Trapped Next to a Corpse on a Flight – Is There a Better Way to Handle In-Flight Deaths?

The recent incident involving an Australian couple who were seated next to a deceased passenger during a Qatar Airways flight has brought to light the distressing reality of in-flight deaths and the subsequent handling procedures. Mitch and Jenny, travelling from Melbourne to Doha, experienced profound trauma when a fellow passenger collapsed and could not be revived. The crew’s attempt to relocate the deceased to business class was unsuccessful, resulting in the body being placed in Mitch’s seat, while the couple remained adjacent to the corpse for the duration of the flight. This situation raises critical questions about current airline protocols and the necessity for more compassionate and practical solutions.

Current Airline Procedures

Airlines are trained to manage medical emergencies with immediate first aid and, if necessary, the use of onboard medical equipment. In the unfortunate event that a passenger is declared deceased during a flight, the crew must handle the situation with sensitivity and discretion. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), if cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has been administered for 30 minutes without signs of life, and no shocks are advised by an onboard Automated External Defibrillator (AED), the person may be presumed dead, and resuscitation efforts ceased.

Once death is confirmed, the body is typically moved to an area where it can be secured and covered, often remaining in its original seat if relocation is not feasible. This practice aims to maintain the dignity of the deceased while minimising disruption to other passengers. However, as evidenced by the incident involving Mitch and Jenny, this approach can lead to significant emotional distress for those seated nearby.

The Need for Improved Protocols

The experience of being seated next to a deceased individual for an extended period is undoubtedly traumatic. Airlines must consider the psychological impact on passengers and explore alternative strategies to manage such situations more effectively. Potential improvements could include:

1. Designated Areas: Aircraft could be equipped with designated areas to accommodate a deceased passenger, ensuring privacy and reducing discomfort for others.
2. Flexible Seating Arrangements: In the event of a death, passengers seated nearby could be relocated to other available seats, such as in business or first class, to distance them from the distressing situation.
3. Crew Training Enhancements: While cabin crew are trained for medical emergencies, additional training focused on handling in-flight deaths with greater sensitivity and providing support to affected passengers could be beneficial.
4. Clear Communication: Keeping passengers informed, within the bounds of privacy and respect, can help manage anxiety and prevent misinformation.

Conclusion

The tragic incident experienced by Mitch and Jenny underscores the urgent need for airlines to re-evaluate their protocols concerning in-flight deaths. Balancing the dignity of the deceased with the emotional well-being of passengers requires thoughtful consideration and the implementation of compassionate, practical solutions. By adopting improved procedures, airlines can better navigate these sensitive situations, ensuring respect for all individuals on board.

Michael J. Tyler

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