Is Air France guilty?

Air France is facing a lawsuit from the widow of a passenger bumped on one of their flights from Paris. Her husband was due for dialysis the day after Air Travelreturning home to San Francisco - but the airline bumped him anyway. He died the next day, aboard the next available flight.

Carmelita Llorera claims that she and her husband repeatedly told staff of the potential consequences of the delay, so she's suing for breach of contract, negligence and wrongful death.

If the suit is successful, or triggers copycats it could turn into a nightmare for airlines. While no one's arguing with health-related issues, what about lost business, lost wages and sick relatives? Should airlines be responsible for all losses incurred from a bump?

What is an airline's responsibility to passengers?

Llorera's death is the direct result of stupidity. Unless staff had reason to think he was lying, there's just no excuse for what happened. And if they did think he was lying, I hope they have solid proof to back it up. A first class upgrade or offering $1000 to the first family to give up their tickets is a small price to pay for a life.

Sadly, there are no rules making it the airline's responsibility. Which is why Llorera is suing. Hopefully she can make waves in the industry.

Want to help out industry watchdogs?

The Coalition for a Passengers' Bill of Rights has already gotten passengers the right to food and clean water when trapped on a plane. If you feel strongly about this, add your name.

What do you think about Llorera's death? Who should be held accountable?

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