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Face masks no longer mandatory? 3/14/2020

SarahJean
Explorer C

Confusing info again. Are face masks no longer required to be worn during flight? Hope this isn't the case, or we will have to switch airlines. 

 

 

16 REPLIES 16

Re: Face masks no longer mandatory? 3/14/2020

TheMiddleSeat
Aviator A

Masks are required. What info do you find confusing?

 

You can find the mask policy and much more about how Southwest is handling things here:

https://www.southwest.com/promise/

 

--TheMiddleSeat

Re: Face masks no longer mandatory? 3/14/2020

chgoflyer
Aviator A

@TheMiddleSeat wrote:

Masks are required. What info do you find confusing?

 

You can find the mask policy and much more about how Southwest is handling things here:

https://www.southwest.com/promise/

 

--TheMiddleSeat


 

Unfortunately, that's apparently not actually true.

 

It's recently been revealed (via a leaked internal memo) that Southwest won't actually require passengers to wear masks, but instead will inform customers of the policy and ask them to comply. Agents have been advised not to deny boarding to those who refuse. This contradicts the published policy, which states masks are required. This is generating a lot of debate on social media, and, unfortunately, a lot of negative reaction towards Southwest.

 

Personally, I find it disheartening that they would publish a policy requiring masks, but then not actually follow through and require them. The politicization of mask wearing and other elements of this pandemic does no one any good, and situations like this help feed the unnecessary fire. IMO, this is another misstep in Southwest's handling of the crisis.

 

Southwest won’t bar passengers who refuse masks, internal memo says

 

 

 

 

 

 

Re: Face masks no longer mandatory? 3/14/2020

TheMiddleSeat
Aviator A

It's a problem with enforcement and every airline and every other business opening now has to figure out how to enforce a policy that isn't law. 

 

Southwest isn't the only airline dealing with this so don't try to single them out as the one not handling this correctly. 

www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2020/05/14/airlines-have-instructed-flight-crews-not-let-masks-lead-in...

 

No business wants their name associated with this:

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/target-security-guard-assault-break-arm-face-mask/

 

--TheMiddleSeat

Re: Face masks no longer mandatory? 3/14/2020

chgoflyer
Aviator A

@TheMiddleSeat wrote:

It's a problem with enforcement and every airline and every other business opening now has to figure out how to enforce a policy that isn't law. 

 

Southwest isn't the only airline dealing with this so don't try to single them out as the one not handling this correctly. 

www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2020/05/14/airlines-have-instructed-flight-crews-not-let-masks-lead-in...

 

No business wants their name associated with this:

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/target-security-guard-assault-break-arm-face-mask/

 

--TheMiddleSeat


 

Sorry, I don't believe "everyone is doing it" is legitimate justification for saying one thing and doing something else. Especially when it comes to this specific issue.

 

To have avoided this problem, Southwest could have simply stated that masks are strongly recommended.

 

Airlines enforce policy that isn't law all the time. Passengers are denied boarding for a variety of reasons.

 

 

 

Re: Face masks no longer mandatory? 3/14/2020

TheMiddleSeat
Aviator A

If they said "strongly recommend" then a whole bunch of folks would scream that it should be required and that Southwest mishandled the situation. No real way for Southwest or any other business to win here is there? 

 

Speaking specifically in the airline world, ever since United dragged that guy off the plane no airline has wanted to confront passengers for not following policy. Masks are hardly the only policy where one thing is said while another is actually practiced. It's just the most recent public example. 

 

Bottom line to the original question, if any business says masks are required then everyone should wear a mask, but as one customer amongst many you should also know some people don't think they need to follow the rules and may not be wearing a mask. To those people I beg, please don't show up without a mask and say "what are you going to do about it?" It's childish and disrespectful towards everyone else especially employees who are just trying to make a buck to feed their family and not get sick or die while doing it.

 

--TheMiddleSeat

Re: Face masks no longer mandatory? 3/14/2020

chgoflyer
Aviator A

Again, I think that the problem is in saying one thing and doing another.

 

 

Re: Face masks no longer mandatory? 3/14/2020

Chrismcneil
Explorer C

The confusion may be due, in part, to inconsistent enforcement. This was taken 5/14/20 MCO to CMH. The passenger was one of two 30-something males permitted onto the flight without masks.

 

 

MCO to CMH 05 15 2020 maskless.jpg

Re: Face masks no longer mandatory? 3/14/2020

SarahJean
Explorer C

Thank you. 

Re: Face masks no longer mandatory? 3/14/2020

SarahJean
Explorer C

Our local news was saying that SW inflight crews will not enforce keeping masks on if passengers remove them during flight. Contradictory to what was said a week or two ago.