Passenger’s Near-Death Experience from In-Flight Meal Sparks Lawsuit

A Texas woman is taking legal action against American Airlines after she claims she narrowly avoided a life-threatening allergic reaction during a transatlantic flight last fall. Heather Wing, 48, filed a federal lawsuit alleging that flight attendants repeatedly served her food containing tree nuts despite her documented allergy, leading to a severe anaphylactic reaction.

According to the complaint, Wing has a long history of severe tree nut allergies, which are recognized as disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). She carries an EpiPen at all times and has been warned about the dangers of exposure to tree nuts since childhood. Despite this, Wing says flight attendants twice attempted to serve her items containing nuts during the flight.

Wing was traveling with her husband, Brent, an Army veteran who now runs an environmental nonprofit for service members transitioning back into civilian life. The couple had traveled to Paris to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary before heading home to Dallas-Fort Worth.

During the flight from Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport to London Heathrow Airport, Wing requested a meal that she believed was safe. She was given chicken-and-vegetable gyoza, which she was told was nut-free. However, the complaint states that the dipping sauce contained ground tree nuts, triggering a severe allergic reaction.

Wing described the experience as “the most terrifying allergic reaction I had ever had.” She activated her seat call button to request assistance, but she claims no one responded promptly. Her husband, who was seated nearby, watched in horror as her face turned blue and her throat began to swell.

“I never thought I was going to lose her more than I did that day,” Brent said.

The complaint alleges that American Airlines violated both the ADA and the Air Carrier Access Act by failing to accommodate Wing’s disability and by creating unsafe conditions on the flight. It also claims that the airline’s crew failed to respond adequately to the emergency, leaving Wing to rely on the help of fellow passengers, including a retired physician and a current physician, who provided emergency care using their own supplies.

In addition to the physical harm caused by the allergic reaction, the complaint highlights the emotional trauma experienced by both Wing and her husband. Brent, who suffered a stroke in 2023, is said to be emotionally shaken by the incident and has been deprived of the companionship and support of his wife.

The couple had previously sent a demand letter to American Airlines, seeking reimbursement for their expenses and $50,000 in cash. The airline reportedly offered only 30,000 miles for their lost luggage and a $775.59 refund. When no agreement was reached, the Wings filed a lawsuit, initially on their own, but have since hired an attorney.

The lawsuit accuses American Airlines of a “pattern of negligence and egregious errors” and claims that the airline owed Wing a duty of care to provide safe service and respond to foreseeable medical emergencies. The complaint seeks compensatory damages for past and future medical expenses, emotional distress, and loss of consortium, as well as punitive and exemplary damages.

Additionally, the couple is asking for an injunction requiring American Airlines to implement allergen training and better menu labeling. They also seek pre- and post-judgment interest, court costs, and attorneys’ fees.

This case underscores the importance of proper accommodations for individuals with severe food allergies, especially in environments where medical emergencies can occur. It also highlights the critical need for airlines to ensure that their staff is trained to handle such situations effectively.

As the legal battle continues, Wing and her husband hope to hold American Airlines accountable for its failures and to prevent similar incidents from happening to others. Their experience serves as a reminder of the serious consequences that can arise when proper precautions are not taken.