Dutch cyclist cheats death twice

In opting for a cheaper flight, not only did Dutch cyclist Maarten de Jonge save a few bucks, he also saved his life.

And it was the second last-minute flight change that led him to cheat death.

He had made last-minute changes to both his flight tickets for MH370 and MH17.

The 29-year-old cyclist, who is a member of the Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG), told Dutch television station RTV Oost that he had to change his MH17 ticket to another date because he wanted to save money by getting a cheaper flight with a layover in Frankfurt, Germany, on Sunday.

In March, Mr de Jonge had boarded a different Malaysia Airlines jet instead of Flight MH370, which disappeared somewhere over the Indian Ocean with 239 people on board. He had changed flights to avoid a transit.

"It's hard to believe. I grieve for the passengers and their families, but I'm grateful that I escaped the flight," RTV Oost quoted him as saying.

He added that he was overwhelmed by the number of responses that he got after news broke out that he changed his flight.

"What happened is terrible, so many victims, that's a horrible thing," he said in a statement.

"I'm glad for myself and my family after these two incidents. But my story is nothing compared to the misery faced by the families in this tragic incident.

"Attention should be paid to these families. I wish everyone affected by this disaster to be strong."

Beijing-bound Flight MH370 with 239 people on board, took off from KL International Airport on March 8 and remains missing.

NO CONCERNS

He told RTV Oost that despite his second brush with death, he plans to take another Malaysia Airlines plane this week and has no concerns for his safety.

"I have been lucky twice, that's the third time as well," de Jonge reportedly said.

"I could have taken that one just as easily," de Jonge said in the RTV Oost interview. "It's inconceivable. I am very sorry for the passengers and their families, yet I am very pleased I'm unharmed."

I'm glad for myself and my family after these two incidents. But my story is nothing compared to the misery faced by the families in this tragic incident.

- Dutch cyclist Maarten de Jonge