Mitch and Jenny's vacation took a tragic turn when they were forced to sit next to a deceased passenger on a Qatar Airways flight. The couple shares their harrowing experience and the lack of support from the airlines following the incident.
A recent flight from Melbourne to Venice on Qatar Airways turned into a nightmare for Mitch and Jenny when they found themselves sitting next to a deceased passenger. This tragic incident raises questions about airline protocols and the treatment of passengers in distressing situations.
Mitch and Jenny were enjoying their holiday when a woman tragically collapsed after leaving the bathroom. Mitch recalls, "The staff were there in no time and did a wonderful job trying to revive her, but unfortunately, the lady couldn't be saved." The couple witnessed the heartbreaking scene unfold right beside them.
After the unsuccessful attempts to revive the woman, the crew faced a dilemma. They attempted to move her body using a chair with wheels but struggled due to the woman's size. Ultimately, they placed her next to Mitch, who was left with no choice but to sit beside the corpse for the remaining four hours of the flight.
Jenny described her shock when Mitch informed her they had to move. "I said, are they going to put her there?" Fortunately, a kind passenger offered Jenny a seat next to her, allowing her to sit across the aisle from Mitch for the rest of the flight.
Despite the distressing circumstances, Mitch reported that the cabin crew did not offer him an alternative seat, even though there were empty seats available on the flight. "I know that international guidelines are pretty clear on this... they should move you to another seat with fewer other passengers nearby," he stated.
The couple expressed their disappointment in the airline's handling of the situation. They felt that there should be established protocols for such tragic events to ensure the dignity of the deceased and the comfort of the passengers.
Upon landing, the couple was instructed to remain seated while ambulance officers and police entered the plane. Mitch described the traumatic experience of seeing the deceased woman's face as the officers pulled back the blankets. "The people who have died deserve dignity, and the passengers deserve not to be traumatized," he emphasized.
Since the incident, neither Qatar Airways nor Qantas, through which the flight was booked, reached out to the couple. They have sent several emails seeking support and acknowledgment but have received no response.
Jenny expressed her feelings of neglect, stating, "They have a duty of care to their customers... we should be contacted to make sure we need support or counseling."
Despite the traumatic experience, Mitch and Jenny are determined to enjoy their holiday. Jenny mentioned that her daughter, a mental health nurse, would help them process the incident. "We're going to make it a good holiday," she said, trying to stay positive amidst the distress.
This incident highlights the need for airlines to have clear protocols in place for handling such tragic events. Passengers deserve support and care, especially in distressing situations. As Mitch and Jenny navigate their holiday, they hope for a response from the airlines that acknowledges their experience and offers the support they need.
