Couple Forced to Sit Next to Deceased Passenger for 4 Hours During Long-Haul Flight to Italy
A couple’s dream vacation to Italy took a horrifying turn when they were forced to sit next to a dead body for four hours during their flight from Melbourne to Venice. Mitchell Ring and Jennifer Colin, traveling via Doha, Qatar, on a Qatar Airways flight, were on the journey of a lifetime when tragedy struck mid-flight.
The Unthinkable Incident
The couple’s peaceful travel plans turned into an unforgettable nightmare when a woman collapsed in the aisle next to them and passed away during the flight. In an interview with Australia’s “A Current Affair,” Mitchell and Jennifer shared their shock and disbelief as the deceased woman was unceremoniously placed next to them, covered with only a blanket.
Although Jennifer was offered a nearby vacant seat by a compassionate passenger, Mitchell found himself with no such luck. He was asked to move one seat over in his row to allow the deceased woman to occupy his original seat. “There were a few spare seats I could see around us. I can’t believe they told us to stay,” Mitchell recounted, still clearly disturbed by the incident.
No Option to Change Seats
The couple expressed frustration over the airline’s handling of the situation. Despite their obvious distress, they were not offered an opportunity to change their seats for the remainder of the long-haul flight. Jennifer attempted to remain calm, but the experience deeply affected both of them. Mitchell, in particular, was traumatized as medical personnel did not adequately shield the woman’s body, exposing her face when it was time for removal at the end of the flight.
Qatar Airways’ Response and Policies
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the protocol for handling a deceased passenger on board is clear: the body should be placed in a seat “with few other passengers nearby” and covered with a body bag or blanket. Unfortunately, the couple’s experience appeared to deviate from these standards, leaving them emotionally shaken by the situation.
Qatar Airways issued a statement expressing their condolences, stating: “First and foremost our thoughts are with the family of the passenger who sadly passed away on board our flight. We apologise for any inconvenience or distress this incident may have caused, and are in the process of contacting passengers in line with our policies and procedures.”
Continuing the Journey in Italy
Despite the traumatic experience, Mitchell and Jennifer are attempting to make the best of their time in Italy, trying to put the unsettling flight behind them. However, the couple claims they have not been contacted by Qatar Airways, despite numerous attempts to reach the airline for clarification and support.
This incident has raised questions about how airlines handle sensitive situations like these and whether they have the proper protocols in place to ensure passengers’ comfort and dignity in such cases. For Mitchell and Jennifer, what should have been the start of a dream vacation is now a haunting memory they will likely never forget.
