BED BUGS!!!
Jan 4, 2018, 12:17 pm
#46
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: London, UK
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i don’t think there is any suggestion they did. AFAIK, the seat and often the adjacent seat (if it is a pair) are blocked out until there is sufficient time to take the plane out of Service to deal with the issue, expensive business.
Last edited by navylad; Jan 4, 2018 at 12:36 pm
Jan 4, 2018, 12:20 pm
#47
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: BOS
Programs: BA Silver, Mucci
Posts: 5,289
Whatever the infestation may be, it is not bed bugs. These are microscopic and present in most bedding and mattresses. They are a part of everyday life in the same way as bacteria.
in this case it seems to be some form of insect infestation that may or may not be malevolent. I agree BA should be prompt in addressing concerns, but may also be overwhelmed at the moment rerouting people.
in this case it seems to be some form of insect infestation that may or may not be malevolent. I agree BA should be prompt in addressing concerns, but may also be overwhelmed at the moment rerouting people.
An infestation of bed bugs is a very serious matter. Eradicating bed bugs from a home can cost many thousands of dollars, along with the destruction of a lot of one's posessions.
I would prioritize taking an aircraft out of service to deal with a bed bug infestation ahead of rerouting people.
Jan 4, 2018, 12:32 pm
#49
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 1,683
I'm not sure routine treatment is a good idea. There is always the potential for problems from the chemicals used, and it may reduce the effectiveness when they're actually needed.
What is needed is fast response and effective treatment when they are found.
I'm sure we can rely on BA for that.
What is needed is fast response and effective treatment when they are found.
I'm sure we can rely on BA for that.
Jan 4, 2018, 2:29 pm
#51
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Bay Area - East Bay
Programs: UA 1k, AS 75k, Marriott Platinum, Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 641
I unfortunately have run into bedbugs in hotels more than once, and have therefore become a bit of an expert. In order for an infestation to get to the point described by the OP they would have had to have been there for a while, and BA should have caught it earlier.
It's probably too late now, but if you aren't home yet, put all your clothes, carry-on, everything they could hide in into sealable plastic bags before entering your home. Inspect and clean stuff like electronics. For clothing and anything else that's dryer safe, high heat is the best way to kill the little buggers and their eggs. Toss them in the dryer on the highest setting for at least an hour. That should make sure you aren't carrying them home with you.
I wonder if heat might be the way to go for planes? It's very expensive to seal off and heat up a room or house to the needed temp, but airplanes can seal themselves already. I dare say there would be a problem with some of the electronics, don't know how difficult that would be to workaround.
It's probably too late now, but if you aren't home yet, put all your clothes, carry-on, everything they could hide in into sealable plastic bags before entering your home. Inspect and clean stuff like electronics. For clothing and anything else that's dryer safe, high heat is the best way to kill the little buggers and their eggs. Toss them in the dryer on the highest setting for at least an hour. That should make sure you aren't carrying them home with you.
I wonder if heat might be the way to go for planes? It's very expensive to seal off and heat up a room or house to the needed temp, but airplanes can seal themselves already. I dare say there would be a problem with some of the electronics, don't know how difficult that would be to workaround.
Jan 4, 2018, 2:36 pm
#52
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Ottawa, Canada
Programs: BA Silver - hard drop from GGL :( SPG Gold, Hilton Diamond, AC E50k
Posts: 567
Jan 4, 2018, 4:19 pm
#53
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges and Environmentally Friendly Travel
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: London, UK
Posts: 22,212
I have been severely bitten on the head, neck, hand and abdomen on a Business Class seat from JFK to LHR on 12/21. I was able to kill one of the bugs on my pillow before going to the bathroom to remove/inspect all my clothes and caught another one hiding under my shirt's collar. I immediately reported the infestation, showed the bites and the dead bed bug to the flight attendants. One of them went to the seat with a flashlight and came back horrified saying he saw a lot of "mites" on the seat and instructed not to go back there, as if I would. They proceeded to file an on-board report and said that I would be contacted in 48 hours. I also filed a complaint online with pictures, including a picture of the on-board report, and I'm appalled that no one from customer service has even acknowledged the case. It's a complete lack of respect to their customers. I wonder what one must do to get British Airways attention and hopefully avoid something like that from happening to other passengers.
Jan 4, 2018, 7:24 pm
#54
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: US Air, UA BA LH AI DELTA MARRIOTT CHOICE SGP
Posts: 9,883
Op, two weeks is more than sufficient.
A thing I learnt when I spent manya nights in hotel rooms:
To make sure you don't bring home these nasty guests, DO NOT PLACE your bags etc on the bed to unpack or pack.
Jan 4, 2018, 7:29 pm
#55
Suspended
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As Dave_C suggests up thread some responses on here reflect more on their posters than the issue the OP raises (yet again)
Jan 4, 2018, 8:14 pm
#56
Join Date: May 2012
Location: BKK/SIN/YYZ/YUL
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Posts: 2,919
It's time to stop being politically correct and overly sensitive to some peoples' hurt feelings. There is a worldwide surge in bedbugs in part because of the restricted the use of the insecticides which were effective but were abused in jurisdictions where they were easily available and not subject to controlled and targeted use. We cannot go back to widespread use, but we can use safely under controlled circumstances. If some people are upset, they need not use the airline. The issue is that some countries can't follow pesticide instructions and we see that with antibiotics which were handed out like candy in some countries creating superbugs.
Chronic Bedbug infections also reflect poor cleanliness standards despite the assertions to the contrary. Current bed bug philosophy in the EU and North America (excluding Mexico) is similar to that of of head lice where we are told it is "normal" and that children should not be excluded. The "experts" have discounted the emotional trauma and strain inflicted on those who do not have body lice or bed bugs and who are forced to associate with infested subjects. It has to be all inclusive now. Well, despite some of the dismissive nature of several responses, this issue is of serious concern to many passengers.
The reality is that BA serves countries and hubs where bedbugs are endemic and those countries provide a reservoir of reinfestation. Too many people would be up in arms if all baggage and aircraft entering from these hot spots were subject to treatment/screening. We do it for hard goods and produce entering from those regions without protest. Appreciably, it would present a logistics nightmare, however, it is possible to pre-treat and clean seats after servicing the regions. It is not difficult to screen. There are animals which are able to pick up the scent of the bugs and they are used successfully in hotels, schools, hospitals movie theaters etc.
BA has a documented problem with bedbugs and has not acted appropriately. It needs a PR crisis to compel and force it to act. If the issue continues to be ignored and downplayed, that problem will occur, but only after thousands of BA customers are caused stress and emotional trauma.
Chronic Bedbug infections also reflect poor cleanliness standards despite the assertions to the contrary. Current bed bug philosophy in the EU and North America (excluding Mexico) is similar to that of of head lice where we are told it is "normal" and that children should not be excluded. The "experts" have discounted the emotional trauma and strain inflicted on those who do not have body lice or bed bugs and who are forced to associate with infested subjects. It has to be all inclusive now. Well, despite some of the dismissive nature of several responses, this issue is of serious concern to many passengers.
The reality is that BA serves countries and hubs where bedbugs are endemic and those countries provide a reservoir of reinfestation. Too many people would be up in arms if all baggage and aircraft entering from these hot spots were subject to treatment/screening. We do it for hard goods and produce entering from those regions without protest. Appreciably, it would present a logistics nightmare, however, it is possible to pre-treat and clean seats after servicing the regions. It is not difficult to screen. There are animals which are able to pick up the scent of the bugs and they are used successfully in hotels, schools, hospitals movie theaters etc.
BA has a documented problem with bedbugs and has not acted appropriately. It needs a PR crisis to compel and force it to act. If the issue continues to be ignored and downplayed, that problem will occur, but only after thousands of BA customers are caused stress and emotional trauma.
Jan 4, 2018, 9:42 pm
#57
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
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Nonsense.
You're confusing dust mites (Pyroglyphidae) with bed bugs (Cimicidae). Mites are arachnids, bed bugs are insects. Dust mites are near-ubiquitous but not visible to the naked eye, though you often see scary magnified photos of them: exposed adult bed bugs are easily seen.
Bed bugs are parasites that feed on human blood, mites make a feast out of skin debris and fungus.
Jan 4, 2018, 10:01 pm
#58
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Bed bugs on BA, tough luck, they think it is normal. Its probably a monthly occurrence for this third world airline. You'll get the same response that you will get from a roach motel.
In the meantime you should tell us what time was your flight, so we can locate and avoid the aircraft. Coz they are not going to do anything, they don't care.
This incident should be a minimum of $10k reimbursement, in my book.
In the meantime you should tell us what time was your flight, so we can locate and avoid the aircraft. Coz they are not going to do anything, they don't care.
This incident should be a minimum of $10k reimbursement, in my book.
Jan 4, 2018, 10:06 pm
#59
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What planet are people on? This is utterly disgusting and if it had been me, I'd be mortified. BA absolutely need to get back to the OP and offer a fulsome apology, but also significant compensation. If it were me, I'd have expected the offer a free Club World flight as recompense.
Whilst clearly it's not within BA's control, its distressing and they need to make this right. To the OP, give them one more week, and if you've got all of the photos, go to the media.
Whilst clearly it's not within BA's control, its distressing and they need to make this right. To the OP, give them one more week, and if you've got all of the photos, go to the media.
did you move to a J or better seat?