Airline Says “No Bed Bugs Here,” But Passenger Walks Off Flight Covered in Itchy Red Bumps

The airline insists that there were no bed bugs onboard. An investigation has been conducted, a statement released, and the situation is officially over. But what about the passenger? He’s still itching, still confused, and still angry.

A Short Flight, a Weird Smell, and a Bad Surprise

The saga began on a late-night flight from Penang to Singapore on October 19. Immediately, one passenger picked up on something strange—his seat smelled really funky, not to mention the seatbelt looked downright moldy.

It was dark in the cabin, the flight was a short one, and honestly, he really just wanted it to be over, so he was willing to put up with it.

Then the next morning came:

Severe itching. It was painful irritation.
The bumps developed all over his thighs, eventually turning into the same kind of red spots he’d expected to see after having bug bites. The person next to him had the bumps too.

He saw two different doctors, both who provided cream and identified a rash with the note “multiple bite-like marks.” He could only assume one thing—bed bugs were on the plane.

The Airlines Situation

Two days later, on October 21 at approximately 10 AM, he submitted his formal complaint; this was certainly not an instant back-and-forth, as he had to contact them three to four times before finally receiving correspondence back on October 27.

The airline stated they were sorry for the bad experience, mentioned they were conducting an investigation, and committed to thoroughly reviewing the matter.

They also pointed out that the airline used strict cleaning protocols that include deep cleaning, routine disinfection, and a pest control company on all aircraft, and furthered expressed how seriously they take hygiene and even customer comfort.

Yet, the passenger remained skeptical and unconvinced. The rash was real, the itching was real, there is a medical note, and there was also another passenger with similar symptoms too.