Flyklagenemnda Rejects Passenger Claims Against SAS Over In-Flight Illnesses
Two airline passengers who experienced severe stomach pains and illness after eating meals served on separate SAS flights have been denied compensation by Norway’s Flyklagenemnda. In both cases, the passengers argued that the food served on board caused their sudden health issues, but the travel complaints board concluded there was no legal basis for financial compensation.
Stomach Pain on Flights from Gran Canaria and Los Angeles
The first incident involved a flight from Gran Canaria to Oslo where two travelers ordered gluten-free meals. One passenger noticed an unusual taste immediately, while their companion ate the remainder of the meal. Approximately an hour later, both experienced severe bodily reactions, forcing one traveler to spend a large portion of the flight in the lavatory. They demanded an unspecified compensation from SAS, describing the episode as deeply distressing.
The second case centered on a journey from Bodø via Oslo and Copenhagen to Los Angeles. The passenger ate a chicken dish during the Copenhagen-to-Los Angeles leg and subsequently suffered from stomach pains and severe bloating that persisted after landing. He sought a refund for the cost of the Los Angeles leg to compensate for the discomfort.
Airlines Denies Liability After Passengers Report Illness
SAS defended its service by stating that no other passengers on either flight reported similar illness. Regarding the Gran Canaria flight, the airline noted that nine gluten-free meals were prepared by specially trained staff in a dedicated facility, with zero registered deviations. For the Los Angeles route, SAS maintained there were no records of food-handling errors or negligence, suggesting alternative causes for the stomach pain. Flyklagenemnda agreed, ruling that neither food poisoning nor liability by SAS had been established.
Frequently Asked Questions About the SAS Food Complaints
What compensation did the passengers demand from SAS?
The passengers from the Gran Canaria flight requested an unspecified amount for severe physical reactions, while the passenger on the Los Angeles route asked for a refund of the ticket price for the Copenhagen-to-Los Angeles leg.
How many gluten-free meals were served on the Gran Canaria flight?
SAS records show that a total of nine gluten-free meals were prepared and served on the flight from Gran Canaria to Oslo.
What did Flyklagenemnda conclude about the complaints?
The complaints board concluded that the passengers did not establish it was probable they were food-poisoned by SAS-served meals, leaving no legal basis for financial compensation.
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