their voices down to prevent panic among other passengers. The family suffered multiple bites, resulting in visible welts on their skin, which persisted long after their return to Roanoke.
The Albuquerques had initially booked their trip through Delta using SkyMiles, with a total ticket value of $8,800. Their experience continued to deteriorate when, after landing in Amsterdam, they boarded another KLM flight toward their final destination of Belgrade. The family sought medical attention upon their return, receiving treatment for their bed bug bites, which included prescriptions for topical steroids and antihistamines, as well as advice on dealing with potential infestations at home.
Representatives for the family expressed frustration that KLM and Delta have ignored attempts to resolve the issue amicably, prompting the legal action seeking $200,000 in damages for the physical and emotional impact of the experience. While Delta pointed out that the allegations pertain to a flight not operated by them, KLM has not commented in detail on the accusations but is prepared to address the matter through legal channels.
Experts have noted that bed bugs on planes are not as uncommon as people might think due to the fabric seating arrangements and the high passenger traffic. The Albuquerque family’s experience highlights a significant issue within the airline industry and raises awareness about the potential for insect infestations during air travel.
This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining rigorous standards in public transportation and ensuring the comfort and safety of travelers. As the family seeks to hold the airlines accountable for their distressing flight, it underscores the need for better pest control measures and readiness by airline personnel to address passenger concerns promptly.