Bed Bugs Just Grounded a Qantas Dreamliner Between Rome and Perth

Qantas has cancelled a Rome-to-Perth flight after a bed bug outbreak on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Flight QF6 was cancelled on 10 October after passengers on the preceding service, QF5 from Perth to Rome on 9 October, reported bites to cabin crew. Some received antihistamines until supplies ran out, and Qantas said a small number of economy seats were affected. The aircraft was taken out of service for a deep clean.

The knock-on effect was a delay of up to two days for passengers returning to Perth. Affected travellers were rebooked on flights departing within 48 hours of their original departure, and Qantas provided accommodation while they waited. On an ultra-long-haul route, a single cancelled rotation removes a large number of seats at once, which is why rebooking can take longer than it does after a typical short-haul disruption.

Bed bugs are a recurring concern in hotels and on public transport, and they turn up occasionally on aircraft. They are not known to spread disease, but bites can be itchy and distressing, and a thorough cleaning takes the aircraft out of service for a time. Travellers can reduce their own risk by checking seats and seat pockets on arrival, keeping carry-on bags off the floor, and inspecting clothing and luggage after a long flight before bringing everything into the home.

Passenger rights could apply here. EU rules cover flights departing from Rome even when the airline is Australian, so passengers whose QF6 flight was cancelled may be entitled to compensation, depending on circumstances, along with a refund or alternative flight, meals and accommodation for overnight delays. Keep receipts for extra costs, ask Qantas for written confirmation of the cancellation reason, and note your final arrival time when making any claim.

Sources: AirHelp