Posted on 05/23/2020 8:22:15 AM PDT by L.A.Justice
Three of the largest airlines in the U.S. may be encouraging — but not enforcing — new policies requiring face coverings for passengers in flight amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to a report.
American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines can deny boarding at the gate to anyone not wearing a face covering, and are providing masks to those without them. The airlines unveiled new policies regarding the requirement of face coverings earlier this month.
But according to the report by Reuters, enforcement inside the plane becomes more lax.
“Once on board and off the gate, the face covering policy becomes more lenient. The flight attendant’s role is informational, not enforcement, with respect to the face covering policy,” American told its pilots in an explanation of its policy, according to Reuters. “A passenger on board your aircraft who is being compliant with the exception of wearing a face covering is NOT considered disruptive enough to trigger a Threat Level 1 response.”
All three airlines have allowed exemptions on their face covering policies for young children and people with medical conditions or disabilities. The policies also do not apply while a passenger is eating or drinking.
American confirmed it requires customers to wear a face covering while on board, but did not disclose whether flight attendants continue to enforce the policy while in flight.
“The safety and well-being of our customers and team members is our highest priority. American, like other U.S. airlines, requires customers to wear a face covering while on board, and this requirement is enforced at the gate while boarding,” a spokesperson said. “We also remind customers with announcements both during boarding and at departure.”
Delta said it has a similar policy.
“Customers are required to wear face coverings beginning in the check-in lobby, and across Delta touchpoints including Delta Sky Clubs, in jet bridges and on board for the duration of the flight – except during the food and beverage service. A face mask is required to begin the boarding process, and also strongly encouraged in high-traffic areas including security lines and restrooms,” a Delta spokesperson said.
United Airlines could not immediately be reached for comment, but a representative for the carrier echoed a similar sentiment to Reuters regarding the enforcement of masks for passengers.
A United spokesperson told the outlet that any non-compliance by travelers would be addressed at the gate and that flight attendants had been counseled to use their “de-escalation skills” on the aircraft. They would also re-seat any passengers as needed.
The International Air Transport Association, a trade group for global airlines, recommended last week that everyone wear masks while on board a flight. The Federal Aviation Administration said it expects airlines to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which has recommended that everyone wear face coverings when in public, but hasn’t mandated such measures.
Unions for airline workers have called for more coordination from the federal government on the issue.
“Airlines are implementing policies on the fly with essentially no coordination or direction from the federal government,” Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, told Reuters. The union represents nearly 50,000 flight attendants at 19 airlines.
“We need federal requirements that mitigate risk during this pandemic and put the safety of crews and the traveling public first.”
I booked a flight for June and I see it’s full if the last 9 available seats get booked. So we will be packed in middle seats. airlines are not looking out for us.
Then wear one. No one is stopping you.
I read something about viruses “hitching rides” on larger particles???? Also that bacteria are larger than viruses...
I bought full head masks. Hulk, Deadpool and Madalorian. I don’t think that’s the masks they want but then again specifics matter.
It’s not worth having their flight attendants get into shouting or wrestling matches with those who’s instinct is to rebel. Besides, the airlines are deep in the red and need the business. Most likely, the indoctrinated passengers will be the ones most upset. Many have been conditioned to feel ‘in great danger’ from unmasked people in their spaces.
I have family members like that. One cousin who takes pride in telling how she yells at people to get out of her safe space.
Has anyone flown Alaska Airlines recently? Just curious about how they’re handling this.
Those cute little pink virus thingies are so smart. They know to back off during food and beverage service.
Living one’s life in fear is so unbecoming. Freedom trumps fear. Be as fearful as you want...just don’t take away others’ freedom because you are afraid of something.
My husband just had to wear one on a flight from Arizona to Louisiana. He was miserable. Hard to watch a movie when your glasses are fogging up.
His next trip to Denver he’s going to drive.
Masks don't protect you from other people.
You could put a paper bag over your head, though. That might do it.
“Living one’s life in fear is so unbecoming. Freedom trumps fear.”
Amen! to that.
I AM NOT A DISEASE!!!!! I am not sick. I am not the plague. Stop looking at me as though I'm going to make you sick because I don't have a mask on. If you are that fragile, STAY HOME!!!!!
If this Wuhu Flu is so deadly, how could people be asymptomatic? I thought it killed EVERYONE!!!!!
What drama queens.
I refuse to live in fear.
Right with you. I used to fly for business a lot. Pre-911 it made sense instead of driving. Post 911, it became a big hassle and to this day, they haven’t found a terrorist.
I will drive where I need to go now. If it isn’t in driving distance, then I don’t need to go there.
Are they going to force young muslim males to wear a mask over their beard?
(muffled) alla snackbar.
Coming to an Airline near you, Mask Class and No Mask Class.
Are the Flight Attendants wiping down the Bathrooms with Bleach every time someone uses them?
My beef with the masks it that I cannot understand what a masked person is saying. I rely on reading lips.
All three airlines have allowed exemptions on their face covering policies for young children and people with medical conditions or disabilities. The policies also do not apply while a passenger is eating or drinking.
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More kabuki mask theater. If this virus were that deadly or turned people into zombies, does one think there would be a time-out to remove your mask for dining?
I bought full head masks. Hulk, Deadpool and Madalorian. I don’t think that’s the masks they want but then again specifics matter.
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The Mandalorian is a nice touch, especially if it comes with a Baby Yoda.
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