Virgin Australia faces a lawsuit from a teenage passenger who suffered severe burns from spilled coffee onboard a flight last year.
The 16 year-old-boy, Rhett Butler who hails from Southeastern Australia, was on a Virgin Australia flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Sydney (SYD) in May 2015 when the incident happened.
Just after take-off, a cabin crew member was carrying coffee and dropped a tray onto Butler’s lap. He allegedly suffered burns, blisters and scarring to his thighs, groin, genitals and midriff.
According to the lawsuit, Butler’s father, Brian Butler, had to provide medical assistance due to a lack of assistance from the flight crew. The airline is not providing any more information at this time other than to confirm the lawsuit.
“Virgin Australia takes the safety and comfort of our passengers extremely seriously, however given this particular matter has not yet been resolved it would not be appropriate to comment any further,” the Virgin Australia spokesperson said in a statement.
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedSeptember 2026
Sep 20, 2026Celebrity Reflection Launches 13 New Spaces
Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Reflection transforms Caribbean cruising with 13 new spaces, launching in March 2027. From a three-story Grand Plaza entertainment hub to two first-to-fleet experience concepts, these new spaces raise the bar for premium Caribbean cruising.
Sponsored Content
What Actually Happens If You Get Sick or Hurt on a Cruise?
You’ve booked your cabin, mapped the ports and packed the sunscreen. Hopefully, you also bought some insurance. But have you ever thought about what actually happens if a medical emergency strikes mid-voyage?
September 2026
Sep 19, 2026Seven Seas Prestige to Feature New Spaces
Regent Seven Seas Cruises unveils its all-new Solara Sports Deck and Solara Pool Deck aboard Seven Seas Prestige, introducing a new era of open-air relaxation and active luxury.
Daily
Sep 18, 2026Downtown Phoenix Welcomes First Upscale Urban Retreat
This month, in Phoenix, Arizona, Pacific Hospitality Group opens Denū Hotel & Spa, the newest hotel property in The Meritage Collection.
Sponsored Content
IHG Business Edge: A Smarter Way for Small- and Mid-Sized Businesses to Travel
IHG Business Edge is a complimentary travel program designed to help small- and mid-sized businesses manage travel more efficiently while saving on hotel stays. Members enjoy access to guaranteed discounts, loyalty benefits, and partner offers across IHG Hotels & Resorts’ global portfolio of 7,000-plus hotels in more than 100 countries.
Daily
Sep 18, 2026New Short-Term Rental Brand Just Hit the Scene … And It’s Worth a Second Look
In early 2026, more than 5,500 former Vacasa homes across 24 markets were quietly taken over by an emerging brand. From beach destinations along Florida’s Gulf Coast to mountain getaways in Park City, Utah, these properties are now under Avari, formally launched this month.
METT Hotels to Debut in Albania
Daily
Sep 17, 2026Review: InterContinental Barcelona
eFlyer Reviews
Sep 17, 2026Daily
Sep 17, 2026Conrad Washington D.C. Introduces 1/3/5 Experiences
Celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary are still in full swing across the nation. In Washington, D.C., storied Conrad Washington, D.C. wants visitors to the capital to encounter the city on a local level. With that in mind, the property introduced a selection of signature Conrad 1/3/5 Experiences — a collection of one-, three- and five-hour jaunts providing an insider’s glimpse into how residents enjoy the city.
Sponsored Content
Luxury Travel in Chilean Patagonia: Where Refinement Meets the Wild Edge
At the gateway to Chilean Patagonia, Los Lagos opens a landscape in constant motion. Volcanic peaks rise sharply above glacial lakes, mist moves through dense forests, and light shifts across every horizon. Here, luxury travel in Chilean Patagonia unfolds moment by moment, balancing raw energy with seamless comfort.
eFlyer News
Sep 16, 2026Celebrity River Cruises’ First Ship Completes Float Out for August 2027 Debut
Celebrity Cruises celebrated the float out of Celebrity Compass, the brand’s first ship in its highly anticipated Celebrity River Cruises fleet. Set to sail in August 2027, Celebrity Compass sets a new standard in river cruising, bringing Celebrity Cruises’ signature approach to elevated travel to the world’s most iconic rivers.
ShareThis