Death On Board: What Happens When Someone Dies on a Plane?

What happens when someone dies on a plane?

Whether you fly often, work in the skies or are simply curious, it’s something many people never think about, yet every airline has to be prepared for it.

Before we talk about what actually happens in a situation like this, it’s worth knowing that deaths on board are extremely rare. Still, it’s a possibility, and knowing how it's handled can offer some reassurance.

Cabin crew are trained to deal with medical emergencies of all kinds. While they might quietly hope never to face a situation like this, they do know exactly what to do if it happens.

In most cases, medical incidents on flights involve things like nausea, fainting, breathing problems or heart issues. While serious, these don’t usually result in death. It’s good to remember that the vast majority of in-flight medical events are resolved without becoming life-threatening.

How common are mid-flight deaths?

Mid-flight deaths are extremely rare but they do happen. According to the CDC, medical emergencies occur on roughly 1 in every 600 commercial flights. Out of those, only around 0.3% to 0.5% result in death.

In other words, while it’s not unusual for someone to fall ill on a flight, it’s very unlikely to be fatal.

Certain factors can increase the risk:

• Long-haul flights, where passengers are seated for extended periods
• Pre-existing health conditions or older age
• Lack of access to immediate medical help or a professional on board

In some cases, deaths are entirely unexpected. In others, a traveller may knowingly fly while seriously ill. Terminally ill passengers sometimes choose to fly, often to reunite with family, and airlines may approve this as a compassionate gesture. However:

• The pressurised, low-oxygen cabin can worsen symptoms
• Airlines may deny boarding if a passenger is too unwell to travel safely

Crew members are statistically more likely to encounter a fatality when working on wide-body aircraft operating long-haul routes. These flights carry more people and offer fewer chances to divert in an emergency. A mid-flight death is still incredibly rare but more likely than a birth.

Each airline has its own procedure for managing serious in-flight medical events, including those that result in death.

What do cabin crew do when a medical emergency turns fatal?

When a medical emergency occurs in the air, cabin crew act quickly, following a set of procedures designed to manage the situation with care, professionalism and compassion.

Here’s what typically happens:

• Initial assessment and CPR: The crew first check whether the passenger is responsive and begin CPR if necessary. They’ll use onboard medical kits and may ask for help from any trained medical professionals who are flying as passengers.
• Informing the captain: As soon as the emergency is identified, the captain is notified. They’ll decide whether to request priority landing, though most airlines do not divert solely for a confirmed death unless there are additional complications.
• Handling a fatality with discretion: If a passenger is pronounced dead mid-flight, the crew will move the body to a more discreet location if possible, such as an empty row, then secure them with a seatbelt and cover them with a blanket.

In most cases, there’s little else that can be done until the plane lands. While procedures vary slightly between airlines, the focus is always on:

• Maintaining dignity for the deceased
• Minimising distress to other passengers
• Keeping communication respectful and calm

Cabin crew are trained not just in medical response, but also in how to handle sensitive situations like this with empathy. They may check in with nearby passengers and offer support if the event was visible or particularly upsetting.

How airlines determine whether to continue to the destination or divert

When a medical emergency turns fatal during a flight, the crew must decide whether to continue to the scheduled destination or divert to the nearest suitable airport. This decision isn’t taken lightly - it's based on several key factors, and always in line with international aviation safety protocols.

1. Medical confirmation of death

One of the first questions that needs answering is whether the passenger has officially been declared dead. While cabin crew are trained to respond to emergencies, using CPR and onboard medical kits including a defibrillator, only a qualified medical professional on the ground has the legal authority to confirm a death.

If there’s a doctor or medical worker on board, they may help assess the situation, but the crew will still need to follow standard procedure.

2. Advice from ground-based medical experts

Many airlines use services like MedAire or Stat-MD - specialist teams that offer real-time medical advice from the ground. These experts guide the crew through what to do next and their input often influences whether a diversion is recommended.

3. Proximity to a diversion airport

The captain considers:

• Whether the aircraft is closer to its final destination or to a diversion airport
• If that airport is equipped to handle medical or mortuary procedures
• How quickly emergency services can meet the flight on landing

In some cases, continuing may be the safer or faster option, especially if the passenger has already passed and there's no medical intervention that can change the outcome.

4. Operational and logistical factors

There are also practical challenges to diverting:

• Fuel levels and burn rate
• Air traffic control permissions
• Whether the diversion airport has the right support services available

Not all airports are set up to process a fatality in-flight, so the destination airport may still be the most appropriate choice.

Do's and don'ts when there has been an onboard death

A death mid-flight can be emotionally difficult for everyone on board. Airlines have clear procedures for situations like this and cabin crew are trained to handle them with professionalism and care. If you ever find yourself on a flight where this occurs, here are a few things to keep in mind:

✅ Do

• Stay calm and listen to crew instructions. The crew will handle the situation with care. Following their guidance helps everyone stay safe.
• Offer help if you're medically trained. If you're a doctor, nurse or first responder, let the crew know discreetly.
• Be patient with delays or diversions. The flight may be rerouted or slowed as the crew manages the situation.

🚫 Don’t

• Panic or create unnecessary alarm. Staying composed helps others do the same, especially nearby passengers or children.
• Interfere with crew efforts. Even with the best intentions, giving unsolicited help can cause confusion during a medical emergency.
• Make demands about flight schedules. Decisions about diversions or delays are made for safety and legal reasons, not convenience.

What happens when the plane lands?

Once the flight touches down, all passengers will disembark first, except for the deceased and any travel companion(s). This gives medical teams, airport officials and relevant authorities space to step in and manage the situation appropriately. The focus at this stage is on maintaining dignity and handling everything with care and respect.

For everyone else on board:

• If the flight continues to its original destination, you’ll leave the aircraft as usual
• If the flight was diverted, the airline will provide updates and guide you on next steps, including onward travel arrangements

In some cases, passengers may be eligible for compensation or rebooking support. If your plans are affected:

• Speak directly with the airline to arrange a new flight
• Check your travel protection policy to see if you can make a claim

While these situations are rare, airlines aim to manage them with both sensitivity and efficiency.

💡If you booked your flight with Alternative Airlines and require help with rebooking, get in touch. We'll be happy to assist you!

Tips for nervous flyers

If you feel uneasy about flying, you’re far from alone. In fact, fear of flying, also known as aerophobia, is one of the most common phobias in the world.

Reading about what happens during rare and serious situations, like medical emergencies in the air, can sometimes offer peace of mind. The more you understand about how airlines handle emergencies, the more in control you may feel.

If you’re looking for ways to ease anxiety while flying, here are a few things that might help:

• Talk to your GP or healthcare provider about fear of flying - they may offer advice or suggest short-term treatment
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol before boarding, as both can heighten anxiety
• Bring distractions you enjoy like music, podcasts, or puzzles to keep your mind engaged

At Alternative Airlines, we work with over 600 airlines around the world, so if you’re a nervous flyer, you can filter your options and choose one that suits your comfort levels. From picking a shorter route to a quieter cabin, or flying with an airline known for excellent service, we’re here to help you feel more confident about your journey!