Belgrade-bound family sues KLM over bedbugs

A family from Virginia in the United States bound for Serbia with KLM has filed a federal lawsuit after alleging that their transatlantic journey aboard the airline turned into a distressing ordeal due to a bedbug infestation in the aircraft cabin. Romulo Albuquerque, his wife, Lisandra Garcia and their two children, Benicio and Lorenzo Albuquerque, travelled from Roanoke to Atlanta with Delta, after which they continued to Belgrade via Amsterdam with KLM. Roughly two hours into the overnight flight to Amsterdam, one of the passengers began experiencing sensations consistent with insect bites. The complaint states that visible insects were soon discovered on clothing and within the seams of the business class seats occupied by the family.

According to court filings, the family immediately alerted the cabin crew after identifying the insects. They allege that flight attendants discouraged them from speaking openly about the issue, citing concerns about passenger panic, potential disruption to the flight and warned they would otherwise miss their connection to Belgrade. The family documented the insects using photos and videos during the flight.

Despite repeated bites affecting both adults and their two children, they remained in their seats for the duration of the journey, later receiving plastic bags from crew members to isolate their belongings before disembarkation. After arriving in Serbia for what was meant to be a vacation, the children and Ms Garcia developed red welts and rashes all over their bodies. They washed their clothes in boiling water and purchased topical medication to relieve the rashes. Medical consultations following their return confirmed bedbug bites, according to the court filing. The family is seeking 200.000 US dollars in damages.

Bedbugs are small, reddish-brown parasitic insects that feed on human blood, usually at night, and commonly hide in mattresses, bedding, furniture and cracks in walls. Their bites often cause itchy red welts, skin irritation and discomfort. They lay hundreds of eggs and their bites often appear in clusters and spread across exposed skin. Eradicating bedbugs requires a thorough and persistent approach. Infested bedding and clothing must be washed in hot water and dried on high heat, while mattresses, furniture and cracks must be carefully vacuumed and sealed. Professional pest control treatments are often necessary.

KLM has not commented on the matter.