In-Flight Deaths: How Airlines Handle the Unthinkable with Dignity & Precision

While air travel remains one of the safest modes of transportation, the possibility of a passenger dying mid-flight is a reality airlines must be prepared to face.

According to a study, medical emergencies occur on approximately 1 in 604 flights, with deaths accounting for just 0.3% of these incidents.¹ This figure is significantly lower than previous estimates. 

Despite their rarity, in-flight deaths present unique challenges for crew members, fellow passengers, and the airlines. From immediate medical response to handling the deceased with dignity, the protocols surrounding these events are both complex and compassionate.

Here are the procedures, statistics, and human aspects of one of aviation’s most delicate situations.

Immediate Response & Medical Intervention

When a passenger becomes unresponsive during a flight, the crew’s first priority is to provide immediate medical assistance. (ref) Flight attendants are trained in basic life support and CPR, and all commercial aircraft are equipped with Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).

The crew will typically:

1. Call for any medical professionals on board to assist
2. Use the onboard medical kit and AED if necessary
3. Contact ground-based medical services for guidance

Airlines follow guidelines set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which recommend continuing CPR for at least 30 minutes unless breathing and circulation resume or conditions become unsafe.

Declaring Death & Next Steps

Only a licensed physician can legally declare a passenger dead. In the absence of a doctor on board, an unresponsive passenger with no signs of life is presumed dead. 

Once death is confirmed or presumed, the flight crew must immediately notify the captain, who will then alert the destination airport and prepare for the appropriate authorities to meet the flight upon landing. (ref)

Handling the Deceased

Contrary to urban myths, bodies are not stored in airplane lavatories. Instead, airlines have protocols to handle deceased passengers with dignity and minimal disruption to other travelers. These may include:

1. Moving the body to a seat with fewer passengers nearby, if possible
2. Covering the body with a blanket
3. Using seatbelts or other restraints to secure the body in place

Some airlines, like Singapore Airlines, have even introduced specialized “corpse cupboards” on certain long-haul flights to discreetly store deceased passengers.

To Divert or Not to Divert?

Contrary to what many might assume, an in-flight death does not automatically trigger an emergency landing. The decision to divert is made on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as:

1. The length of the remaining flight
2. The availability of suitable diversion airports
3. The potential complexities of repatriating the deceased from a third country

In many cases, especially on long-haul flights, it’s often deemed more practical to continue to the intended destination.

Impact on Fellow Passengers & Crew

An in-flight death can be a traumatic experience for everyone on board. Airlines strive to handle these situations with sensitivity and professionalism. Crew members are trained to:

1. Maintain calm among other passengers
2. Provide support to traveling companions of the deceased
3. Minimize visibility of the situation when possible

Upon landing, other passengers are typically disembarked first, while the deceased and their traveling companions remain on board to be met by local authorities.

Airline Protocols & Training

While in-flight deaths are rare, airlines invest significant resources in preparing their crews for such eventualities. This preparation includes:

1. Comprehensive medical emergency training for flight attendants
2. Regular updates to onboard medical kits and equipment
3. Partnerships with ground-based medical advisory services

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates specific medical equipment on board, including AEDs and emergency medical kits, with the number of kits increasing based on the aircraft’s seating capacity.

Handling an in-flight death requires a delicate balance between medical urgency, operational considerations, and human compassion. While airlines hope never to use these protocols, their existence ensures that even in the most challenging circumstances, dignity and respect prevail at 30,000 feet.

As travelers, understanding these procedures can help alleviate fears and foster appreciation for the complex responsibilities shouldered by airline crews.

While the skies remain one of the safest places to be, it’s comforting to know that even in the rarest and most somber of circumstances, airlines are prepared to handle the situation with professionalism and care.

Source:

1. National Library of Medicine