Southwest Airlines has been sued by a couple from Utah, United States, after their four-year-old son sustained burns during a flight last September.
Ryan and Kamrie Wong were flying with their son from Orlando to Salt Lake City last year when a flight attendant spilled hot coffee on the child. The boy screamed in pain, shouting “It’s so hot!” Due to the severity of the incident, the crew decided to divert the flight to Chicago, where the child was urgently taken to the hospital. It was determined that he had suffered second-degree burns on his buttocks.
According to his parents, their son has been afraid to fly since the incident. He is also reportedly embarrassed about his injuries at school, particularly because the pain makes it difficult for him to sit still for long periods. The family has sued Southwest Airlines and is seeking compensation for negligence. Not only is the flight attendant who spilled the coffee being held responsible, but also her colleagues. They are accused of not apologizing and failing to act appropriately in a medical emergency. The family’s lawyer states that “airlines must do better.”
American Airlines
A month before the incident on the Southwest flight, an American woman filed a lawsuit against American Airlines. During a domestic flight in February 2024, she sustained first- and second-degree burns after hot coffee was spilled on her during turbulence. According to the lawsuit, the cabin crew rushed to their seats, while the trolley, although braked, remained in the aisle. One of the flight attendants allegedly forgot to take the coffee pot to the jumpseats. The case is still ongoing.