As someone with a phobia of just about anything that crawls (well, other than babies) or slithers, I sure am happy I wasn’t on this flight…
In this post:
Rat flies across the Atlantic on KLM, causing issues
KLM operates a triangle route from Amsterdam (AMS) to Aruba (AUA) to Bonaire (BON) to Amsterdam. This past week, one flight was a little more eventful than usual.
While the Airbus A330 was flying across the Atlantic from Amsterdam to Aruba, passengers spotted a giant rat in the cabin. Specifically, the rat appeared to be crawling on the rod above the curtains, and then into or around the overhead bins… eek!
Obviously seeing a rat in the cabin is an unpleasant discovery, but beyond that, rats could also potentially pose a safety risk, as they can chew wiring that could impact aircraft systems (it’s very unlikely, but it could happen). There wasn’t any practical way to divert over the Atlantic, so the plane continued its journey to Aruba, as planned.
However, in Aruba the onward flights were canceled, so that the plane could be thoroughly cleaned, and the rat could be caught. This ended up stranding 254 passengers, who were supposed to take either the flight between Aruba and Bonaire, or the flight from Aruba or Bonaire back to Amsterdam.
A KLM spokesperson stated that “the plane was flying over the ocean, the pilot didn’t really have any other choice,” and “the passengers remained calm, and the staff kept a close eye on the animal.”
Talk about a costly stowaway “passenger” for KLM
KLM has a duty of care for passengers, meaning the SkyTeam carrier had to cover the hotels and other out-of-pocket expenses for anyone who was impacted by this operational issue. Beyond that, though, would passengers be entitled to the up to €600 per person in compensation offered under EC261? Well, it depends…
The compensation only isn’t offered in “extraordinary circumstances,” and it’s often case law that decides what is and isn’t considered extraordinary, since it’s not otherwise clearly defined. If KLM had any responsibility for that rat getting on the plane, then technically compensation would be due. Meanwhile if it somehow snuck on in a way that couldn’t be avoided, it wouldn’t be due. I suspect that the airline will claim this is an extraordinary circumstance.
I will say this — Amsterdam Schiphol Airport has a rat problem. Last year I reviewed the KLM Crown Lounge Amsterdam, and as usual when reviewing lounges, I was among the first passengers of the morning in the terminal. I felt like I was waking up rats, because I couldn’t believe how many I saw just running around the terminal. Even in the lounge, I saw no fewer than five running around… eek!
So I suspect it’s not KLM’s fault, but it does seem that the airport could maybe control that situation a bit better.
Bottom line
Passengers flying across the Atlantic on KLM to warmer weather were in for a surprise, when a huge rat appeared in the cabin. The flight continued as usual, but the onward flight was canceled, so that the cabin could be inspected and cleaned.
Obviously stuff like this happens, as we see all kinds of critters make their way into aircraft cabins. It’s definitely something we’re better off not thinking about, or else I’d be super paranoid on every flight.
What do you make of this KLM rat situation?
Yes!
It was very remiss of me to forget to end my post with “Yes”. At least someone is awake and aware of the common practice. Well done Willy, 10/10 for you Sir.
If you live in a city, rats are a fact of life…just like obnoxious tourists and noise. It wouldn’t have bothered me until you pointed out the chewing of the wires. That could be a problem but I’m hoping the airplane designers were smart enough to consider rats in a plane as a risk to the airworthiness of the ship.
Yu mean airplane, not ship.
The AeroB wannabe strikes again and the website administrators do nothing to stop it.
One could conclude that the website administrators, if not behind this common practice, then they surely condone it.
What is the phrase …. clicks = cents?
You forgot to end your sentences with “yes?”
Yes?
Amsterdam has rats like NYC has rats .
I really do not know how some people can add such silly comments to such a serious matter. Ben has rightly said it poses such a serious safety issue where they can nibble on wires and connections, which can be disastrous. Leave your silly comments to yourself and spare a thought for those who had ot suffer the ordeal.
Regarding EC261.
If bird strikes are applicable, then rats should be too.
PETA it self should claim EC261 on behalf and for the rat itself too.
Animal have rights too.
Fortunately, the rat had his SkyTeam Elite Plus identification and got an upgrade and a Delft House.
Is this a "organ-grinding monkey"?
Outrageous! KLM needs to apply pressure onto Amsterdam Airport Authority to have them clean up their airport building! They may need to get IATA and ICAO involved to help! This is DISGUSTING!
I didn't know KLM had onboard chefs! Do they serve ratatouille?