Woman, 33, almost dies on long haul flight and issues urgent warning after revealing symptoms

A 33-year-old woman, Emily, who goes by the username “alwayssingingmom” on TikTok, has shared a harrowing near-death experience she endured during a long-haul flight, urging passengers to take precautions to avoid similar situations. Emily’s story serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of prolonged immobility during air travel.

Emily was on a 13-hour non-stop flight from Toronto to Dubai when she collapsed just two-and-a-half hours before landing. In a viral TikTok video, she explained that she had not left her seat for ten hours before getting up to use the restroom. As she waited for the bathroom, she experienced a sudden, deep, dull chest pain. After coughing three times, she lost consciousness.

“I was waiting for the bathroom and I got this really deep dull aching pain in my chest out of nowhere,” Emily recalled. “I coughed three times and that was the last thing I remember.”

Emily was unconscious for five minutes and suffered a fall that left her with a black eye and bruising on her arm. Fortunately, a doctor and attentive flight attendants were on board to provide immediate care. After the plane landed, medical tests revealed that Emily had suffered a **saddle pulmonary embolism**—a severe and often fatal blood clot that blocks the main pulmonary artery where it branches into both lungs.

According to Healthline, a saddle pulmonary embolism occurs when a large blood clot lodges at the bifurcation of the pulmonary artery, effectively “saddling” both branches. Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, and fever.

Emily’s condition was life-threatening, and doctors described her survival as a “miracle.” She spent six days in the hospital recovering and is now on the mend. Reflecting on her ordeal, Emily issued an urgent warning to travelers: “Please get up and move on your flights. If you are on oestrogen birth control or if you are doing hormone therapy for perimenopause or menopause, please just talk to your doctor.”

The American Society of Hematology highlights that blood clots can form during air travel due to prolonged immobility, especially in cramped spaces with limited legroom. Factors such as oral contraceptive use, pregnancy, and smoking can further increase the risk of developing blood clots.

Emily’s story underscores the importance of staying active during long flights. Simple measures like walking around the cabin, stretching, and staying hydrated can significantly reduce the risk of blood clots. For those with additional risk factors, consulting a doctor before flying is crucial.

Her experience is a sobering reminder that even healthy individuals can face life-threatening situations during air travel, and taking preventive steps can make all the difference.