The Albuquerque family of four sued Delta and KLM for $200,000 after alleging they were bitten repeatedly by bed bugs on a March 21, 2025 transatlantic trip. The complaint, filed Dec. 18 in federal court in Virginia, includes photos and video the family says show crushed insects and bites. Attorneys say flight attendants urged the family to stay quiet to avoid panic and that the family later discarded luggage and clothing out of concern for spreading the infestation. Both airlines have provided limited public comment and the case is pending.
Virginia Family Sues Delta and KLM for $200,000, Alleging Bed-Bug Infestation on Transatlantic Flight
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF VIRGINIAFamily claims to get bed bugs on KLM flight
Summary: A Virginia family has filed suit against Delta Air Lines and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, alleging multiple bed-bug bites during a March 21, 2025 transatlantic journey. The complaint, filed Dec. 18 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, seeks $200,000 in damages and cites photos and video taken aboard the flight.
What the Lawsuit Alleges
The Albuquerque family of four purchased round-trip tickets through Delta's SkyMiles program, paying nearly $9,000 for a vacation to Serbia; the complaint values their business-class seats at $8,800. According to the filing, the family flew from Roanoke to Atlanta on Delta, then connected on a KLM flight from Amsterdam to Belgrade, where they say the bed-bug activity was first noticed.
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF VIRGINIAFamily says they were bitten by bed bugs during their flight
About two hours into the overnight KLM flight, Mrs. Lisandra Garcia allegedly felt insects crawling on her and began to see bites on her sweater. The complaint says the parents alerted crew members, who urged them to remain quiet to avoid alarming other passengers. The family says they were further discouraged from reporting the incident before landing for fear of missing their connection.
Evidence and Impact
The filing includes photographs and, according to the family's attorneys, video that allegedly show crushed insects on KLM napkins and bed bugs moving between seats. The complaint describes multiple bites on every family member, including large red welts on the children's necks, torsos, legs, and arms. The family reports persistent itching, some scarring, and medical expenses related to treatment.
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF VIRGINIAbugs found on airplane
Upon arrival in Amsterdam, KLM staff reportedly provided plastic bags for the family's belongings. Still concerned about spreading infestation, the Albuquerques say they discarded a significant amount of personal property, including luggage and clothing, after reaching Serbia on March 22.
Airlines' Responses
A Delta spokesperson told PEOPLE that the allegations concern flights not operated by Delta and that the carrier will review the complaint. KLM declined to discuss the specific allegations publicly, saying the matter will be handled through appropriate legal channels. As of Dec. 23, the family says neither airline had made a settlement offer.
AlamyInside a KLM plane
Attorney Comment: Matt Broughton, one of the family's counsel, described the trip as having turned into a "nightmare" and emphasized that Dr. Albuquerque, a board-certified ophthalmologist, planned the trip as rare family time now marred by the incident.
Legal Claim
The complaint, filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia, seeks $200,000 for personal injuries and related damages, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, medical expenses, and property loss. The case remains pending.
Note: All allegations are from the family's complaint; the matter is subject to legal review and has not been adjudicated.
