Child Suffers Severe Burns During Boston-to-Portland Flight Incident
BOSTON — An 8-year-old passenger has filed a lawsuit against Alaska Airlines following an inflight incident in which a cup of hot tea allegedly spilled and caused severe burn injuries. The complaint, seeking damages exceeding $75,000, centers on an event that occurred aboard a flight from Boston Logan International Airport to Portland International Airport.
According to court filings, the incident took place approximately 45 minutes before landing during a final beverage service conducted by the cabin crew. The child’s parents, Megan and Ryan Conaty, initiated legal action on November 17, 2025, with the case later transferred to federal district court on April 13, 2026.
Allegations Focus on Beverage Service Practices
The lawsuit alleges that the airline failed to follow basic safety precautions in serving hot beverages. During the flight, the child’s father requested a cup of hot tea for his daughter and decaffeinated coffee for himself. The complaint states that the flight attendant delivered the drinks without lids and placed the tea on the child’s tray table while the parent attempted to stabilize it.
While the flight attendant briefly stepped away to retrieve milk, another passenger allegedly bumped the tray table. This movement caused the unsecured cup of hot tea to spill onto the child’s lap.
According to the complaint, the child immediately screamed in pain and ran to the lavatory. The filing further states that she experienced intense pain and vomiting, requiring immediate attention onboard.
Injuries and Medical Treatment
Medical findings cited in the complaint indicate the child suffered burns to her legs, abdomen, and genital area. Following an onboard assessment by a physician passenger, she was transported upon landing to Emanuel Children’s Hospital in Portland for further treatment.
Doctors reportedly confirmed significant burn injuries requiring ongoing care. The family claims the child continues to experience pain and visible scarring months after the incident. According to the complaint, the child describes the injury as a “shark bite” when asked about it.
The lawsuit also notes emotional and social impacts, stating that other children have noticed the scars during activities such as swimming.
Legal Claims and Proceedings
The plaintiffs allege negligence on the part of Alaska Airlines, arguing that the airline failed to provide a lid for the hot beverage and did not offer adequate safety guidance regarding tray table use and beverage handling.
The complaint contends that these omissions directly contributed to the instability of the drink and the subsequent spill. Alaska Airlines is named as the sole defendant in the case.
Court records show the lawsuit was initially filed in Rhode Island Superior Court before being transferred to federal district court in April 2026. The plaintiffs are seeking damages exceeding $75,000 and have requested a jury trial.
Ongoing Case and Industry Implications
The case remains active, with no final judgment issued. Legal experts note that while inflight beverage service incidents are relatively uncommon, lawsuits involving burns—particularly those involving minors—can carry significant liability risks for airlines.
The outcome of this case could potentially influence airline policies regarding the handling and serving of hot beverages, including the use of lids and passenger safety instructions during service.
Alaska Airlines has not publicly commented on the specifics of the case as of this writing. The proceedings continue to move through the federal court system.
Further developments are expected as the case progresses.
