Forget snakes on a plane: An American Airlines passenger discovered a whole new fear when flying.
The anonymous traveler received a first-class ticket for a nightmare flight after discovering a bedbug crawling on his leg during the trip from New York to Detroit.
The passenger, who posted a photo of the itchy sight on Reddit under the username @HaddawayDiscard978He was sitting in first class on American Airlines Flight 4412 from La Guardia when he noticed the small brown insect moving.
“In the middle of the flight I found this bug crawling on my leg,” the unfortunate passenger wrote in the comments.
“I put it on the cocktail napkin to show the FA who quickly informed the captain via phone/intercom.”
The anonymous traveler received a first-class ticket for a nightmare flight after discovering a bedbug crawling on his leg during the trip from New York to Detroit.
The disgruntled traveler added that the flight staff registered a complaint through the American Airline website with all the flight information, but was concerned that they did not clean the plane well enough.
“I just checked and they turned the plane around on time… so I can’t believe they cleaned it properly,” they wrote.
According to the passenger, they saw the insect crawling up their pants leg while they were reading a book during the flight.
“It was a stark contrast to the dark color of the pants,” he explained. “I was able to put it on my finger and then put it on the napkin to show the FA.
Damn thing tried to bite my finger! HOW DISGUSTING!!’
The passenger said they changed clothes at the airport and immediately put the clothes they were wearing in a bag.
‘They are washing them right now. Hoping no stragglers climbed into my backpack or checked bag during the change of clothes. I have already registered a complaint with AA,’ they wrote.
The author later shared the airline’s response, which he stated was “insufficient.”
The passenger, who posted a photo of the itchy vision on Reddit under the username @HaddawayThrowaway978, was sitting in first class on American Airlines (file image)
“Please accept my sincere apologies for the experience you have described,” the user shared in the Reddit thread.
‘Our commitment to putting you at the center of everything we do is unwavering and your comments underline this commitment. Rest assured, your ideas will be available to our leadership team as we work to ensure we deliver the high-quality customer experience you deserve.’
“I can certainly understand how uncomfortable it must have been for you to find a microphone in your seat,” they wrote.
‘We want all our customers to enjoy a pleasant flight when they travel with us. I’m sorry to hear that wasn’t your experience.
‘As always, we rely on our customers’ feedback to help us improve our service and maintain our commitment to providing the best travel experience possible. We hope to rebuild your trust in the future.
‘As a tangible apology, and in hopes of restoring your trust in us, I have credited your AAdvantage account with 7,500 bonus miles. The adjustment should be reflected in your account shortly.’
The passenger updated the thread after expressing his displeasure at how the situation was handled and commenters were disgusted by the sighting of the beggar.
‘They’re treating it like there’s a cockroach on the plane (disgusting but inconsequential). This is a bed bug that could cause you major problems,’ one user noted.
‘Nice, new fear unlocked. OP I’m sorry this happened to you, but I’m glad you caught it!’ added another.
‘My God! This has unlocked a new fear!!! Can you please report this to AA so they can treat the plane!?!?’ someone else wrote.
DailyMail.com has contacted American Airlines for comment.
Pest control experts We recommend covering airline seats, keeping your bag safe by placing it inside a plastic bag, and packing your own pillow and blanket to prevent bed bugs from escaping the plane with you.
Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed. They are long and brown with a flat, oval body.
Young bed bugs, also called nymphs, are more translucent and whitish-yellow in color, the EPA website states.
The most common bed bug, known as cimex lectularius, feeds on blood and causes bites that irritate the skin.