**Parents Sue Alaska Airlines After Daughter’s Severe Burns from Hot Tea Incident**
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The parents of an 11-year-old girl are taking legal action against Alaska Airlines following an incident in which their daughter sustained severe burns from a cup of hot tea during a flight. The civil complaint, filed by Megan and Ryan Conaty, alleges that their daughter, referred to as “AC,” suffered permanent injuries to her legs, abdomen, and genital area due to the airline’s negligence.
The incident allegedly occurred on November 17, 2022, when AC was just eight years old. The family was travelling from Boston to Portland, Oregon, when an on-board drink service turned disastrous. According to the complaint, Ryan Conaty requested a cup of hot tea for AC and a cup of decaffeinated coffee for himself. After receiving the tea, Ryan placed it in the centre of AC’s tray table, hoping to prevent any spillage.
The complaint highlights a crucial aspect of the situation: the flight attendant failed to provide a lid for the hot tea and did not inform the family about necessary precautions. It is claimed that while the attendant was away retrieving milk for the family’s drinks, a nearby passenger accidentally jostled the tray, causing the hot beverage to spill into AC’s lap.
The discomfort from the burns was immediate, leading AC to scream in agony and rush to the bathroom, where she began vomiting from the intensity of her pain. In light of the severity of her injuries, the flight crew sought assistance from an onboard doctor, who advised that AC required urgent medical attention.
Upon arrival in Portland, AC was treated at Emanuel Children’s Hospital, where she underwent care for her injuries. The complaint reveals that even after medical intervention, she has continued to experience significant pain and discomfort resulting from the burns. Currently, at age 11, AC reportedly bears permanent scarring, some of which is visible at her bathing suit line.
“Other children have noticed and commented on the scars while swimming,” the complaint states. In an attempt to deflect questions about her injuries, AC has told her peers that a shark inflicted the scars.
The family is now seeking damages exceeding £75,000 and has requested a jury trial against Alaska Airlines, which is named as the sole defendant in the suit. According to the Conatys, their daughter’s suffering and permanent scarring have adversely affected her quality of life.
The complaint was initially filed in Rhode Island Superior Court on November 17, 2025, but has since been moved to district court, where proceedings will continue. The family’s attorney has reached out to both Alaska Airlines and its legal representation for their response to the allegations made in the complaint.
In light of the raised concerns regarding passenger safety and in-flight service, this case brings attention to the potential hazards associated with serving hot beverages on planes, particularly without proper lids or safety instructions. As further details of the case emerge, the scrutiny on airline protocols regarding food and drink service during flights may increase.
The Conatys, through this legal action, aim to highlight the importance of safety measures for the protection of young passengers aboard aircraft. The outcome of their lawsuit could have possible implications for airline policies and could prompt other families to reconsider the safety practices of air travel.
As the case progresses, the family remains hopeful for a fair resolution that acknowledges the severe impact this incident has had on their daughter’s life. Meanwhile, Alaska Airlines has yet to publicly address the claims made in the lawsuit.