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Home  >  American Airlines  >  John Kerry Flouts Mask Mandate On American Airlines
American Airlines

John Kerry Flouts Mask Mandate On American Airlines

Matthew Klint Posted onMarch 18, 2021March 18, 2021 26 Comments

Climate czar John Kerry has been caught with his mask down on American Airlines…and he wasn’t eating or drinking. However, Kerry calls the charges that he’s above the law a bunch of “malarkey.”

John Kerry Caught Reading Without Mask On American Airlines

Kerry, a former U.S. Secretary of State and Senator now serving as United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, was photographed without mask while traveling on American Airlines from Boston to Washington, DC in first class on American Airlines on Wednesday.

@TheTNStar Exclusive: Biden’s @ClimateEnvoy John Kerry, took off his mask as he settled into a book in his first-class seat just before takeoff today on an @AmericanAir flight Boston to DC. He was not eating, nor drinking. He was simply flaunting Biden’s mandatory mask policy. pic.twitter.com/t1wDq9OtxD

— ReporterMcCabe (@NeilWMcCabe2) March 17, 2021

The image above was first shared by the Tennessee Star, with a headline:

Maskless Climate Envoy Kerry Endangers Passengers on Boston to DC Flight

Lol.

American Airlines said it is investigating the incident, noting:

“We continue to review the matter and we are reaching out to Secretary Kerry to underscore that all customers are expected to wear masks for the duration of their trip.”

Kerry Deflects Incident

Kerry responded to the news on Twitter, stating “if” he dropped his mask on one ear, it was only momentary.

Feels like there’s some St. Patrick’s day “malarkey” afoot on Twitter. Let’s be clear: If I dropped my mask to one ear on a flight, it was momentary. I wear my mask because it saves lives and stops the spread. It’s what the science tells us to do.

— Special Presidential Envoy John Kerry (@ClimateEnvoy) March 17, 2021

However, the passenger who took the picture told Fox News:

“His mask was off for five minutes. If five minutes is ‘momentarily,’ he’s correct. Not sure being in a plane without a mask for five minutes is excusable.”

The passenger had earlier noted:

“I salute our Very Special Presidential Envoy for Climate for not flying private, but instead flying first class commercial with the rest of us common folk. And while he can’t bring himself to follow his own party’s mask restrictions, we should cut him some slack. Being an elite hypocrite is hard work!”

Outside the five-minute interval, Kerry wore his mask during the flight according to the passenger. Flight attendants never reminded him to place his mask on.

Ted Cruz v. John Kerry

Last year, I wrote about Ted Cruz not wearing a mask on American Airlines. He was caught not wearing his mask in the gate area at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. He claimed it was a “temporary slip-up” even though several photos demonstrated that Cruz had his mask off for an extended period both in the gate area and onboard. At the time, I said, “I’ll give Cruz the benefit of the doubt here. But please Ted, just put the mask on.”

To Kerry, I say the same thing. As a vaccinated traveler, his risk posed to others is low. I look forward to the day when we no longer have to wear masks and believe there is now a certain amount of theatrics involved in wearing masks for vaccinated passengers (also more legitimate equality concerns). But most Americans have yet to be vaccinated and Kerry and other leaders must set the example. I’m not aware of any disability that would make Kerry unable to wear a mask, so he should let this tempest in a teapot be a reminder that the rules are for everyone.

CONCLUSION

John Kerry was caught without a mask on in first class. The passenger who took the picture claims the mask was down for five minute and he was not eating or drinking, but just reading. If nothing else, it is a reminder that we are always being watched.

Previous Article “Serial Stowaway” Marilyn Hartman Arrested Again At Chicago O’Hare
Next Article United Airlines Has Banned “About 1,000” Passengers For Mask Non-Compliance

About Author

Matthew Klint

Matthew is an avid traveler who calls Los Angeles home. Each year he travels more than 200,000 miles by air and has visited more than 135 countries. Working both in the aviation industry and as a travel consultant, Matthew has been featured in major media outlets around the world and uses his Live and Let's Fly blog to share the latest news in the airline industry, commentary on frequent flyer programs, and detailed reports of his worldwide travel.

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26 Comments

  1. Derek Reply
    March 18, 2021 at 9:53 am

    He’s vaccinated. Thus, there is no valid reason for him to need to wear the mask.

    That said, the rules are, WEAR YOUR MASK. He should be subject to the same fine in the tens of thousands of dollars that the rest of us would be as per the FAA order. None of this rules for thee but not for me BS

  2. Santastico Reply
    March 18, 2021 at 10:01 am

    “Climate czar”? How about taking Amtrak from Boston to DC? Oh, it takes longer and it is not convenient? Well, when you want to save the planet you better do your part and not tell others to do theirs. No matter what party but politicians are all the same. Climate BS!!!!

    As for the mask, who cares if he is vaccinated? I am not supposed to know if he was vaccinated so he has to wear a mask if his boss tells everyone to wear one. Maybe they should have stickers like “I voted” saying “I am vaccinated” so then we don’t have to worry about them.

  3. JOSHUA TEMPLETON Reply
    March 18, 2021 at 10:01 am

    Fine him, make an example out the political elite, maybe with being forced to follow the insane rules forced upon the rest of the traveling public they would work to make exceptions for those who have been vaccinated. Better yet, repeal the mask requirement and make it a choice of each travelier, with the now wide availability of N95 Masks and similar, there is no longer a need to “wear a mask to protect others” If someone is truly that concerned they can purchase a mask that really protects not just the cloth mask for show.

  4. Pete Reply
    March 18, 2021 at 10:12 am

    I think we have arrived at a point where “young intrepid journalists” of the opposite political party have phone camera in tow just waiting for the offender to even drop his mask off for a second.
    And just like Deep Throat dutifully and gleefully sends the evidence to the paragon of journalism, FoxNews.
    And the former conservative law clerk and the rest of the blogosphere laps it up…all for the sake of being “balanced”.

  5. Santastico Reply
    March 18, 2021 at 10:21 am

    He dropped his mask for a second? From the picture it is clear he is very comfortable reading his book and not that it was a lapse of a second where his mask came out and he immediately put it back on. It is a clear example of do what I say, don’t do what I do. Did you hear about the Governor of MN that is in quarantine? Well, this is the guy that crippled the entire state with a stupid mandate of a nuclear lockdown. He tells everyone to stay home, restaurants are still not back 100% but he was “smart” enough to promote an event at a big mall with lots of his staff and one had Covid. So now, the politician that told everyone to stay home is at home in quarantine.

  6. FormerlyFrequentFlier Reply
    March 18, 2021 at 10:48 am

    He’s 77 and probably vaccinated

  7. AP Reply
    March 18, 2021 at 10:53 am

    “Flout,” not “Flaunt.”

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      March 18, 2021 at 10:58 am

      You’re right I used the wrong word, but he did later flaunt it on Twitter!

  8. Santastico Reply
    March 18, 2021 at 11:00 am

    From the CDC website:
    Q: Can vaccinated person still transmit Covid? A: Vaccinated people could potentially still get COVID-19 and spread it to others.

    Also, you are assuming everyone on the plane knows him, knows his age and knows he is vaccinated. That is not the case.

  9. Stuart Reply
    March 18, 2021 at 11:09 am

    I recall Gary Hart, who was a brilliant and interesting politician, saying years ago after getting caught on the boat with another woman, that the scrutiny and microscope politicians will have to live under in the future will eventually discourage generations of great thinkers from ever entering into politics. I am not saying John Kerry is any of those things. And he deserved to be called out on this as even though I am vaccinated I even put my mask on between sips and bites. But Gary Hart is right, I imagine so many bright minds today see this and stay, “Nah, I have no desire to live my life being chased like this for that one mistake I will inevitably make.” Or, in the case of Al Franken, didn’t even make.

  10. Sean Reply
    March 18, 2021 at 11:20 am

    This is all just so f-ing stupid. Rules for thee but not for me. Gotcha games on both sides. Meanwhile common folk get dragged off the plane for having their 2 year old not comply.

  11. Joe Chivas Reply
    March 18, 2021 at 11:38 am

    If I recall correctly, Gary Hart’s yacht was aptly named “Monkey Business”. If Joe Biden had a boat, he would have to call it “Busy Hands”. He could invite Andrew Cuomo aboard for the maiden voyage.

  12. Andy K Reply
    March 18, 2021 at 11:45 am

    I love seeing all the libs make excuses for him. He’s vaccinated! He’s 77! Do as I say, not as I do, is their mantra. It’s all about control.

  13. anonymous Reply
    March 18, 2021 at 12:30 pm

    You know, we just don’t hear the world “malarkey” enough anymore…
    Hhhhhhh……

  14. AP Reply
    March 18, 2021 at 12:55 pm

    @matthewklint – thumbs up! Sorry I can’t help being a grammar cop! 🙂

  15. WB Reply
    March 18, 2021 at 1:20 pm

    I’m no immunologist, but I don’t believe the vaccines prevent you from still contracting and ability to shed/spread coronavirus to others. I think they merely prevent you from having an amplified immuno-response that could be life threatening for yourself.

  16. Joe Reply
    March 18, 2021 at 1:54 pm

    @Derek…”He’s vaccinated therefore he doesn’t need to wear a mask.” You know this how?

    Besides that, you better talk to the esteemed Dr. Contradiction…I mean…Dr. Fauci. He has a different take on whether those who are vaccinated need to wear masks (he says they do).

    Rules for thee but not for me.
    Sincerely,
    The Left

  17. Joe Reply
    March 18, 2021 at 1:56 pm

    @Stuart…Gary Hart was not “brilliant”…nor was he a “great thinker”.

  18. DavidM Reply
    March 18, 2021 at 2:04 pm

    What Kerry meant to tweet: “Tisk, tisk, common people making such a fuss. I lowered myself to First Class instead of private jet, what more do you want?”

  19. Derek Reply
    March 18, 2021 at 2:11 pm

    @WB
    The vaccines do largely prevent the spreading of the virus as well as contracting the virus. Real world data from Israel showed that the Pfizer vaccine is 94% effective at preventing asymptomatic spread

  20. Derek Reply
    March 18, 2021 at 2:59 pm

    @Joe
    I couldn’t care less what Fauci thinks. He’s been wrong far more than he’s been right. In this case, the real world data is conclusive, the chance of spreading the virus is very small (94 percent effective at stopping asymptomatic spread)

    That said, I said Kerry should be fined up the wazoo over this, just as everyone else would be

  21. Jerry Reply
    March 18, 2021 at 3:17 pm

    It’s cute and fun to think that rules apply to politicians. They don’t. What are they going to do, call the cops and have Mr. Kerry removed? Right. Federal law enforcement would intervene before that happens.

    His only real punishment is public outcry on twitter. He’s appointed, not elected. He doesn’t care.

  22. Stuart Reply
    March 18, 2021 at 3:29 pm

    @Joe. I disagree. But that’s my take. I will respect your opinion though.

  23. emercycrite Reply
    March 20, 2021 at 8:00 am

    Are there any law-abiding politicians in the US?

  24. Paul Reply
    March 22, 2021 at 11:26 pm

    Slow news day.

  25. Paul Reply
    March 22, 2021 at 11:29 pm

    Not really… Fauci has been correct every time based on the information at the time. Unless newly discovered viruses come with instruction manuals, advice has to given using the best available information. If it’s wrong based on NEW information, change the advice.

    Yes, I wish Fauci was omniscient, but no one is and no one can predict the future. Thanks.

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