As an individual who harbors a fear of nearly everything that crawls (except for infants), I am quite relieved I wasn’t on this flight…
In this post:
Rat traverses the Atlantic on KLM, creating problems
KLM runs a triangular route connecting Amsterdam (AMS) to Aruba (AUA) to Bonaire (BON) and back to Amsterdam. This past week, one flight was somewhat more eventful than the norm.
While the Airbus A330 was en route across the Atlantic from Amsterdam to Aruba, travelers noticed a large rat in the cabin. Specifically, the rodent was seen crawling on the rod above the curtains before making its way into or around the overhead compartments… yikes!
A giant rat was filmed scurrying through the aircraft cabin during a KLM flight, prompting the airline to cancel the return flight and leaving over 250 passengers stranded in the Caribbean.
Clearly, finding a rat in the cabin is a disturbing experience, but additionally, rats could present a safety hazard since they have the potential to chew on wiring that could affect the aircraft’s systems (while it’s unlikely, it is possible). There was no feasible method to divert over the Atlantic, so the aircraft continued its flight to Aruba as scheduled.
However, upon arrival in Aruba, subsequent flights were canceled to allow for a thorough cleaning of the plane and the capture of the rat. This resulted in 254 passengers being stranded, who were supposed to board the flight between Aruba and Bonaire or the flight from Aruba or Bonaire back to Amsterdam.
A spokesperson for KLM stated, “the plane was flying over the ocean, the pilot had limited options,” adding that “the passengers remained composed, and the crew monitored the creature closely.”
What a costly stowaway “passenger” for KLM
KLM has a responsibility to ensure passenger care, meaning the SkyTeam airline had to accommodate hotels and additional out-of-pocket costs for anyone affected by this operational dilemma. However, are passengers entitled to the compensation of up to €600 per individual as per EC261? Well, that varies…
Compensation is not provided in “extraordinary circumstances,” and it is often legal precedents that determine what qualifies as extraordinary since it isn’t precisely outlined. If KLM had any accountability for that rat boarding the plane, then compensation would be warranted. Conversely, if it managed to sneak aboard in an unavoidable manner, then it wouldn’t be. I suspect that the airline will argue this constitutes an extraordinary circumstance.
I must mention — Amsterdam Schiphol Airport has a rat issue. Last year, I reviewed the KLM Crown Lounge Amsterdam, and as is customary when evaluating lounges, I was among the earliest passengers in the terminal. It felt as if I was stirring up rats, as I couldn’t believe the number I spotted scurrying throughout the terminal. Even within the lounge, I observed at least five darting about… yikes!
Therefore, I suspect it’s not KLM’s fault, but it appears that the airport could potentially manage this situation more effectively.
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport indisputably has a rat dilemma!
Bottom line
Travelers flying across the Atlantic on KLM to sunnier climates were in for an unexpected encounter when a sizable rat made an appearance in the cabin. The flight continued normally, but the following flight was canceled to facilitate an inspection and cleaning of the cabin.
Naturally, incidents like this occur, as we witness various creatures making their way into aircraft cabins. It’s definitely something better left unconsidered, or I’d be excessively anxious on every flight.
What are your thoughts on this KLM rat incident?