Virginia Family Sues Delta and KLM, Alleging Bed Bug Infestation on Transatlantic Flight
A Virginia family is seeking $200,000 in damages after filing a lawsuit alleging a severe bed bug infestation during a transatlantic flight operated by Delta Air Lines and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. The incident, which occurred during a family vacation in March, reportedly caused notable physical and emotional distress.
The Albuquerque family of Roanoke, Virginia, detailed in a complaint filed last week that the infestation occurred during a journey beginning on March 21. Their itinerary included a Delta flight from Roanoke to Atlanta, followed by KLM flights to Amsterdam and ultimately Belgrade, Serbia, where they intended to visit family and friends.
According to the lawsuit,the ordeal began approximately two hours into the flight to Amsterdam when Lisandra Garcia,one of the travelers,began to feel insects crawling on and biting her. The family promptly alerted a flight attendant, but alleges they were instructed to remain quiet to avoid causing “panic” amongst other passengers.
The family – Romulo Albuquerque, Lisandra garcia, and their two children, Benicio and Lorenzo Albuquerque – experienced repeated bites throughout the remainder of the flight.They documented the infestation, taking photographs and videos of bugs crawling on a sweater and various surfaces within the cabin. Images submitted as evidence in the lawsuit depict what are described as bed bugs on a KLM napkin and a sweater, alongside visible bite marks on the family members’ bodies. Upon arriving at their destination, the family was forced to wash all of their clothing in boiling water in an attempt to eradicate the pests.
The lawsuit outlines a range of damages suffered by the family,including raised and itchy welts,lesions,rashes,ruined vacation plans,and emotional distress encompassing humiliation,embarrassment,anxiety,and inconvenience. They also claim to have incurred medical expenses and suffered the loss of clothing and personal items.
Delta Air Lines acknowledged the lawsuit but clarified its position on the matter. “As this pending litigation eventually states, the allegations at issue relate to flights not operated by Delta Air lines,” a Delta spokesperson told Fox News Digital. “Delta will review the complaint and respond accordingly in due course.”
KLM has yet to issue a public statement regarding the allegations. Fox news Digital has reached out to KLM for comment.
This incident follows a separate case reported earlier this year where a family was removed from a flight due to a child’s insect bites, despite a doctor’s approval. It underscores growing concerns about hygiene and pest control on commercial air travel.
The albuquerque family’s lawsuit seeks $200,000 in compensation for the damages they claim to have suffered as an inevitable result of the alleged bed bug infestation.
Why did this happen? The Albuquerque family alleges a severe bed bug infestation on a transatlantic flight. Who was involved? The lawsuit names Delta Air Lines and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, with the family – Romulo albuquerque, Lisandra Garcia, and their children Benicio and Lorenzo Albuquerque – as plaintiffs. What occurred? The family experienced repeated bites during a flight from Roanoke, Virginia, to Belgrade, Serbia, via atlanta and Amsterdam, documenting the infestation with photos and videos. They claim emotional distress,medical expenses,and loss of property. How did it end? The family filed a $200,000 lawsuit against both airlines. Delta acknowledged the suit but stated the flights in question were operated by KLM. KLM has not yet publicly commented. The case is ongoing.
