Qantas knew about bed bugs before Perth-Rome flight but failed to stop them
Qantas knew about bed bugs on flight QF5 before departure and tried to remove them, but the infestation continued.
Passengers on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner woke to bed bugs crawling across their bodies, clothes and bags during a 16-hour flight from Perth to Rome last Friday. The airline knew about the infestation before departure.
Passengers on the earlier Sydney to Perth leg had reported bed bugs to cabin crew. Qantas responded by removing seat covers in Perth, but the effort failed to stop the bugs.
Hudson acknowledged the company's response was not effective. The return flight to Perth was cancelled so the aircraft could be deep cleaned and sterilised in Sydney.
Hudson said the plane's seat covers and carpets will be destroyed. She apologised to affected passengers and confirmed the airline has now completed another change of covers and full sterilisation.
- QF5 Perth to Rome
- Flight number and route
- 16 hours
- Flight duration
- Boeing 787 Dreamliner
- Aircraft type
- Vanessa Hudson
- CEO
Why it mattersThe incident shows a major airline's cleaning protocols failed to contain a known pest before a long international flight, raising questions about aircraft hygiene standards.
AustraliaAustralian travellers on Qantas long-haul flights now face questions about the airline's sanitation practices, and the incident may influence how passengers choose between carriers on international routes.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 h ago
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