Scandal on Lufthansa’s Budapest flight: Canadian man suffered burns

The German airline offered a record-high compensation for a teenage passenger suffering second-degree burns on a Frankfurt-Budapest flight. Here is what happened.

According to portfolio.hu, Lufthansa offered a USD 500 compensation for a teenage passenger who suffered second-degree burns on one of their Budapest flights after a cup of coffee spilt out on board. The Canadian Jack Hayden travelled from Frankfurt to Budapest on the flight. (We wrote HERE when Transatlantic direct flights, including the Toronto-Budapest one, may return to Budapest Airport.)

The accident happened during the flight’s second leg. The first leg was between Toronto and Frankfurt since there is no direct connection between the Hungarian capital and the Canadian city.

The family wants an apology from Lufthansa, not just money

A flight attendant placed a cup of hot coffee at an angle that caused it to spill directly on the teenager’s lower body before the touchdown. Thankfully, the 19-year-old Mr Hayden’s injuries healed by the time he returned home, but his family is still disappointed because of the handling of the incident. They are seeking accountability and the airline’s apology instead of the money.

Simpleflying.com said Lufthansa used a short-haul aircraft, which generally has limited cabin space.

The flight attendant apologised after the incident but continued to serve the hot beverages. Hayden could go to the lavatory only after the service was over. He received no medical help on the plane, only after landing in Budapest. The doctor said he suffered second-degree burns. Due to the pain, he could not even fasten his seatbelt on the plane. Since his injuries were healed before arriving in Toronto, he did not consult a local doctor.

The airline offered the highest compensation available without medical documents.