Texas Woman Sues American Airlines Over Near-Fatal Allergic Reaction

Heather Wing, a Texas resident with a documented life-threatening tree nut allergy, is suing American Airlines following a severe allergic reaction during a transatlantic flight on August 26, 2025. Wing's complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, alleges that flight attendants failed to accommodate her disability, leading to a near-fatal incident involving a meal that contained tree nuts.

The Independent

During the flight from Paris to Dallas, Wing initially refused a bag of mixed nuts and a salad with walnuts, both of which were served despite her allergy being noted in her traveler profile. Ultimately, she accepted a plate of chicken-and-vegetable gyoza, which she was assured was nut-free. However, the accompanying dipping sauce contained ground tree nuts, triggering an anaphylactic reaction.

The Independent

As Wing began to experience severe symptoms, including swelling of the throat, she activated her seat call button for assistance. According to the complaint, there was a significant delay in response from the flight crew, which heightened the distress of her husband, Brent Wing, who witnessed the incident. He described feeling helpless as he watched his wife's condition deteriorate.

The Independent

Eventually, two fellow passengers, both medical professionals, intervened and provided emergency care, administering Benadryl from their personal supplies. Despite their assistance, Wing's condition remained critical, and she reported that her EpiPen, which was in her handbag, was not sufficient to alleviate her symptoms.

The Independent

The lawsuit accuses American Airlines of negligence, claiming the airline violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by failing to accommodate Wing's allergy and subjected her to unsafe conditions in violation of the Air Carrier Access Act. The complaint outlines that the airline demonstrated a "pattern of negligence and egregious errors," asserting that they owed a duty of care to provide safe service and respond adequately to medical emergencies.

The Independent

In addition to seeking compensatory damages for medical expenses and emotional distress, the Wings are requesting punitive damages and an injunction requiring American Airlines to implement better allergen training and menu labeling practices.

The Independent

American Airlines has not publicly responded to the lawsuit as of the latest reports. However, the airline's handling of food allergies has faced scrutiny in the past, with advocates calling for stricter regulations and training for airline staff to ensure the safety of passengers with severe allergies.

The Independent

The Wings have retained legal representation after initial attempts to settle with American Airlines failed. They are now pursuing their claims in court, seeking justice for what they describe as a catastrophic mishandling of their anniversary trip and the emotional trauma that ensued.

The Independent

• “I never thought I was going to ever lose her more than I did that day,” — Brent Wing, Husband

The Independent

• “When I hit the flight attendant button, no one came to help me for what seemed like four or five minutes, and my throat was swelling shut,” — Heather Wing, Plaintiff

The Independent

• “pattern of negligence and egregious errors,” — Legal Complaint

The Independent

This case highlights the critical need for airlines to prioritize passenger safety, particularly for those with severe allergies, and raises questions about the adequacy of current training and protocols in the airline industry.

The Independent