Passenger Sues JetBlue After Flight Attendant Allegedly Gave Her Dry Ice by Mistake for Swollen Leg

**Passenger Alleges Severe Injury After Receiving Dry Ice Instead of Ice Pack on JetBlue Flight**

In a troubling incident aboard a JetBlue flight, a New York passenger has filed a lawsuit against the airline alleging that she suffered significant injuries after being given dry ice rather than an ice pack to alleviate swelling in her leg. The civil complaint, lodged in the U.S. Eastern District Court of New York, outlines claims of “bodily injury, including but not limited to burns and tissue damage” following the event on March 31, 2025.

Patricia Matzenbacher, the plaintiff, asserts that during the flight, which was en route from Paris to New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, she requested ice to reduce swelling in her left leg. Reports indicate that she was advised by the flight crew that her request had been fulfilled with what was described as an ice pack. However, it subsequently emerged that the item provided was not simply frozen water but contained dry ice – a significant oversight given dry ice’s extremely low temperatures.

Dry ice, primarily utilised for industrial purposes such as refrigeration and food preservation, poses serious risks if mismanaged. Experts warn that direct contact with dry ice can lead to injuries similar to frostbite due to the extreme cold it retains. According to the New York State Department of Health, this form of carbon dioxide can cause severe burns when it comes into contact with skin without appropriate protection, such as insulated gloves.

In her complaint, Matzenbacher states that the flight crew acted with negligence in providing the dry ice pack for direct skin contact. She claims the burns and tissue damage she sustained are not only painful but also “severe and permanent,” potentially leading to long-term ramifications for her health and lifestyle.

Furthermore, the lawsuit references Article 17 of the Montreal Convention, which outlines the liability of airlines for injuries sustained by passengers as a result of incidents occurring during international flights. The implications of this article suggest that JetBlue may be held accountable for the damages claimed by Matzenbacher.

As part of her legal proceedings, Matzenbacher is seeking a jury trial and is requesting an unspecified amount in damages, with the exact figure to be determined through the court process. The gravity of her allegations signals a serious concern for airline safety practices and the training of crew members in the handling of first-aid materials.

Efforts to reach JetBlue for an official comment on the allegations have not yet yielded a response. Meanwhile, Matzenbacher’s attorney, Jeffrey Brecker, representing the case through Godosky & Gentile, P.C. in New York City, refrained from making any remarks when contacted by media outlets.

The incident highlights the critical importance of proper training for airline staff, particularly regarding the administration of medical assistance to passengers. In a setting where many individuals rely on airline crews for urgent care, the risks of inappropriate handling of medical supplies can have damaging consequences.

As this case unfolds, it raises broader questions about airline accountability and the safeguards in place to protect passengers. With a formal complaint filed, the upcoming legal proceedings are likely to attract significant attention, particularly as they delve into the regulatory frameworks governing airline operations and passenger safety.

Passengers and aviation stakeholders alike will keenly observe Matzenbacher’s case, as it may set a precedent for how airlines manage onboard medical requests in the future. Further developments are anticipated as the court date approaches, which may shine additional light on this alarming incident in the aviation industry.