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Ever wondered what happens when a passenger dies on a plane?

Veteran captain Doug Morris talks about what happens if or when a passenger passes away while on board a flight.

What happens if or when a passenger passes away while on board a flight? Photo: canva

Death on a plane: What’s the protocol?

If you’re one of those people who has at some point wondered what exactly happens when a person dies on board a plane, Veteran Air Canada Dreamliner captain, Doug Morris, is here to enlighten you.

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In his eye-opening book This Is Your Captain Speaking (ECW Press), Morris says that in his 35 years of flying, he only once experienced a passenger passing away mid-flight, reports Daily Mail.

Morris reveals that when it’s suspected that a passenger has died on board, the cabin crew must ‘immediately contact the authorities about a “presumed death on board”’.

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Flight attendants then begin to take care of the body as well as the passengers that were seated next to the deceased flyer.

Morris says that if it is possible and if the flight isn’t full, passengers are displaced or moved. The body is also relocated, if possible.

“The body is covered with a blanket up to the neck, the seat is reclined, eye shades are used, the seat belt is fastened, and pillows are used for padding.” Morris writes in his book.

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It was also revealed that once the plane has landed, flight attendants would have to help disembark other passengers first, as well as make sure that the family members of the deceased stay with the body.

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Sundeeka Mungroo

Sundeeka Mungroo is a content writer, foodie and all-round adventure-seeker. She's a graduate of the University of South Africa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature, and has worked as a copywriter and editor in the digital marketing industry. Sundeeka currently writes for I Love South Africa and The South African. She lives in the beautiful Mother City and loves exploring all that South Africa has to offer.

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