JetBlue Sued For Allegedly Giving Passenger Dry Ice Instead Of Ice Pack, Causing Serious Burns

A JetBlue passenger has filed a lawsuit against the airline after claiming she suffered serious burns when a flight attendant allegedly handed her dry ice instead of a regular ice pack during a transatlantic flight. The incident, which reportedly took place onboard a JetBlue flight from Paris to New York, has drawn attention to in‑flight medical assistance practices and how potentially hazardous materials are handled inside aircraft cabins.

According to People Magazine, the passenger asked the cabin crew for an ice pack to reduce swelling in her leg during the flight. She alleges that what she was given was not standard ice but dry ice, which caused immediate injury when applied directly to her skin.

Also Read: LaGuardia Shut After Air Canada Flight Collision. How New York Flights Are Affected

What The Passenger Claims Happened

As reported by People Magazine, the passenger, identified as Patricia Matzenbacher, said she requested ice to ease discomfort caused by a swollen leg. Believing the pack she received was ordinary ice, she placed it directly against her skin.

She later alleged that the pack contained dry ice, which led to burns and tissue damage. People Magazine noted that the complaint states the passenger was not warned about the contents of the pack or advised to wrap it in a protective layer before use. The incident reportedly occurred in March 2025, and the effects of the injury required medical attention after the flight landed.

Photo: Unsplash

Why Dry Ice Poses A Serious Risk

Dry ice is a solid form of carbon dioxide commonly used in aviation catering to keep food and medical supplies cold. However, it is significantly colder than regular ice, reaching temperatures of about –78°C, making direct skin contact dangerous.

According to Simple Flying, exposure to dry ice without protective barriers can cause frostbite‑like injuries within seconds. Aviation guidelines typically require dry ice to be handled with insulated gloves and clear warnings, particularly in confined environments such as aircraft cabins.

Legal Grounds For The Lawsuit

The lawsuit has reportedly been filed under Article 17 of the Montreal Convention, an international treaty that governs airline liability for passenger injuries during international travel. As explained by Aviation A2Z, the convention allows passengers to seek compensation if an injury results from an unexpected or unusual event onboard the aircraft.

The passenger's complaint argues that being given dry ice without proper explanation or safety precautions qualifies as such an event. The case will likely examine whether airline staff followed appropriate safety protocols and whether negligence can be established.

Also Read: Watch: Etihad Passenger Wished To See The Cockpit, Staff Made It Happen

JetBlue Hasn't Responded Yet

JetBlue has not issued a detailed public statement addressing the allegations. According to People Magazine, the airline is expected to respond through the legal process as the case moves forward. The airline has not confirmed whether dry ice was provided intentionally or by mistake, nor has it commented on training procedures related to in‑flight first aid.