A family from Virginia has launched a major lawsuit against two major airlines, claiming a horrific bed bug infestation during an international flight caused them severe physical and emotional distress, ultimately ruining their long-planned vacation.
The Lawsuit and Allegations
Dr. Romulo Albuquerque, his wife Lisandra Garcia, and their two sons, Benicio and Lorenzo, from Roanoke, filed the complaint in a U.S. District Court on December 18, 2025. The legal action targets both Delta Air Lines and its partner, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. The family alleges their journey from the United States to Serbia in 2025 turned into a nightmare when they were "savagely bitten" by bed bugs aboard their aircraft.
The lawsuit details disturbing consequences, stating the insect bites led to "raised and itchy welts, lesions, and rashes across their torsos and extremities." Photographic evidence submitted with the complaint shows the young boys with numerous red, swollen lumps covering their necks, chests, and backs. This starkly contrasts with a cheerful family selfie taken aboard the plane at the start of their trip.
A Vacation Ruined Mid-Flight
The family's itinerary involved a Delta flight from Roanoke to Atlanta, followed by a connecting KLM flight to Belgrade with a stop in Amsterdam. According to the legal filing, the ordeal began approximately two hours into the transatlantic leg from Atlanta to Amsterdam on Flight DL 9667.
"Mrs. Garcia began feeling like bugs were crawling on her and that she was being bitten," the complaint states. She soon realized insects were visible on her light-colored sweater. After alerting the cabin crew, the family claims they were instructed to keep the situation quiet to avoid alarming other passengers.
The situation escalated upon approach to Amsterdam. The lawsuit alleges flight attendants again urged the parents not to disclose the infestation to anyone, warning that doing so would cause them to miss their connecting flight to Serbia. Crew members provided plastic bags for the family to seal their allegedly contaminated clothing and personal items.
"Due to the visible marks on their skin and unrelenting itchy feeling," the family was unable to enjoy their holiday, the suit contends. The physical marks reportedly persisted until after they returned home to Virginia.
Seeking Compensation and Airline Responses
The Albuquerque family used Delta's SkyMiles program to book their tickets for the KLM-operated flights. In their lawsuit, they argue the incident caused:
- Humiliation and embarrassment
- Significant anxiety and discomfort
- Inconvenience and a ruined vacation
- Medical expenses
- Loss of clothing and personal items
They are seeking $200,000 in damages for their suffering. The family's legal representatives told media that neither airline has yet made a settlement offer.
In response to the allegations, Delta Air Lines issued a statement noting the flights in question were not operated by Delta and that the airline would review the complaint and respond through the proper legal process. KLM similarly stated it was unable to comment on the specific allegations at this time and would address the matter through the appropriate legal channels.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about hygiene and pest control in commercial aviation, putting a spotlight on airline accountability for passenger health and safety during international travel.
