Airline Faces Bedbug Allegations: Minnesota Passengers Report Infestations on Flights
Minnesota passengers report unsettling bedbug infestations on flights, with pests crawling on seats and falling from overhead compartments. š #News #StPaulMN #Minnesota #Travel
ST. PAUL, MN – Minnesota travelers, along with passengers from around the world, are reporting unsettling experiences aboard Turkish Airlines flights. Bedbugs, which are known for their difficult-to-remove nature, have been spotted crawling on seats and even falling from the cabin during flights. While some passengers were quick to notice the pests, the airline’s response has left many frustrated, with claims of the issue being brushed off.
Bedbug Sightings on Flights Spark Growing Concerns
In March, a passenger aboard a flight from Johannesburg to Istanbul noticed a small bug crawling on her seat. Initially dismissed by a flight attendant, she later realized it was likely a bedbug after a fellow traveler pointed it out.
The passenger, concerned about bringing bugs home to her family, was forced to change clothes at the airport. She shared her experience online, only to find others coming forward with similar stories about bedbug sightings on Turkish Airlines flights.
Reports from multiple travelers suggest the airline has failed to take the problem seriously. Passengers say their concerns about pests on board have often been disregarded, with many questioning the airline’s commitment to cleanliness and pest control.
Further Incidents in October Add to Growing Complaints
In October, passengers on a flight from Istanbul to San Francisco reported seeing bedbugs crawling on seats and falling from the overhead compartments.
One traveler recalled multiple passengers asking to move after discovering the insects. Another even moved to a flight attendantās jump seat as the bugs continued to fall from the ceiling.
Although a flight attendant filed a report during the flight, the airline’s response was limited to offering a small discount on future flights, which did little to ease passengers’ concerns.
A few weeks later, another passenger on a 10-hour flight from the D.C. area to Istanbul reported seeing bedbugs on her blanket and pillow. After discovering several bites on her skin following the flight, she filed a complaint.
The airline’s response, however, was lacklusterāasking for a medical report and offering only a small amount of frequent flyer miles in compensation.
Airlineās Response and Industry Challenges with Bedbug Infestations
Turkish Airlines has insisted that their planes are cleaned regularly, with deep cleaning scheduled every 21 days. Despite these claims, passengers remain skeptical, especially after reports of complaints being erased or ignored.
The difficulty of completely eliminating bedbugs, which can be transferred through luggage, adds another layer of frustration for travelers.
Eradicating bedbugs on aircraft is a costly and time-consuming process. It often involves taking planes out of service for days, at a significant financial loss to the airline.
Additionally, air carriers must decide whether to cancel flights while dealing with the disruption. Experts suggest the treatment process can cost up to $125,000 per plane, including the loss of revenue from canceled flights.
Growing Pests Problem: Bedbug Incidents in Other Areas
The issue of bedbugs isnāt limited to airlines. Major cities like Paris have dealt with public bedbug outbreaks, and even South Korea launched a campaign to combat the pests in mass transportation.
As the problem becomes more widespread, travelers are increasingly concerned about the risks of encountering these pests on their journeys, especially on long-haul flights.
In the face of these ongoing reports, Turkish Airlines has yet to provide a solution that satisfies passengers. Travelers continue to share their experiences online, hoping for better accountability and action from the airline.
RELATED TOPICS: Airlines | Travel | Turkey
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