Introduction

Commercial airplanes have been misconstrued with various instances, and one of the most intriguing topics is the presence of a 'dead body container' aboard these flying machines. This article aims to dispel common myths and provide accurate information about how human remains are transported on airplanes, based on airline policies, regulations, and personal accounts.

Myth 1: There is a Dead Body Container Inside an Airplane

One common myth is that airplanes have designated chambers specifically for storing deceased passengers. While some individuals firmly believe this to be true, the reality is quite different.

Fact: Human remains are generally transported within the cargo hold, not in a dedicated container or compartment. They are often transported wrapped in body bags or cremation urns, and placed in the unpressurized bulk cargo hold located at the rear of the aircraft. This area is separated from the passenger cabin by airtight bulkheads and cargo nets to ensure safety and prevent any unwanted disturbances.

Myth 2: The Body Moves During Flight

Airline crew and passengers often tell stories about deceased bodies moving during flight, supposedly due to expanding gases. However, these tales are generally urban legends.

Fact: While it’s true that expanding gases from a decomposing body can cause movement within the body bag, this is a rare occurrence. Most flights transport bodies in well-packed and secure containers, minimizing any potential discomfort or disturbance to other passengers. Commercial pilots and flight attendants are trained to handle such delicate situations with utmost care and professionalism.

Myth 3: Pilots and Flight Attendants Are Often Aware of Deceased Passengers

Many people believe that pilots and flight attendants are regularly informed about deceased passengers on their flights. In reality, this is not always the case.

Fact: The cargo hold where human remains are transported is generally not pressurized and is separated from the passenger cabin. Therefore, most passengers are unaware of the presence of deceased individuals. Flight personnel are typically only informed about the presence of human remains before the flight via documents such as the NOTOC (Notice of the Carriage of Human Remains). This notification allows the crew to prepare for any emergencies that may arise, but does not interfere with the regular operation of the flight.

Regulations and Procedures

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), human remains must be transported in compliant containers that meet specific size, weight, and packaging requirements to ensure safety and comply with health and safety regulations.

Regulations: Containers must be sturdy and watertight. They should be marked with distinctive identification to prevent confusion with other cargo. A complete list of the contents, including the name, date of birth, and any attachments like cremation urns, must be provided. Loose remains or ashes should be placed in a sturdy, secure container. These regulations are strictly enforced to ensure that the transportation of human remains is handled with the utmost dignity and care, while also prioritizing the safety of the flight.

Personal Accounts

While some personal accounts suggest that the transportation of human remains is a common and almost routine occurrence in the aviation industry, most airlines maintain that the process is handled discreetly and efficiently.

Account 1: "Years ago, my friend who flew small aircraft for a living told me he had transported bodies from smaller towns to larger ones for funerals, using body bags instead of coffins. On one flight, he said he heard a rustling noise in the cargo hold, which turned out to be a moving body bag. The expanding gases from the decomposing body caused the bag to move, he claimed. While this story may be intriguing, it is not a common occurrence and is more likely an urban legend.

Account 2: I have never personally seen a dedicated dead body container on an aircraft, though I did participate in a flight that carried a deceased person. The container was a simple casket packed in a body bag and loaded into the cargo hold by airline ground staff. The only difference was the NOTOC (Notice of the Carriage of Human Remains) document provided to the pilots, indicating the safety measures required in case of emergencies.

Conclusion

The transportation of human remains on airplanes is a well-regulated and professional process. While there are occasional urban legends and myths surrounding these procedures, the reality is that the transport is handled with utmost discretion and care, ensuring the dignity and respect of the deceased and the safety of all passengers.