SINGAPORE- Singapore Airlines (SQ) is facing a lawsuit from a Northern California passenger who claims she suffered a life-threatening allergic reaction after eating an inflight meal on a Bali to Singapore flight.
The incident reportedly occurred on a flight from Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) to Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), where the passenger says a meal served in Premium Economy triggered severe anaphylaxis.
Singapore Airlines Passenger Allergy Lawsuit
Tinyan Lawrence has filed a lawsuit against Singapore Airlines in a California district court under Article 17 of the Montreal Convention. This international treaty holds airlines liable for injuries sustained by passengers during international flights.
According to the legal complaint, Lawrence was traveling with her husband and infant son in August 2025 after a family vacation in Bali. The family was flying from Bali (DPS) to Singapore (SIN) before connecting onward to San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
The lawsuit states the medical emergency occurred during the first flight from Bali to Singapore. Cabin crew served a full meal service in the Premium Economy cabin where the family was seated.
Passengers were offered two entrée choices: tom yum soup or chicken with pasta. Because Lawrence has a severe shellfish allergy, she avoided the soup and asked the flight attendant whether the chicken and pasta meal contained any shellfish ingredients.
The crew member reportedly assured her that the dish did not contain shellfish and served the meal.
Passenger Experienced Rapid Anaphylactic Shock
After eating several bites, Lawrence quickly began experiencing symptoms of a severe allergic reaction.
The complaint states she developed rapid signs of anaphylaxis, including difficulty breathing caused by throat swelling and airway constriction. Her face and eyes reportedly swelled to the point that her vision became obstructed.
Additional symptoms included dizziness, lightheadedness, stomach cramps, hives, and flushed skin.
According to the lawsuit, Lawrence’s husband immediately retrieved an EpiPen from her carry-on bag and administered a dose of epinephrine, which temporarily stabilized her condition.
The complaint also alleges that the cabin crew did not provide medical assistance during the emergency.
When the aircraft landed at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), Lawrence says symptoms began returning as she exited the aircraft. Airport staff allegedly directed the family to the wrong medical location, delaying treatment.
As her condition worsened, she reportedly had to administer a second EpiPen before eventually locating medical staff who provided professional care.
Doctors declared Lawrence temporarily unfit to continue flying. The family stayed overnight in Singapore before receiving clearance to continue their journey to San Francisco (SFO) the following day.
According to PYOK, the lawsuit argues that the airline’s handling of the allergy warning and meal service contributed to the medical emergency.
Legal Framework Under the Montreal Convention
The lawsuit relies on Article 17 of the Montreal Convention, which governs airline liability in international aviation.
Under this rule, airlines are responsible for injuries sustained during international travel. Standard compensation claims are capped at 151,880 Special Drawing Rights, a currency unit defined by the International Monetary Fund.
At current exchange rates, this amount is roughly equivalent to about $216,470.
However, the liability limit can be lifted if a passenger proves the injury resulted from negligence or wrongful action by the airline.
Previous Similar Lawsuit Against Singapore Airlines
This case follows another lawsuit filed last year against Singapore Airlines involving a similar allergy incident.
In that case, American passenger Doreen Benary alleged she was accidentally served a meal containing shellfish on a flight from Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
Benary said she had informed the cabin crew of her shellfish allergy after boarding. However, she was served a meal where shellfish were reportedly used in the sauce.
Her allergic reaction became severe enough that the aircraft diverted to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) for an emergency medical landing.
Airline Response
Singapore Airlines stated it could not comment on the current lawsuit because the legal process is ongoing.
The case now moves forward in a California district court, where the airline’s handling of allergy notifications and inflight food safety procedures will likely face close scrutiny.
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