A Virginia family of four claims a nightmare bed bug attack on a KLM flight booked through Delta ruined their $8,800 family vacation to Serbia, with crew silencing them to avoid panic.
Story Snapshot
- Family bitten multiple times in premium economy seats on March 21, 2025, transatlantic flight from Atlanta to Amsterdam.
- Crew urged silence pre-landing to prevent passenger panic and ensure connections; provided bags but no further action.
- Lawsuit filed December 18, 2025, seeks $200,000 for injuries, medical costs, discarded clothes, emotional distress, and ruined trip.
- Delta deflects liability as non-operator; attorneys say airlines ignored settlement attempts despite high ticket value.
Flight Incident Details
Romulo Albuquerque, an ophthalmologist, his wife Lisandra Garcia, and their two sons flew from Roanoke to Atlanta on Delta without issues. They then boarded KLM-operated flight DL 9667 from Atlanta to Amsterdam in premium economy seats 12H, 12K, 14H, and 14K. About two hours into the flight, the mother felt bugs crawling. All four family members suffered multiple bites, developing rashes and itching that persisted through their connection to Belgrade.
Crew Response and Passenger Silence
The family alerted the crew, who provided plastic bags for belongings and urged them to stay quiet until after landing to avoid causing panic among other passengers. Crew members reportedly filed an internal grievance but prioritized smooth operations and connections. No immediate decontamination or notifications occurred, leaving the family to manage welts and discomfort alone during the remainder of their journey.
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Post-Flight Suffering and Ruined Vacation
In Belgrade, the family washed clothes in boiling water and obtained topical treatments from a doctor friend of the father. Large welts, especially on the children, made their Serbia visit unbearable with visible marks drawing attention. Back home, marks faded slowly; the mother retains lasting lower back scars. The ordeal destroyed what should have been a cherished family trip, amplifying emotional distress.
Lawsuit Filing and Airline Reactions
Attorneys Matt Broughton and Jared Tuck pursued pre-suit settlements, but Delta and KLM ignored requests. On December 18, 2025, the family filed in US District Court for the Western District of Virginia, Roanoke division, seeking $200,000 plus interest in compensatory damages. Delta spokesman Morgan Durrant stated December 19 that allegations concern a non-operated flight and they will respond accordingly. No KLM comment reported.
Family sues airlines after being ‘attacked by bed bugs on flight’ https://t.co/vQvHOZ2UAH pic.twitter.com/TlBnjAWdsN
— bulletinindy (@bulletinindy) December 22, 2025
Codeshare Liability and Broader Implications
This SkyTeam codeshare—Delta booking via SkyMiles, KLM operating—highlights accountability gaps in airline partnerships. Bed bugs likely entered via uncleaned bedding or luggage from prior routes, a known risk on international flights. The case spotlights premium cabin cleaning lapses, potentially setting precedent for stricter protocols and jury awards in similar claims. Families deserve safe travel without corporate deflection.
Sources:
Family Files Lawsuit Over KLM Bed Bug Fiasco – One Mile at a Time
Family sues Delta and KLM after being ‘attacked by bed bugs on flight’ – The Independent
KLM Passengers Files Lawsuit Amid Bed Bugs In Business Class – AviationA2Z
Well-known airline named in suit after family claims bedbug attack on flight – AOL
Virginia family seeks $200,000 for alleged bed bug infestation on KLM flight – NL Times
Family sues airlines after being ‘attacked by bed bugs on flight’ – The Independent Bulletin
