Family Sues Delta, KLM Over Bed Bug Infestation

A Virginia family has taken legal action against Delta Air Lines and KLM following a disturbing incident on a flight across the Atlantic. The plaintiffs allege that the cabin was infested with bed bugs, resulting in painful bites and a ruined family vacation.

The lawsuit, filed on December 18, details a journey that began in Roanoke, Virginia, and ended in Belgrade, Serbia. The family claims that despite flying in business class, they were subjected to unsanitary conditions that caused physical injury and emotional distress. They are seeking significant compensation for medical bills and other losses.

The Albuquerque family filed the lawsuit after experiencing what they describe as a "bed bug infestation" on a flight dated March 21. The journey consisted of a Delta flight from Roanoke to Atlanta, followed by a KLM flight to Amsterdam, and finally a connection to Belgrade, Serbia. The tickets were purchased through Delta's SkyMiles program and were valued at $8,800 at the time of purchase.

According to the legal filing, the incident occurred roughly two hours into the flight to Amsterdam. One of the plaintiffs reported feeling as though she was being bitten by bugs crawling on her. Upon investigation, she allegedly discovered bugs "crawling on her light-colored sweater." The lawsuit claims the entire family was bitten, resulting in "raised and itchy welts, lesions, and rashes across their torsos and extremities."

The family had planned the trip to visit relatives and friends in Serbia. The lawsuit asserts that the physical and emotional toll of the incident "ruined their family vacation."

The plaintiffs claim they "immediately" notified the flight staff of the situation. However, the lawsuit alleges that the crew's response was to tell the family to keep their voices down to avoid causing "panic" on the plane. The couple reportedly took photos and videos of the bugs crawling on the sweater and in the creases of their seats to use as evidence.

Prior to landing, the filing states that flight attendants urged the couple not to mention the infestation to anyone, allegedly warning that doing so would cause them to miss their connecting flight to Serbia. Following the trip, the family sought medical attention in Roanoke, Virginia. Doctors confirmed that the bites were caused by bed bugs. As a result of the diagnosis, the family was advised to use "bug bombs" in their home and vehicle and to wash all clothing in hot water.

The lawsuit seeks compensation for a wide range of damages, including humiliation, medical expenses, discomfort, and the loss of personal items. The plaintiffs are also seeking damages for the "embarrassment, anxiety, discomfort, and inconvenience" caused by the event.

In response to the allegations, Delta Air Lines issued a statement clarifying the operational details of the flight. A spokesperson noted that "the allegations at issue relate to flights not operated by Delta Air Lines," confirming that the transatlantic leg was operated by KLM. Delta stated that they will "review the complaint and respond accordingly in due course."

As of the filing, KLM had not responded to requests for comment regarding the lawsuit.

While bed bug complaints on aircraft are relatively rare, passengers frequently turn to the courts to resolve grievances related to air travel. The legal landscape includes various high-profile suits against major carriers.

For example, in September, a group of 16 passengers sued American Airlines following an incident where their flight caught fire. In a separate case involving Delta, a passenger sued the airline for $1 million last year, alleging that a faulty armrest caused a broken rib.

The Albuquerque family's case highlights the growing scrutiny on airline hygiene and passenger safety standards. The outcome of the lawsuit may set a precedent for how similar claims of infestation are handled by international carriers in the future.