I am writing to formally lodge a compensation claim regarding my experience on flight MU715 from Shanghai (PVG) to Brisbane (BNE) on 31 August 2026. I was seated in 41C.
During the flight, the passenger seated directly in front of me (40C) fully reclined her seat, which severely cramped my seating space. For the first four hours, I attempted to adjust myself, stretch, and reposition my legs, but I was unable to find any relief. The lack of space caused increasing discomfort and pain.
I asked a flight attendant if she could request that the passenger adjust her seat slightly to relieve the pressure on my legs. The attendant did not acknowledge my request and walked away without offering assistance. I then tapped the passenger in front and politely asked if she could lift her seat up, but she ignored me completely.
As the pain worsened, I attempted to leave my seat. Due to the cramped space, I had to exit awkwardly, which caused further pain in my back, left leg, and left foot. I made my way to the back of the plane to stretch, but after only two stretches, a flight attendant told me I could not do this and instructed me to return to my seat. I explained that I was in pain, but she did not seem to understand the severity of my discomfort. She pressured me to return to my seat without offering any alternative solution.
I again asked her to speak with the passenger in front about adjusting her seat, but she did not understand what I was requesting. The passenger remained fully reclined and comfortable while I endured significant pain and suffering for the remaining five hours of the flight.
Upon arrival in Brisbane, I had no feeling in my feet and experienced numbness along my left side. Despite this, I had to make my way through baggage claim, customs, and to meet my husband, all at a very slow pace due to the numbness and pain.
When I arrived home, I took Panadol and lay down, eventually falling asleep. The next morning, I woke up unable to move. My entire body felt numb, and I asked my daughter to call an ambulance because I feared permanent damage. I was taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital, where I remained for two days undergoing investigations including scans, blood tests, and reviews by multiple doctors and specialists.
I was later assessed by a physiotherapist, who provided exercises and scheduled a follow-up appointment for the following week.
This situation has caused me loss of wages, loss of health and wellbeing, and loss of confidence. It also involved my requests for assistance being ignored and basic care as a passenger not being provided. I am making a formal claim for compensation for these losses and for the physical and emotional harm I have suffered as a direct result of this incident.
I also understand that China Eastern Airlines is subject to the Warsaw / Montreal Conventions, and I make my claim for compensation under the applicable Convention.
I request that China Eastern Airlines urgently review this matter and advise on the next steps, including any documentation required from me.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response within the next 48 hours.
Kind regards,
Julia Colenso
Email: [protected]@gmail.com
Mobile: +[protected]
Claimed loss: Loss of weekly compensation due to hospital stay.Pain and suffering from injury.Lack of support from Flight Attendant.Loss of freedom to stretch/help with pain.
Desired outcome: Payment of Weekly Compensation for one week at $2000 nettRefund of air flight - lack of service Payment of hospital time and stay at $1000Apology from passengerApology from China Eastern Flight Attendant for lack of service
Confidential Information Hidden: This section contains confidential information visible to verified China Eastern Airlines Corporation representatives only. If you are affiliated with China Eastern Airlines Corporation, please claim your business to access these details.