I’m wiling to stipulate that the man removed from an American Airlines flight for failing to wear a mask was a selfish jerk. But I’m also not amused by the flight attendant interrogation of the passenger, which escalated the situation.
Man Ejected From American Airlines Flight For Refusing To Wear Face Mask
You’ll notice that I am not going to name him, here. He deserves no more attention. If you want to find out more about him, One Mile At A Time has nicely profiled him. Instead, I’ll summarize what happened.
- The man was on an American Airlines flight and refused to wear a mask
- A flight attendant asked him if he had a medical condition preventing him from wearing a mask
- He said yes
- She asked if he had “a medical certificate or documentation from a doctor or a letter”
- She then informed him that if he did not want to wear a mask, he could take a corporate jet
The passenger later took to Twitter to tell his version of the events, claiming the conversation went down like this:
Flight Attendant: Excuse me, sir, do you have a condition that prevents you from wearing a mask?
Me: Yes.
Flight Attendant: May I ask what that is?
Me: Sanity.
It did not. In case you don’t want to take my word for it, a passenger (who happened to be a New York Times reporter) captured the incident on audio:
— Steadman™ (@AsteadWesley) June 17, 2020
Interestingly, there was also a passenger who seemed to stand up for him, telling the flight attendant he did not need to wear a mask because he was from China, then starting to lecture the flight attendant on respect before he was interrupted.
Of Course He Was A Jerk
The government does not mandate that passengers wear masks on airplanes. In fact, the Department of Transportation has specifically rejected calls to make this mandatory. Instead, this is a business decision of a private company. Don’t like it? Don’t fly commercial.
The man claims he is a free-market conservative, yet betrays that movement through his childish antics.
Flight Attendant Conduct Raises Concerns
But I was not amused by the flight attendant’s action. While I understand the “medical” loophole is a huge one, a loophole that will be abused just like the people who abuse airline emotional support animal polices, it is not a flight attendant’s job to be a medical examiner.
She crossed a line when she demanded the passenger produce proof he had a medical condition.
One Mile At A Time says:
“American Airlines: please don’t get this lady in trouble. Give her a raise. Put her in charge of the American Airlines Coronavirus Mask Force.”
I’m not calling for her ouster, to be sure, but she need to be called out as well for probing too much. That is not what she has been trained to do and her actions constitute an unreasonable invasion of privacy.
I’ve written about my own medical condition before (that does not prohibit me from wearing masks, by the way). You cannot see this illness at all. You would never know by looking at me that I cannot tolerate the sun. People should not have to divulge sensitive info and “prove” they have a medical issue.
And yes, people should also be honest…
CONCLUSION
Remember what I wrote a few days ago about masks?
“This policy is geared toward passengers who want to make a point–usually a political point–by not wearing masks.”
And here, the man just wanted to make a political point…
But when he evoked the medical exception, the flight attendant should have just left him alone. It’s why United’s new policy may be passive aggressive, but makes more sense.
image: American Airlines
Listening to this raises my blood pressure. I see both sides of it — the need to follow simple instructions and regulations promulgated by the airline, but also the insanity of the PPE “theater” which has questionable effectiveness but produces no shortage of entitled, virtue-signaling a*holes like that woman passenger who yelled in the background.
So I guess he has to wear the mask for taxi and takeoff, but if he is served his plastic cup of diet coke he can remove his mask? How does this make any sense?
Well said.
Out of curiosity, were the passengers spaced 6ft apart? Scientific tests after tests have proven masks to be ineffective at less than 5ft distance… the mask limit droplets from 18 ft to 5 ft. airlines seem to want to pick and choose which measures to enforce…
The jerk was rightly thrown off the plane. There is no excuse for being an inconsiderate idiot. There are precedents for the medical issue.. having a written document signed by your doctor and presentable to the captain if necessary.
I think the flight attendant should get a raise! If airlines let passengers off the hook just on their word, everyone will say they have a “condition” just so they don’t have to be bothered. A medical certificate does not have to state a specific illness, but if it is a legitimate concern, an MD could provide an official statement exempting his patient from the policy.
No they can’t ask for a note,it’s called the hippa law and we do not need to say what our condition is
100% they should ask for medical certification for an exemption. HIPPA only covers health care providers as custodians of medical data – other businesses are 100% in the right to require documentation. This applies to other businesses like grocery stores as well.
Tough call. I have witnessed an American Airlines flight attendant act like a b____ to a passenger and berate him over the P.A. It was not warranted. She was either mad at the world, insecure, or both.
Get a clue sheep.nothing more than goverment control.If your so frightened of getting the virus than you stay home and cover up.Let the reasonable people make up their own common sence minds.
Failure to comply with crew member instructions is grounds for removal, despite how you feel about the attendant doing their job. They are required to remind everyone equally of the appropriate mask policy. Him putting on a mask and giving them a thumbs up would have saved his “sanity” and ability to fly.
People still say sheep unironically? You are so edgy and brave while sacrificing others and what’s left of your humanity. I don’t wear a mask because I’m afraid, edgelord.
I totally 1 billion % agree.mask wearing is utterly ridiculous and the fact that everyone doesnt think so scares the shit out of me.What kind of world is this now? A ridiculous fear-based society hiding from a virus with an 87+ % survival rate. Its all nuts.
Sorry but the flight attendant was 100% correct.
of course it makes sense – during boarding is when he is most likely to come in contact with somebody else. Briefly taking the mask down to take a sip or a bite is unlikely to cause huge dispersion of the virus. And, it’s a lot to ask everybody to keep a mask on for hours and hours.
Keeping a mask on during the moments in the day when contact between people is at its highest, will have a huge impact on transmission.
Masks do not provide total protection, perhaps not even a huge amount of protection to the wearer, but they provide some amount of protection statistically when everyone wears them. A single virus is incredibly unlikely to make you sick (since only one virus out of several hundred is active–able to function), but hundreds or thousands of viruses likely will — so reducing the “viral load” is the point. this selfish person is receiving the benefit of everybody else wearing a mask.
If we had all worn masks since February, there would have never had to be a lockdown, and life would be quite normal right now. Instead, we were told to not wear masks, and I heard what was perhaps the stupidest thing any government official has ever said (“stop wearing masks!”)
As for a flight attendant being allowed to question these bogus medical claims – of course they can. They can do so regarding emotional support animals too, even though those are less of a health hazard.
If you really don’t like it, don’t fly or fly a different airline.
You are delusional. My whole family in North Carolina had covid in January. The disease was around the world twice by then, masks would have changed nothing. Thinking that this thing will just go away is crazy.
From your own reporting the flight attendant asked him if he had a medical condition, his misguided notion that he can disregard the rules caused this issue. When he was asked about having a qualifying condition and answered yes it opened the door for additional questions.
She asked him if had any documentation to support his assertion. She didn’t ask what the condition is, violated no privacy laws. She made no medical decisions, nor ask him any medical questions. At the end of the day the passenger however did not comply crew instructions and we all know that usually doesn’t end well.
Right on JT, if you give a BS statement, saying you have a medical reason, and don’t have a document, he should be asked to show it. If he had one then allowed to continue on the flight. Otherwise he got what he deserves. Flight attendant did nothing wrong.
Actually, we are not allowed to question emotionally support animals.
Flight attendant, 4 years.
Your airline policy my not allow it but the government does allow it and allows for you to request documents for emotional support animals. Many airlines treat them the same as service animals to avoid training you on the different laws.
Airline Captain 20+ years.
Well said.. just look at some Asian countries where people started wearing masks early on (some people did even before because of flu or pollution). Much lower number of infections and mortality.
It’s easy to do and doesn’t hurt..
I thought they stopped serving drinks and snacks on flights now because of COVID-19.
“May I ask what that is?”
On what planet is that “demanding” anything? Project much???
The air on an aircraft is exchanged every 2 minutes. No one is dying from wearing a mask but people are dying from unnecessary exposure to a deadly virus.
This is crap. I just took two flights on American Airlines and people won’t wear the masks. The Flight Attendant was right!!! Why should the whole plane suffer? Provide your documentation before you board!! I have family that work for tbe airlines. This whole narrative is insulting. So…..One Mile At A Time is right! Why are the anti mask people so angry. Why is science politics? It makes no sense. So, go maskless on a corporate jet!
Although is NOT our job to question the medical condition itself, we can request official documents for the exemption. WE HAVE FAMILIES TOO, IT IS OUR HEALTH & SAFETY AS WELL, that is at risk. We were deemed essential employees, and we too, deserve respect, consideration & safety. Airlines are PRIVATE corporations and just as bakery has the right to denied services to homosexuals based on their religious beliefs; airlines have the right to denied boarding for the SAFETY & health of their employees and customers. It is interesting how you want to manipulate facts depending on how convenient they are for you. It is sickening how everyone always goes after the flight attendants, we are only trying to keep everyone safe. As a society we just need to stop behaving like children and stop throwing fits every time we are not allowed to get away with what3we want. SOMETIMES SOMEONE WILL TELL YOU “NO”….
“But when he evoked the medical exception, the flight attendant should have just left him alone.”
You has me until this. Nope. Her job is to see to the protection of all passengers not just the one guy who wants to be a jerk and uses the air everyone else breathes to make his sarcastic political point. That’s what blogs are for.
I was referring specifically to AA telling flight attendants not to probe passengers about medical conditions.
There is no law that says you can’t be a self-centered f****d up little asshole.
My son is going through chemo right now. He has no immune system. RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF A PANDEMIC.
So here’s a resounding F*** YOU to all non-mask-wearing pieces of s***!
And you Matthew are also one of those pieces of sh*** for tell us no one has the right to challenge them.
Watch your filthy language or you will be banned. You can make your point without such coarse language.
(Editor’s Note – I edited the swear words with asterisks)
Have you had the opportunity to watch your child slowly die?
I refuse to apologize for being angry at the way this country has dealt with this pandemic. Go ahead and ban me. That will definitely solve all of our problems.
BTW, I did not check that box just above the submit button.
But I am angry too. Read this:
https://liveandletsfly.com/demand-travel-accountability/
The USA totally screwed up its COVID-19 response.
And I cannot begin to put myself in your shoes concerning the loss of your child. I can only say that my heart aches even sensing your pain in these two comments.
But how do we move forward as a people and as a nation by cursing each other out?
“But how do we move forward as a people and as a nation by cursing each other out?”
You can start by not chewing out the FA for calling out that dude on his BS. You just encourage him and his brethren in spirit.
This industry that you love (and I know you since I’ve been reading this blog for a couple of years (I love it too. That’s why I’m here)) will not rebound until enough of us feel safe to fly again. That dude and your post doesn’t help anybody to feel safe.
I’m not getting on a plane anytime soon.
Please ban Miles from your site.
AAL has every right to put in place a policy to prevent the spread of COVID – 19. The flight attendant was doing exactly what she was told to do by her company. This guy was also questioned by the gate agent as to any conditions. This guy knew that and was required to wear a mask while boarding like every other passenger. The airline had parameters in place. If this guy had a mepical condition, had paperwork to prove it there would not have been an altercation.
And BTW, no diet coke or any other drinks, are being served on board. Only bottles of water.
Comply with polocies or don’t fly commrcial. period..
Sorry, you are dead wrong bon this. She asked politely- he gave a flippant response. 100% on him.
But you understand my point, I hope, namely that she was not supposed to ask for evidence.
Yes Matthew, we get you point. If you don’t want to follow the rules just use the magic incantation “Medical Condition.”
That’s how we ended up with Emotional Support Turkeys on planes.
While I agree that there is a certain sensitivity required when asking a person of their medical condition, a hyper sensitivity to sunlight does not risk the health and lives of other passengers.
I feel that when a deadly, contagious disease that can be spread by spittle droplets is rampant, then it is not out of line to ask for validation of a condition that might warrant the safety of the other passengers: And she was right in doing so.
It would seem that his only noticeable conditions were entitlement, and a case of you-can’t-tell-me-what-to-do-itis.
Yes, but where does the line stop? Personally, I’d prefer it if it did so at the point a passenger claims medical condition as the reason for declining the mask. Anything beyond that is intrusive and unnecessary.
I’d be more concerned about the guy taking the video: keeps touching his face, rubbing his eyes, and is wearing a primitive mask that affords very little protection.
You say that you were not “assumed” by the flight attendant’s action. Do you mean “amused”?
Correct.
When the jerk owns his own airline he can set his own rules.
He should indeed fly private or stay home if he is unwilling to wear a mask.
The people who are afraid to leave their homes without a mask, Are the people that should stay home!!!
Leon, people who are afraid of masks should be locked up for society’s safety.
Businesses have been setting dress codes for decades. Restaurants in casual beach communities, for instance, often offer some variation of “no shirt, no shoes, no service.” Air carriers, while occasionally stepping in it for imposing sexist decency standards on female customers that never seem to be addressed for male flyers, have every right to adjust their dress codes to make commercial aviation as safe as possible today. To tell all customers that, as a condition of carriage, they must be clothed so as to completely cover their buttocks, genitalia, chest nose and mouth is not unreasonable and should not be controversial.
Im a flight attendant for a regional airline. I have to agree, if the facts are true, what this particular flight attendant did is, in my opinion, highly questionable. However, I must state, passengers constantly attempt to push every single button. Flying, like driving, is a privilege, not a right. And simply being asked to wear a mask, not only for your safety but also for the safety of those around you, isn’t asking much. It’s no different than being asked to fasten your seat belt or stow your luggage. It’s far more difficult to break the rules than to simply comply, even if it’s mildly uncomfortable.
Well, as. 25 year FA, I can tell you I have absolutely had to deal with dress code issues with men. Usually shirts with inappropriate language or pictures and a few who thought short shorts with no underwear and spreading their legs or putting their feet up on the front wall with their Johnson peeking out was a good idea. And PS, we can ask for documentation for medical conditions as well as emotional support animals.
His right to make a political point should end when it encroaches on my right to stay alive. One of the many reasons I won’t be getting on an airplane anytime soon is selfish morons like this.
Relax Ron. You’re not going to die.
Although is NOT our job to question the medical condition itself, we can request official documents for the exemption. WE HAVE FAMILIES TOO, IT IS OUR HEALTH & SAFETY AS WELL, that is at risk. We were deemed essential employees, and we too, deserve respect, consideration & safety. Airlines are PRIVATE corporations and just as bakery has the right to denied services to homosexuals based on their religious beliefs; airlines have the right to denied boarding for the SAFETY & health of their employees and customers. It is interesting how you want to manipulate facts depending on how convenient they are for you. It is sickening how everyone always goes after the flight attendants, we are only trying to keep everyone safe. As a society we just need to stop behaving like children and stop throwing fits every time we are not allowed to get away with whatever we want. SOMETIMES SOMEONE WILL TELL YOU “NO”….
Hey Ron, then I hope I can count upon you to oppose abortion. Or are you a “selfish moron” who does not believe a human being with a beating heart, pulsating lungs, and growing brain has a “right to stay alive”?
The passenger (ME) was making a point. These f***ing posers talk about protecting life, talk about BLM, talk about providing a safety net, but support the slaughter of millions of baby each year merely because of their stage of development. Because they cannot speak for themselves. Over 62 million since 1973 and you want to talk about COVID-19? Talk about genocide.
You are all so f***ed up, you horrible people. Hypocrites.
You can’t kill something that hasn’t been born yet, therefore aborting a fetus doesn’t count as genocide.
Also, you might want to look up the actual meaning of genocide, hon.
Also also, why isn’t Matthew admonishing this post and threatening to ban this person for their language?
I don’t care if asterisks or other characters are used. I warn if I have to clean it up, like I did above with Miles. You can swear away through symbols, though I don’t think it is very constructive or mature.
Hey Aaron, you think geography determines whether someone is a person or not? You think a fetus, let alone a viable human just waiting to exit the womb can be slaughtered because the mother decides to? You are the enemy. You are the problem. Genocide is exactly the right word. Abortion is the systematic killing of a certain group of people; the vulnerable who are unable to speak for or defend themselves. You deem them sub-human because of their stage of development. Should the sick, mentally handicapped and aged who also cannot speak for themselves suffer the same fate? Kill them for convenience since they are deemed a blight on society? Of course that is why the racists who advocated for eugenics also advocated for abortion. Look at yourself in the mirror. Wake up. You really think human life can be destroyed based upon the artificial distinction of being attached to an umbilical chord or being on the other side of the birth canal? I’m so mad at Roberts and Gorsuch, but I hope they come down on the right side of history and throw out Roe. That will be the start of a truly positive revolution in this f***ed up country.
Sorry, cupcake, but the a fetus which, as I said, has not been born, so therefore, cannot be killed. Not sure what that has to do with geography, unless you consider the womb a location of sorts? I am confused.
“You think a fetus, let alone a viable human just waiting to exit the womb can be slaughtered because the mother decides to?”
Yes, as it is a fetus and the mother’s choice.
“Abortion is the systematic killing of a certain group of people; the vulnerable who are unable to speak for or defend themselves.”
Nope, not killing, since as said, you can’t kill something that hasn’t been born yet. So nothing like genocide.
“Should the sick, mentally handicapped and aged who also cannot speak for themselves suffer the same fate?”
No, because they are actual, honest-to-goodness, living being? Unlike a fetus.
“Of course that is why the racists who advocated for eugenics also advocated for abortion.”
What a stupid implied comparison to make. And not completely true, but nice try attempting to relate people who are pro-abortion and racists, even though you failed spectacularly.
“I’m so mad at Roberts and Gorsuch, but I hope they come down on the right side of history and uphold Roe.”
Fixed it for you.
Aaron, why do you get to determine when life begins with your arbitrary distinction of birth? I’m calling BS and reject your OPINION. I also reject the idea that a mother can kill her unborn child just because the baby is inside, not outside the womb. Think about it, Aaron. That is such an irrational distinction. Are you really saying a baby that can survive outside the womb can be killed just because of its geographic position? Or do you believe abortion should only be legal prior to viability?
Are you really saying that a fetus is not a “living being”? Are you stupid or is your definition of life just stupidly narrow? In either case, science is showing us how much fetus and even embryos truly are living beings. The idea that it is not “killing” because the baby hasn’t been born yet is like saying we can kill this old man here because he’s in a coma and cannot speak for himself. What is “actual” and “honest” is your own construct Aaron, not a universal value. That’s why there is no peace over this issue…and there never will be.
And please do some research if you do not want to take my word on the horrific historical connection between racist eugenics and abortion. Start with Margaret Sanger and the origins of Planned Parenthood. Racist butchers.
If you want to continue this dialogue, please tell me what limits, if any, the government may place on abortion.
I am not surprised. AA’s FA is the worst
And the guy was a jerk. Period. That’s where your story should end. The airline and flight attendant were correct. As you pointed out, don’t like it, don’t fly or better yet charter your own jet.
It’s not unreasonable to expect people to carry a letter or information stating they have a medical condition without disclosing the nature of the condition. I do this all the time for my patients. “Xxxx has a medical condition that prevents them from doing YYyy.” A letter does not necessarily have to reveal sensitive info. So I side with the FA.
Again, fine, but airlines have told FAs not to ask. Why are they asking?
Because clearly some selfish portion of their passengers are, in bad faith, claiming to have medical conditions that they don’t really have… I’m not sure why this is so hard for you. You want to Polyanna-ishly believe that everyone should be truthful and behave properly, when a lifetime of experience should tell you that they don’t. As your life been so blessed that you don’t see that?
Ummm, your example of sun-intolerance (I would assume “skin sensitivity”?) is false equivalence.
Whether or not you have that condition is immaterial: you don’t cause issues *for others*. Your special treatment (e.g. sitting in the shade) doesn’t cost extra. You don’t increase the risk of others catching deadly disease(s).
Not wearing mask is different. When a person refuses (for legitimate reasons, of course), that person is imposing cost upon the rest of the airplane. If nothing else, they are causing distresses. Their action probably will be captured on social media, costing the airplane PR and goodwill. As such, they must prove that their accommodation is required. I am sorry, why is your privacy more important than my emotional distress?
(side note: as I write, I realize that sometimes even your condition may need a doctor paper; let’s say you are going to the beach, because it’s mandatory, and there is exactly 1 umbrella to be had; you and I both have the same condition; if I had the paper and you didn’t, of course I would get the umbrella; what should it be otherwise?)
It should be noted that the FA would also be required to keep your condition private. However, being responsible for the safety (physical, health, and emotional) of the entire airplane, the FAs are entitled to see proof of whatever you claim if your accommodation would put the airplane at risk.
I don’t disagree with you in theory. But airlines have specifically instructed/trained flight attendants not to probe and I don’t think it is up to a FA to determine whether a passenger has a legitimate medical condition or not. If he forged a paper, like the emotional support animal people do, would the result be any different? Wouldn’t the same risk exist?
I have no intention of flying commercial flights until this mask nightmare and the arrogant “peoples army” virtuous signaling mob are finished. No he was and is not a jerk.
Disagree with this point. He had multiple opportunities to raise his medical issue before boarding, but waited until the end when he was confronted. I’m sure there were signs at the airport, and it was mentioned before he boarded that he needs to wear a mask. Probably emailed to him ahead of time. At this point in time, I don’t believe he would have forgotten we are in the middle of a pandemic.
The flight attendant has an absolute right to apply pressure, as if I saw an airline allowing people to fly without masks, it would make me question their safety.
Agree
Sorry Matthew. Got to disagree with you here. I bet the guy’s mannerisms beforehand signaled to the FA that he was going to give her trouble. I wish flight crews would be more aggressive in removing jerks from planes. Maybe some of these jerks would start to realize the world does not revolve around them. It is also incredible to me how many responses to this issue deny the effectiveness of masks. I laugh when people bring up “free speech” as a reason to shout their opinions to the heavens. The Constitution only prohibits the government from stifling your speech. Your boss, your airline, your fast food restaurant can deny you free speech as much as they like.
I want to cover 3 things
• N95 masks and masks with exhale ports
• surgical masks
• filter or cloth masks
Okay so upon further inspection OSHA says some masks are okay and not okay in certain situations.
If you’re working with fumes and aerosol chemicals and you give your employees the wrong masks and they get sick you can be sued.
• N95 masks: are designed for CONTAMINATED environments. That means when you exhale through N95 the design is that you are exhaling into contamination. The exhale from N95 masks are vented to breath straight out without filtration. They don’t filter the air on the way out. They don’t need to.
Conclusion: if you’re in Stewart’s and the guy with Covid has N95 mask his covid breath is unfiltered being exhaled into Stewart’s (because it was designed for already contaminated environments, it’s not filtering your air on the way out)
• Surgical Mask: these masks were designed and approved for STERILE environments. The amount of particles and contaminants in the outside and indoor environments where people are CLOGG these masks very Very quickly. The moisture from your breath combined with the clogged mask with render it “useless” IF you come in contact with Covid and your mask traps it You become a walking virus dispenser. Everytime you put your mask on you are breathing the germs from EVERYWHERE you went. They should be changed or thrown out every “20-30 minutes in a non sterile environment”
Cloth masks: today three people pointed to their masks as the walked by me entering Lowe’s. They said “ya gotta wear your mask BRO” I said very clearly “those masks don’t work bro, in fact they MAKE you sicker” the “pshh’d” me.
By now hopefully you all know CLOTH masks do not filter anything. You mean the American flag one my aunt made? Yes. The one with sunflowers that looks so cute? Yes. The bandanna, the cut up t-shirt, the scarf ALL of them offer NO FILTERING whatsoever. As you exhale you are ridding your lungs of contaminants and carbon dioxide. Cloth masks trap this carbon dioxide the best. It actually risks health. The moisture caught in these masks can become mildew ridden over night. Dry coughing, enhanced allergies, sore throat are all symptoms of a micro-mold in your mask.
Ultimate Answer: N95 blows the virus into the air from a contaminated person.
The surgical mask is not designed for the outside world and will not filter the virus upon inhaling through it. It’s filtration works on the exhale. (Like a vacuum bag it only works one way)
Cloth masks are WORSE than none.
The CDC wants us to keep wearing masks. The masks don’t work.
*Occupational Safety & Hazard Association sited.
The top American organization for safety.
They regulate and educate asbestos workers, surgical rooms, you name it.
If your mask gives you security wear it, just know it is a false sense of security.
If companies stopped enforcing it no one would continue this nonsense.
There is so much to wrong in this post that one should have to sign a waiver to read it
Do your research then. Although it’s incomplete it is the most intelligent post on this blog thus far
Thank you! Finally someone who gets it. I shouldn’t have to make myself sick to appease people who choose to believe everything they’re spoon fed. Masks are a false sense of security. People who are so afraid of being out in the world should limit their exposure by staying home. The rest of us can go on with life. We were given an immune system for a reason. Take care of it and it will protect you far more than some dirty old mask will. Now, if you’re looking for a nice dose of carbon dioxide those masks will give you that and that will make you sick.
And for those of you who scream “crazy conservative”. Wrong. This topic has nothing to do with politics. It is logic and common sense and actual science. Written by someone who does their own research and listens to actual science that has not been bought and paid for.
Agreed
It’s kind of like a scene from an episode of season 1 of “The Crown” on Netflix. In 1952 an intense smog covered London and a lady who worked for Winston Churchill takes her roommate to a hospital. While a doctor is treating her roommate, the lady asks the doctor, “Do you need anything? Medical supplies? (Camera pans out to another lady wearing a cloth mask) More masks maybe?” The lady was going to talk to Churchill about what the hospital needed if so.
I almost fell off my bed I laughed so hard at the doctor’s answer: “Masks don’t (expletive) work. They’re just for show. Make people think that the government is doing something.”
Wow, that (very sad) episode suddenly comes back to center stage.
Love that series, BTW. One of my all-time favorites.
Cheer for the flight attendant she did absolutely right and professional. She did nothing wrong by calling out liars.
Yes, its everyone’s decision if they are going to wear a mask or not. However, when any action you choose (or not) could possibly affect another persons health, then there should be mandates. You cant smoke on a plane, etc because of second hand smoke could affect someone, not wearing a mask can possibly affect someone by infecting them as well.
You’re back to being a jerk!
Come on Bill, was that really necessary?
A free market conservative can exercise his right to fly another airline that will tolerate his buffoonery. I applaud the FA for asking. Blindly following orders is a slippery slope – history has taught us that lesson in a brutal way many times over. Isn’t it possible AA’s initial protocol is wrong?
Yes. Could be. But are you okay with a FA determining if paperwork is valid or not or just requiring a doctor’s note to be presented?
Yes I am. Have had some experiences previously with FAs that have been frustrating, as like anyone an FA can have an axe to grind, but I’ll take it over my experience flying this past Sunday any time. On 4 segments between SAN-TPA on WN last weekend, every single passenger complied with the requested face covering from Southwest, save for 2 ppl. One couple refused despite being spoken to 3 separate times and politely being asked to mask up. The wife was across the aisle from my healthcare provider wife for 3+ hours on ORD-SAN. Fairly distressing for us.
I am a flight attendant, but I work in Europe, and let me tell you we have strict rules, to help ourselves, you passengers, prevent any kind of problems. We try hard to do our best to provide safety, and gel you when you need anything. We are primarily there to save you, and in case of a medical emergency we are the first, to assess the situation, undergoing with medical questions, as well as if we have a disruptive passenger, and we need to assess if he s drunk, or under drugs, for example.
SO I think she just did her job. Asking, politely, following the company protocol, regards people refusing to wear a mask, in this period.
So just remember. Always we re there to save, your a%%:’ first. Then giving a glass of cokes, or a coffe.
Safety, is our one number priority,
Your safety, the environment… And we follow protocols. Rules. And questions are made to investigate what s going on to save the person, 2ho may need help, and people around.
There’s other times we need to ask, medical conditions, like if you re pregnant, or have phisical conditions that prevents a person, for example to operate an emergency overwing exit.
So I stand for her,
And the passengers…is just one of the many other stupid, ignorant, people we actually meet in each 4 flights scheduled each day.
@ Matthew — I think you misinterpreted the Chinese guy’s comments. I think he was arguing that everyone needed to wear a mask.
Could be. Anyone else interpret it in that way? I listened several times.
Just wear the mask.. or don’t fly… It’s very simple. Option 2. Drive.
How about don’t fly if you’re worried about getting sick. You do not have to be a medical expert to know that a cloth mask will do absolutely nothing for your or the passenger that is sitting less than two feet from each other’s faces for hours on end. I feel sorry for those of you who blindly follow commands without using your brain first.
Truly, we have all lost our collective minds.
Thank you, Matt. You’re a voice of reason.
Some other blogger has gone way off the rails in an attempt to belittle other cultures for their mask usage. It’s extremely self-centered.
That said, if the company providing you a service says wear a mask … wear a damn mask. It’ll fall out of fashion soon.
In France, they love papers and official stamps. During the lockdown, you needed papers to even take a walk. AA should become French Airlines and require papers.
No mask and no papers, expulsion from the plane.
I think it smart to have everyone wear masks in flight, although other than simply requiring it, I don’t think they should be policing it, and if they should, it should be up to the gate agent upon boarding, not the FAs. Flight attendants are not the police, and in my view we don’t need to give the several FAs that view that they are police any more justification for their belief.
If they are going to policing and recording the pax that don’t wear masks, then I need them to start policing the FAs that refuse to provide the beverage service upon request that they are stipulated to do. On my four AA flights the past 4 weeks, each crew refused to do service upon request (even ignoring my request for a glass of water), but they had no issue doing the whole Barclay Card application song and dance up the aisle. They also had no trouble pouring glasses of soda/juice for themselves. So hypocritical.
Again, I think its smart to wear a mask, I really do. I had COVID-19 in early March before it was a big thing (more than likely from riding the Washington Metro, but that’s a different story), and while I got over it without any issues other than the loss of taste/smell and horrible body aches for a couple of days, I would be heartbroken if I had given it to someone, especially someone who had a pre-existing condition or a weakened immune system.
Firstly, Matthew thank you for this piece. Secondly, this very topic will be up for debate and discussion for months and possibly years to come so brace yourselves folks. Third, if its AA policy to wear a mask and you know this then you should be ready and willing to produce documentation if you choose not to wear one. As we’d expect folks to be honest, we also know that people clearly are not! I feel as though the FA was right to ask. Seeing how there are many followers out in this world, I can only assume that once people get wind of giving a flippant response such as “I have a medical condition” and realize there’s no need to produce proof, then countless others will follow suit. We’re told repeatedly to wear masks to protect ourselves and others, so if folks would just comply then we may just be out of this mess sooner than later! If you can’t wear one due to a true medical condition, then be sure to be able to back that truth up! It’s pretty simple. The more we work together, the better we’ll be!
I didn’t even read this whole article but can you please remove my picture from this post so I don’t have people thinking that I am the person you are talking about?
What picture are you talking about? The stock photo from American Airlines?
I have been a flight attendant for 32 years and know exactly how I am trained. If you have a medical condition it is brought to the agents attention BEFORE boarding. It is notated on our manifest where the person is seated with their name. When a passenger is deliberately proving a point by not wearing a mask I have every right to ask …if they are not listed as so. It is then reported to the Capt and he will Communicate with agent on the matter. She did her job correctly so hats off to her he was looking for confrontation and got it. I probably wouldn’t have been that nice! I’m tired of being disrespected for doing my job. We have rules to follow from the FAA, the company and our Union. If people would just do what is expected these instances wouldn’t happen. I’m glad I took a 6 month leave so I wouldn’t have to deal with this mess! Please all you self righteous, point proving protesters ….Drive to your next destination and save us flight attendants the hassle. I heard the scenery is great and gas is cheap, and best of all…you don’t have to wear a mask in your car.
Thank you for your (paid) service. Maybe you should read AAs policy on this issue before posting. FA are instructed not to ask these questions per company policy. Also the FAA already announced that they are not requiring masks per their policy as well. A lot of incorrect information you are spewing out here
Sounds like the AA attendants I know. High and might.
I will be that one flight attendant who gets a letter about “not doing my job because I didn’t enforce the mask thing” from a customer…..I can deal with that.
P.S. In the 18 years as a flight attendant, I have only called in sick once but have never ever been late to work……they ain’t going to get rid of me.
One day in a year or two, Matthew will tell his daughter about the summer she was born and the story of the Great Mask Wars of 2020. “Yes, little one, the entire country was thrust into a civil war because wearing a $3 piece of cloth for a few hours was considered a violation of freedom.” With that she will raise her fist in defiance and demand the removal of her diaper.
Really, actually, most of you anti-maskers must still be wearing diapers. I hope I eat a bowl of lentils the next time I fly and sit next to you. You can tell me then about your personal freedom as you beg me for a spare mask.
You should be ashamed of writing an article like this. You are part of the problem. The flight attendant was doing her job- she did not ask the details of his condition, she asked if he had documentation that he did have a condition- which is exactly what she is supposed to do. Note the difference in what actually happened vs. what you are alleging happened! This article is fake news. It’s entitled jerks like you who write articles like this that create more entitled jerks like we saw on the plane.
According to who? The memo I saw said don’t press customers for evidence…
You keep missing the point. And shame on you for calling her out like this when you clearly don’t understand what her job responsibilities as a flight attendant entail. She is not pressing for specific evidence, she is just asking if he has documentation for this. This is standard procedure for cabin crew. She didn’t ask what his condition was, she just asked if there was documentation of a condition. There is a big difference here. If he provided medical certification that he could not wear a mask when he booked his flight or to the gate agent, it would have been documented on the flight attendant’s manifest and she probably would have left it alone. If there is no documentation in her manifest that a passenger has a medical issue that prevents him from complying with the airline’s policy regarding masks then she is absolutely doing her job by asking is he has that certification or documentation. Again, at no time did she ask what his specific personal and private situation was (which is not allowed) she asked if he had documentation (which is allowed). By shaming her for doing exactly what she is supposed to do when you don’t clearly understand what she is supposed to do, you empower jerks like this passenger to make it extremely difficult for us as flight attendants to do our job. Furthermore, it has been since published on CNN that the passenger has been BANNED from flying AA as a result of his non-compliance. This flight attendant didn’t do anything inappropriate here and shame on you for suggesting otherwise. You should have really done your homework and made sure that you thoroughly understood both sides of this before you posted an article shaming her behavior. Don’t empower jerks like this.
What medical conditions make you not able to wear a mask?
I googled and it seems any “condition” that people claim either make it more imperative that they use one or there are alternatives to what type of mask or how to wear it.
I think if someone has a ‘condition ” , they should stay home.
Here here for the flight attendant and all who do their job, do it well, and not allow non-compliant, smart@$$e$ who are just bully jerks have their way. Good on this flight attendant and American Airlines!
Shame on you for trying to circumvent the problem and try to make it out the FA who was in the wrong. No way, no how.
You are all over-reacting to a ‘virus’ that doesn’t exist. My physician of over 25 years told me this covid crap is a myth – that you cannot catch a virus from someone else – and the covid is simply a common cold issue or at worst – the flu. What a bunch of sheep you are – to believe everything the media tells you. And your government. Oh gee, they are sooooooo concerned about their citizens. Yeah, right.
I am a former flight attendant before masks or gloves were required, and in reality, that was the time we should have been wearing them – because the ventilation system is nothing by continuous recycled air from the engines (that causes other problems as well) but the infection rate from TB or worse, Influenza A was for high concern. We were always sick. The galleyes were filty. People wore pajamas and everyone either smoked or drank. Flying was like being in a stink and disgusting smoke and booze filled bar. And yet no one thought anything of it.
But to make this Covid a ‘epidemic’ and everybody is dying is a load of BS. I don’t know of anyone who has covid – much less died from it. But trust me, you can believe anything you want but the last thing I’m gong to believe is Bill Gates or my official ‘governmental’ yahoos that are simply following a plan to scare the hell out of everybody, lock them down in their homes, and ruin not only the educational system with political horseshit – social distancing – but take down entire industries (including the airlines) and putting everyone into unemployment and essential – a global financial depression. And you’re all going for it.
Does ANYONE ever think for themselves? Baa, baa, get on the wagon and ostracize the hell out of anyone who realizes that covis if a fucking HOAX. I’ll never fly again – as I know what the implications are to argue with a flight crew member. But I live a good life – knowing my research from medical professionals – who are honest about the situation – and that the hospitals are EMPTY – that I am by own person and respect myself enough to know I won’t be following the lemmings off the cliff. Don’t respond. I won’t read your answers. Sheep. You must be SO proud of yourselves to follow the crowd and don’t have an individualist thought in your head.
That was some dumb sh!t you posted. WOW!
@M Car, please watch the language.
I think that the flight attendant did a great job and if you have a medical condition that prevents you from doing what is required to make you and everyone around you safe then you should not be on a plane to travel. Just because you give your business to airlines does not give you the right to make other passengers sick. And if you have a condition you should be required to produce a medical certificate in order to be considered to have the mask requirement lifted but I strongly believe that if you can’t use a mask you shouldn’t be on the flight. EVERYONE HAS TO USE A MASK IF WE WANT TO DEFEAT CORONAVIRUS. When I use a mask I protect you and you protect me when you use a mask. Let’s stop being ignorant
If Trumpies want to infect each other, fine with me, but find your own place on the plane to gather… Like out on the wing.
a passenger (who happened to be a New York Times reporter) captured the incident on audio
It seems that passenger violated the same rule that got you kicked off they UA flight in 2013.