Recently, a passenger sued El Al, the country’s flag carrier airline, after being stuck in business class during a flight from Tel Aviv to New York.
The passenger, named Eshagh Wiseman, claimed that a flight attendant forcibly pulled him out while he was trapped, resulting in a serious and permanent injury that has caused him great pain, agony, and mental anguish.
Wiseman believes that the airline should cover his medical cost, claiming that he didn’t know the seats could recline.
What happened
On the 23rd of October last year, Eshagh Wiseman travelled for an 11 hours trip from Tel Aviv to New York using El Al. Eshagh Wiseman filed a lawsuit in the Eastern District of New York last Monday, claiming he was stuck in a business class seat on the Israeli national carrier. According to reports in the Media, he was seriously injured when a flight attendant had to pull him free.
Wiseman claims he was forced to spend money on medical treatment. He, however, believes that the airline should be liable for the cost of his medical treatment and has gone to seek redress in a court of law.
In the suit, Wiseman claims that his lower extremity became trapped within the seat when it was being reclined. Hence, he called for the help of a flight attendant. The aircraft was a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Interestingly, the business class seat of the 787soperated by the airlines can be reclined into lie-flat beds for more comfort, especially for long-haul trips.
This incident comes at a time when the airline industry is struggling with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and facing numerous challenges, including reduced demand, operational disruptions, and financial losses. El Al, in particular, has been hit hard by the pandemic and has been forced to make certain adjustments to stay afloat.
The outcome of the lawsuit remains to be seen, but it raises important questions about how airlines treat their passengers. As travel resumes post-pandemic, it is crucial for airlines to ensure that they provide quality services to their customers and maintain their trust and loyalty.
What do you think of the lawsuit? Please let us know in the comment below.
