Virginia Family Files $200,000 Lawsuit Alleging Bed Bugs in Business Class Cabin
A transatlantic flight is supposed to be the calm part of a long journey. For one Virginia family, that quiet stretch turned into something else entirely. They have filed a $200,000 lawsuit, alleging they were exposed to bed bugs while flying in a business-class cabin on a transatlantic route. The complaint claims the incident occurred during an overnight flight to Europe and resulted in bites, discarded personal items, and ongoing costs after the trip.
The lawsuit names two major airlines and centers on conditions inside the aircraft.
A Vacation That Unraveled Mid-Flight
Court filings show the family, based in Virginia, had planned a vacation to Belgrade, Serbia, with a route that included a transatlantic leg operated by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. The ticket itself was purchased through a Delta Air Lines codeshare. The key flight departed from Atlanta and was headed to Amsterdam. The family was seated in business class, directly behind the first-class cabin.
Several hours into the overnight flight, the lawsuit claims one of the adults began feeling sensations consistent with insect bites. The family later alleges that bugs were visible in the seams of the business class seats and on clothing.
Allegations Inside the Cabin
The complaint states that when the family alerted flight attendants, they were encouraged to keep their voices down to avoid alarming other passengers. The filing also claims assistance was limited, with crew members eventually providing plastic bags to isolate personal belongings.
Photos included in the lawsuit reportedly show insects on clothing and airline-branded materials. After landing, the family says they were forced to discard clothing and personal items to prevent bringing insects home.
Medical treatment later confirmed bed bug bites, according to the filing. The family alleges welts, rashes, and lingering marks, with scarring still present months later on one family member.
Why Are Both Airlines Named?
Image via Wikimedia Commons/Andrew Thomas from Shrewsbury, UK
The lawsuit seeks $200,000 in damages and names both Delta Air Lines and KLM as defendants. While KLM operated the aircraft, the ticket was purchased through Delta’s SkyMiles program, which the plaintiffs argue ties both carriers to the experience.
Delta has responded publicly, stating the flight in question was not operated by Delta and that the company will review the complaint and respond through the legal process. KLM has not yet issued a public statement in response to the lawsuit.
The case was filed on December 18, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia.
A Sensitive Issue for Airlines
While the lawsuit centers on a specific flight, it taps into a broader concern that airlines rarely like to discuss openly. Bed bugs are known to spread through fabric-heavy environments, including seats, blankets, clothing, and luggage. Aircraft cabins, filled with upholstered seating and shared materials, present unique challenges when pests are introduced.
Eradicating bed bugs on planes is more complex than in homes or hotels, since chemical fumigation can damage sensitive onboard systems. Airlines typically rely on intensive inspections and steam-based cleaning methods when infestations are suspected.
At its core, the case argues that a premium cabin experience came with unexpected physical and emotional harm. The family is seeking compensation for medical expenses, loss of personal property, and ongoing distress tied to the incident.
For now, the claims remain allegations, not findings of fact. The court will ultimately decide whether responsibility lies with one carrier, both, or neither.