BOSTON— An 8-year-old passenger on Alaska Airlines (AS) flight from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to Portland International Airport (PDX) allegedly suffered severe burn injuries after a cup of hot tea spilled during an inflight service.
The incident reportedly occurred about 45 minutes before landing when the cabin crew conducted a final beverage round.
The parents, Megan and Ryan Conaty, filed a civil complaint on November 17, 2025, in Rhode Island Superior Court. The case was later transferred to the district court on April 13, 2026.
Alaska Airlines Faces $75K Lawsuit
During the flight, the crew conducted a final beverage service. The child’s father requested a cup of hot tea for her and decaffeinated coffee for himself, which the flight attendant delivered without a lid, according to the complaint. The drink was placed on the tray table while the parent attempted to stabilize it.
According to the civil complaint, the child sustained injuries after the tea was placed on a tray table without a lid and later became unstable during cabin movement. The child reportedly experienced intense pain, vomiting and required immediate onboard attention.
While the flight attendant stepped away to collect milk, another passenger allegedly bumped the tray table. The movement caused the unsealed tea to spill onto the child’s lap.
The complaint states the child immediately screamed in pain and ran to the lavatory.
Burn Injury Claims
The child suffered burns to her legs, abdomen, and genital area, according to medical findings cited in the complaint, People flagged.
She was later transported for treatment at Emanuel Children’s Hospital in Portland after an onboard assessment by a physician passenger. Doctors confirmed significant burn injuries requiring continued care.
Reports indicate she continues to experience pain and visible scarring. The family states that other children have noticed the scars while swimming.
The child reportedly describes the incident as a “shark bite” when asked.
Lawsuit Proceedings Details
Court filings show the complaint was initially submitted in the Rhode Island Superior Court and later transferred to the district court in April 2026.
The plaintiffs allege negligence in how the beverage was served and handled onboard. Alaska Airlines is named as the sole defendant in the case.
The complaint argues the airline failed to provide a lid or safety guidance for hot beverages. It also claims the crew did not instruct passengers on proper tray table use for stability. The family contends these omissions contributed directly to the spill and resulting injuries.
They are seeking damages exceeding $75,000 and have requested a jury trial. The case continues to move through federal proceedings following the transfer. No final judgment has been issued.
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