A Texas couple has initiated legal action against American Airlines following a harrowing incident during a flight that left one of them grappling with severe medical complications. Heather Wing, the passenger at the centre of the suit, alleges that the airline’s negligence led to an anaphylactic shock caused by food containing tree nuts, an allergen she had expressly warned the airline about.
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The lawsuit, filed on February 2, 2025, by Heather and her husband Brent Wing, claims Heather has endured “physical injury, emotional trauma, and ongoing medical complications” since the incident on board an American Airlines flight from London’s Heathrow Airport to Dallas-Fort Worth. Brent, who witnessed the alarming episode, asserts that he has also suffered “mental anguish,” having experienced his wife’s life-threatening situation.
According to court documents, prior to their flight, Heather explicitly mentioned her serious tree nut allergy in her traveller profile. Additionally, she reportedly reminded the airline’s crew on several occasions throughout the journey of her condition. Despite these warnings, the couple alleges that flight attendants attempted to serve Heather snacks and meals containing tree nuts, including nuts and a salad garnished with the allergen.
The situation escalated when Heather was offered dumplings that were not labelled with any allergen warnings on the menu. The complaint notes that the dumpling sauce contained ground tree nuts, which Heather consumed, subsequently triggering her severe allergic reaction. In a desperate bid to receive assistance, she activated her call button but reportedly did not get an immediate response from the crew. Consequently, the couple had to rely on nearby passengers, which included a retired physician, and used Benadryl from their own supply to manage the crisis.
Following the incident, Heather and Brent sent a formal demand letter to American Airlines on September 6, 2025. The letter outlined what they termed the “catastrophic mishandling” of their anniversary trip, requesting compensation for lost hotel reservations, medical attention, and emotional distress. They proposed a settlement, which included either two first or business-class tickets for a future flight, along with a cash payment of £50,000.
American Airlines reportedly acknowledged the mishandling of two of their checked bags but only offered compensation of 15,000 travel miles for each bag and a refund of £775.59 for the incident. Brent responded, stating that if their demands were not met, they would resort to legal proceedings.
In a statement shared with the media, Heather expressed disappointment over the airline’s lack of responsiveness, stressing the need for improved safety measures. “We hope that American makes an effort to add any allergens to their menu—not just for tree nuts, but for any allergens that could trigger anaphylactic shock,” she stated.
The lawsuit contains 11 counts against the airline, including negligence, failure to warn the consumer, and a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The couple argues that Heather’s allergy constitutes a disability under federal law, significantly limiting essential life functions such as breathing and eating.
They are seeking a jury trial and requesting compensatory and punitive damages, attorney fees, as well as a mandate for the airline to implement allergen training, improve menu labelling, and establish a more effective claims-handling protocol.
As of now, American Airlines has not provided a public response regarding the matter. The case highlights significant concerns surrounding food safety on airlines and the need for stringent adherence to allergen management, particularly for passengers with severe food allergies. The Wongs’ experience serves as a call to action for improved protocols that prioritise passenger safety in the aviation industry.