Delta Passenger Sues Over In-Flight Coffee Burn
A passenger is suing Delta Air Lines after a flight attendant spilled hot coffee on him during a flight from San Juan to New York, causing severe burns and
A Delta Air Lines passenger is suing the carrier after a flight attendant spilled hot coffee on him, causing severe burns. The incident occurred last October on a flight from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in Puerto Rico to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York.
Frank Morello, the passenger, alleges he received no first aid during the flight and only sought help after landing. His skin blistered immediately, and he was left with permanent scars on his right leg. He is now seeking an unspecified amount in damages from the airline.
The Incident and Legal Action
In legal filings with the Queens Supreme Court, Morello recounted the event. He suggested the coffee was overheated and dangerous. The flight attendant then accidentally spilled it, and the liquid trickled onto his right leg. His lawyer, Michael G. LoRusso, stated the coffee was likely very hot and that flight attendants need to exercise great care. "It was an accident, yes, I understand that. But he got hurt," LoRusso said.
The case is part of a series of recent legal battles over onboard injuries. Morello is suing Delta for negligence, claiming the airline served the drink at an unsafe, scalding temperature and failed to exercise proper care during cabin service.
The Risks of Hot Drinks Aloft
While the spill was an accident, it highlights specific risks associated with serving hot beverages on aircraft. At cruising altitude, cabins are pressurized to between 6,000 and 8,000 feet. This lower pressure means water boils at a lower temperature-around 200 degrees Fahrenheit (92 degrees Celsius) instead of 212 degrees Fahrenheit (100 degrees Celsius). Consequently, coffee is served very close to its boiling point.
Dry cabin air can also alter sensory perception, so passengers may not realize how hot a liquid is until they are scalded. A spill can cause third-degree burns within seconds. Unexpected turbulence is a major operational hazard, as it can jolt the aircraft without warning and cause items to tip over.
Cabin Environment and Service Challenges
The confined space of an aircraft cabin adds to the risk. Passengers sit in close proximity, so a spill on a tray table can easily reach a neighboring traveler. Flight attendants must handle narrow aisles with heavy service carts, which can increase the chance of an accidental spill during drink service.
For Frank Morello, the result is permanent scarring. He is seeking compensation for the pain and the scars on his right leg. Simple Flying contacted Delta Air Lines for comment on the lawsuit, but an airline spokesperson could not immediately be reached.
