Qantas passenger forced to 'marinate' in vomit on Melbourne to Auckland flight
A Qantas passenger has launched a scathing attack on the airline after claiming they were compelled to sit for an extended period in another traveller's vomit during an international flight. The distressing incident unfolded on a journey from Melbourne to Auckland, where the passenger and others were alerted that a fellow flyer was feeling unwell.
Upon taking their seat, the passenger found themselves positioned directly beside the ill individual, who then projectile vomited over them. 'I was directly contaminated, along with the surrounding cabin area,' the passenger recounted in a detailed Reddit post. 'After the incident, I repeatedly asked the cabin manager to be reseated due to the clear biohazard risk and distress.'
Crew response criticised as inappropriate
Instead of moving the affected passenger, the crew relocated the vomiting individual to a clean area, potentially exposing an additional twelve passengers to the risk. Meanwhile, those in the contaminated zone were instructed to remain buckled up. The passenger asserted that Qantas staff only transferred them to a clean spot once other customers began feeling queasy from the overpowering odour.
To their astonishment, the passenger noted an empty row at the rear of the aircraft, occupied solely by a single crew member. 'When I removed my now soaked-through jacket, a crew member said, "don't put it on the chair as I need to sit there later", clearly showing awareness of the contamination risk and in stark contrast to their decision to keep us marinating in the sick passenger's bodily fluid,' they explained.
Qantas admits fault but denies responsibility
Qantas has acknowledged the incident, describing it as distressing and unacceptable, and conceding that the cabin crew's handling was inappropriate. In an email to the passenger, the airline stated, 'Please accept our sincere apologies for the distressing and unacceptable situation you encountered. We acknowledge the inconvenience and loss you experienced as a result of having to dispose of multiple contaminated personal items, as well as the additional parking expenses incurred due to deplaning.'
However, Qantas has subsequently refused the passenger's request for reimbursement, arguing that the cause was 'outside Qantas' control'. The airline emphasised, 'We have escalated your request for further review however the outcome remains unchanged. We are unable to offer reimbursement, as the cause is considered to be outside of Qantas' control.'
The passenger responded, 'I am not alleging Qantas caused the illness, but genuinely questioning whether this crew response was appropriate.' Ultimately, unable to tolerate the stench any longer, the passenger decided to disembark the plane before discarding their vomit-soaked clothing.
Social media backlash against Qantas
Fellow social media users have vehemently criticised the airline's handling of the situation. One commenter wrote, 'That's disgusting. While they're not responsible for the passenger spewing, their total apathy over other customers impacted is wild.' Another added, 'That is absolutely foul and horrific. I would have been furious after the fact, and disgusted during.'
A third user lamented, 'It (Qantas) used to be a pillar of Australia and instilled a sense of pride, now it instils anger, embarrassment, and disappointment. All of this on a global stage.' The Daily Mail has contacted Qantas for further comment on the matter.
