Qatar Airways flight diverted after pilot dies onboard

We’ve heard of medical emergencies happening in-flight, but this brings “is there a doctor on board?” to a whole new level. USA Today is reporting that a Qatar Airways pilot died this morning on flight 645 from Manila to Doha, the Qatar Airways hub.

The flight was diverted to Malaysia, where a new crew was secured. The flight arrived in Doha just over four hours after its scheduled arrival.

The pilot’s speculated cause of death was a heart attack, but the airline has yet to confirm the cause of death or if the flight was ever at risk.

The last reported case of a pilot dying in flight happened on a Continental flight from Brussels to Newark in June of 2009.

What a terrifying ordeal. Our thoughts go out to the pilot’s family.

The most over-the-top first class cabins

While most coach flyers would kill for a little extra leg room and a free bag of peanuts, first class passengers are often living the good life with free-flowing drinks and fully-reclining seats. But there are some first class cabins that go beyond simply luxury and begin to cross into the land of excess.

For example, according to a post on Divine Caroline, Singapore Airlines offers its first class passengers Givenchy sleepwear, Ferragamo toiletry kits and personalized turndown service. Jet Airways welcomes passengers into their own private room with a door that shuts for privacy, while on Emirates, they get their very own suite, complete with personal lounge and shower.

On Lufthansa, the VIP service starts before you even board, as a Mercedes Benz chauffeurs you to the plane. Qatar Airways’ first class lounge has a Jacuzzi and full-service spa.

Some airlines turn your seat into a cinema or a four-star restaurant. Qantas Airlines’ first class seats offer a 400-channel entertainment center and an eight-course meal with wine pairings. Seats on Cathay Pacific have built massagers and flight attendants cook each passenger’s breakfast to order.

And here I was just hoping for a good in-flight movie and a few free drinks. . .

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