Imagine boarding a long-haul flight, expecting nothing more than a routine journey, only to experience one of the most unsettling events possible—witnessing a fellow passenger pass away mid-flight. This rare but tragic occurrence raises many questions about what actually happens in these situations. How do flight attendants handle it? What protocols are in place? And what should fellow passengers do?
Recently, an Australian couple made headlines after revealing that they were forced to sit next to a deceased passenger for four hours on their flight from Melbourne to Doha. Their distressing experience sheds light on the procedures airlines follow when dealing with a death in-flight, a scenario that flight attendants are trained to manage with professionalism and sensitivity.
How Common Are In-Flight Deaths?
Although media coverage of such incidents makes them seem more frequent, in-flight deaths remain relatively rare. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that only 0.3% of in-flight medical emergencies resulted in death. However, the likelihood of these incidents increases on long-haul flights where passengers spend extended periods in a pressurized environment, which can exacerbate existing medical conditions.
Emergency Medical Procedures at 35,000 Feet
Every airline has detailed emergency medical procedures aligned with international aviation regulations. These protocols ensure that flight crews can provide immediate assistance when a passenger suffers a medical emergency.
- Immediate Response: Flight attendants are trained in CPR and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). If a passenger collapses, crew members immediately attempt to revive them while paging for medical professionals on board.
- Medical Consultation: If no doctor is available, flight attendants can communicate with medical professionals on the ground through services like MedAire’s MedLink, which provides real-time guidance.
- Determining the Outcome: Flight attendants cannot officially declare a passenger dead. However, if CPR has been performed for over 30 minutes without response and an AED detects no heart activity, the individual is presumed deceased.
What Happens If a Passenger Dies in Flight?
Once a passenger is presumed dead, the flight crew follows strict guidelines to handle the situation with care and respect:
- Notifying the Captain: The pilot, in consultation with airline operations, decides whether to proceed to the intended destination or divert the flight to the nearest airport.
- Securing the Body: If an empty row or private space is available, the deceased passenger is discreetly moved. If no suitable space exists, they remain in their original seat, secured with a seatbelt and covered with a blanket.
- Informing Authorities: Ground personnel at the destination airport are notified so that the proper legal and medical procedures can be carried out upon landing.
- Assisting Family Members and Passengers: If the deceased was traveling with companions, flight attendants provide emotional support and ensure they receive proper care upon arrival.
The Challenges of Handling a Death in Flight
Managing a death at 35,000 feet presents several logistical and emotional challenges:
- Long-Distance Flights: On flights exceeding 10+ hours, storing the deceased becomes an issue. Some airlines carry body bags and have designated areas for this purpose.
- Legal Complexities: If a flight diverts to a third country, repatriating the body can become a bureaucratic challenge.
- Passenger Reactions: A death in the cabin can be distressing for others. Flight attendants often have to manage shocked or grieving travelers while maintaining order.
Emotional Toll on Flight Attendants
For flight attendants, handling medical emergencies and deaths is one of the most challenging aspects of their job. While they are trained for such scenarios, the emotional toll can be significant.
“We have resources available after an emergency situation to help crew deal with the emotional stress,” says Heather Poole, a flight attendant and author of Cruising Attitude: Tales of Crashpads, Crew Drama, and Crazy Passengers at 35,000 Feet.
Additionally, airlines provide peer support and counseling to help employees cope with traumatic events.
What Can Passengers Do in These Situations?
If you ever find yourself on a flight where a passenger falls seriously ill or dies, here’s what you should do:
- Stay Calm: Allow the flight attendants to handle the situation professionally.
- Offer Assistance (If Qualified): If you have medical training, inform the crew immediately.
- Be Respectful: Avoid filming or taking photos—this is a distressing moment for those involved.
- Follow Crew Instructions: Whether it involves remaining in your seat or moving to another section, cooperate fully with airline staff.
Final Thoughts
While the idea of a fellow passenger passing away mid-flight is unsettling, understanding how airlines handle such events can provide reassurance. Airlines follow strict medical protocols and prioritize treating the deceased with dignity while ensuring the least disruption to other travelers.
With advancements in aviation medicine and crew training, in-flight medical emergencies are being managed more effectively than ever before. However, as air travel continues to expand, so too does the need for awareness and preparedness for these rare but impactful events.
