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Bedbugs

Bedbug Complaints Put Turkish Airlines Under Spotlight

Turkish Airlines facing criticism after passengers reported bedbugs on three flights in 2024. The incidents have sparked concerns about hygiene standards in aviation.

Passengers reported bedbugs on flights originating from Johannesburg, Istanbul, and Washington Dulles. One notable case involved Kristin Bourgeois, who discovered bedbugs on their blanket and pillow during a 10-hour flight from Washington Dulles to Istanbul. Bourgeois later found 13 bites on their body and provided photographic evidence to Turkish Airlines. In response, the airline requested a doctor’s note to process the complaint and offered 5,000 miles as compensation. However, Turkish Airlines has yet to comment publicly on the matter.

Bedbugs, commonly associated with hotels, have increasingly become a concern in aviation due to their ability to thrive in upholstery and carpeting. These tiny pests pose a unique challenge for airlines, particularly those operating long-haul flights with high passenger turnover.

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