Category: Federal Aviation Administration

Passenger’s claim based on seating-related injury fails under Montreal Convention

March 2, 2016

Plonka v. US Airways (E.D. Pa. Oct. 27, 2015).  During a flight from Philadelphia to Germany, the passenger/plaintiff was seated behind a seat under which was affixed a hard plastic box, known as an “IFE box,” that contained wiring for the seatback entertainment system.  The plaintiff alleged in his pro se complaint that, during the … More Passenger’s claim based on seating-related injury fails under Montreal Convention

Passenger not required to prove violation of regulation in order to establish that “accident” under Montreal Convention occurred

November 13, 2011

Phifer v. Icelandair (9th Cir. (Cal.) Sept. 1, 2011).  While boarding a flight from Minneapolis-St. Paul to Reykjavik, Iceland, the passenger struck her head on an overhead video monitor that was extended in the “down” position.  She sued Icelandair, alleging liability under the Montreal Convention. Under Article 17(1) of the Convention, “[t]he carrier is liable … More Passenger not required to prove violation of regulation in order to establish that “accident” under Montreal Convention occurred

Court holds that airline met applicable standard of care in disabled passenger slip and fall case

October 25, 2008

Elassaad v. Independence Air, Inc. (E.D. Pa. Aug. 20, 2008).  After a domestic flight, the passenger “fell down the airplane’s stairway” while disembarking from the aircraft.  At the time of the fall, the passenger “had an above-the-knee amputation of his right leg and relied on two crutches to walk” but did not use a wheelchair.  … More Court holds that airline met applicable standard of care in disabled passenger slip and fall case