Delta Air Lines and KLM are facing a lawsuit after a family from Virginia claimed to have spotted bed bugs on their flight from Atlanta to Amsterdam. The family, consisting of Romulo Albuquerque, his wife Lisandra Garcia, and their two children, had booked their tickets through Delta Air Lines but were on a code-share flight operated by KLM. The family is seeking $200,000 in compensation for the incident.

The Alleged Incident

On March 21, 2025, the Albuquerque family boarded their Delta flight DL 5087 from Roanoke, Virginia, to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. From there, they boarded a code-share flight operated by KLM, DL 9667, to Amsterdam. It was during this flight that the family claims to have noticed bed bugs crawling on their clothes. They immediately informed the flight attendants, who allegedly urged them to keep quiet to avoid causing panic. However, the family claims that they were repeatedly bitten during the flight and have provided photos of the bugs and the bites as evidence.

Upon landing, the family was once again urged by the flight attendants to keep the incident quiet, as it could cause them to miss their connecting flight to their final destination in Belgrade, Serbia. The family claims that they were unable to enjoy their vacation due to the bites and incurred medical expenses for treatment.

Response from Airlines

Delta Air Lines representative Morgan Durrant stated via email that the allegations pertain to a flight not operated by Delta and that they will review the complaint and respond accordingly. The family’s lawyers have accused both Delta Air Lines and KLM of dragging their feet in responding to the lawsuit.

Bed Bugs on Planes

Bed bugs are small, wingless insects that feed on human blood. They leave behind bites that look like pimples or rashes and can cause severe itching. These bugs are also tiny and can easily hide in nooks and crevices, making them difficult to spot. Unfortunately, they are relatively common on airplanes, with reported incidents on various airlines.

Protecting Yourself from Bed Bugs on Flights

Passengers can take certain precautions to protect themselves from bed bug bites while flying. They can cover their seats with specially designed covers and place their carry-on luggage in plastic bags to prevent the bugs from crawling inside. If they notice bed bugs, they should inform the flight attendants and request a seat change if possible. By following these tips, passengers can considerably lower their chances of encountering bed bugs while flying.

In Conclusion

Delta Air Lines and KLM are facing a lawsuit from a family who claims to have been bitten by bed bugs on their code-share flight. The family is seeking $200,000 in compensation and has accused the airlines of ignoring their attempts to settle the issue. Bed bugs are a common problem on airplanes, but passengers can protect themselves by taking certain precautions.