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Southwest Airlines Community

Re: Require masks!

MRfliesSWA
Explorer C

Dr.TapperMargie "TOP CONTRIBUTOR":

 

With all due respect, if you read the posted SOUTHWEST PROMISE on the official SOUTHWEST WEBSITE and if you read CEO "GARY's" email blast, there is NO mention

of a mask requirement.  

 

Please do not participate in spreading "fake news".

 

That said, tonight on Wolf Blitzer CNN (real news), Wolf announced that major airlines are following JETBLUE's lead. TODAY, ALASKA, FRONTIER, DELTA, and YES - SOUTHWEST, according to CNN, all announced masks are a requirement to fly as of tomorrow morning.

 

To "GARY's" discredit, as of 8:18 pm Saturday May 5th, he has not yet updated the official SOUTHWEST WEBSITE -SOUTHWEST PROMISE. Nor has he blasted out an UPDATE email to indicate the change in policy.  I have not received one. Stockholders should hold this "CEO without a last name" accountable for feeble leadership when the stock price is down 50%.

 

I am certainly for opening sections of the economy where PERFECT HYGIENE or at least EFFECTIVE HYGIENE can be taught and effected. We do not need two total disasters in 2020/2021.

 

However, reopening flights and sections of the economy in geographic locations which are not mega-densely populated, requires careful education regarding hygiene.

 

Asymptomatic COVID positive (+)  travelers will cough on planes and their vapor will be more laden with virus and travel at higher velocity. There is no direct evidence yet as too how much viral load you have to inhale to become infected. However, the CDC recommends contact tracing for contact periods of greater than 15 minutes. Masks stop the velocity of vapor and trap 90% of the vapor. Airplane air filtration systems after take off  are hospital like dependable. They will take care of the rest. Masks are a "no brainer". You nor I want the airlines shut down again.

 

Instead of being contrarian, be supportive. We have the same goal.

 

If "Gary" does not update the website and blast emails, passengers won't know.  SWA best be prepared to hand out bandanas or masks at the gangway.  Some masks will break. Otherwise the gate personnel will be turning away angry passengers.  Better yet, Everybody bring an extra mask or bandana for the next guy. Then wash it. That's all it takes. 

Re: Require masks!

dfwskier
Aviator A
Solution

Perhaps you should click on the Southwest Promise link on the homepage. If you do, here's what you will see:

 

"

Everything you need to do

  • It is highly encouraged to bring your own hand sanitizer and mask, and to wear your mask while traveling. Face coverings or masks will be required for Customers starting May 11. If you forget your mask at home, one will be available for you."

I'll make it easy for you:

 

https://www.southwest.com/promise/?clk=4430033&cbid=4430033

Re: Require masks!

Captainrod007
Explorer C

Seriously laughed out loud. Couldn’t take you seriously after.....”That said, tonight on Wolf Blitzer CNN (real news),”

Re: Require masks!

MRfliesSWA
Explorer C

SWA needs to require passenger masks to board. They can use their undershirt if they have to or hold toilet paper over their mouth if necessary.

Captains are the law on their ship. SWA prohibits particular batteries/quantities on board for heaven sakes. Boarding is prohibited due to obnoxious behavior, and there
are all sorts of other requirements including cigarette ban, obnoxious music, and three bags in the cabin. They can be arrested for mutiny on departure if they won't
cooperate - notify them when they are on the gangplank not to board if they won't cooperate.

Passing out masks at the gangway for passengers whose mask broke, should be a service. IF Masks are in short supply, use SWA bandanas in the meantime. Notification can be
done at on-line checkin and at the kiosk.

Passengers who inevitably cough due to typical dry air or snack chip "down-the-windpipe will cause anxiety among passengers FOR SURE and can be asymptomatic carriers (most
likely at least one passenger in 100 but likely more than 10 in 100 will be asymptomatic transmitters of the virus)

Dr. Sanjay Gupta was on CNN concerned about breathe vapor for joggers and passer-bys alike! Can you imagine! Concern for breathe vapor outdoors! And the CEO does not even
address the issue on a plane?!

Air travel facilitated the spread of the virus across the world. Not requiring masks to baord threatens a high potential for a second economic shutdown and airline
shutdown. Does the CEO have no concern for stock price and boycott?

Social media and an Op-Ed is the next step to force immediate policy change. The consequence of an op-ed could be a public recognition to use the competition -an
effective boycott. 71,000 views on SWA discussion board is signal enough. Act now

Re: Require masks!

dfwskier
Aviator A

@MRfliesSWA wrote:

 

 

See my post immediately above yours.

Re: Require masks!

ipsedixit
Frequent Flyer C

@MRfliesSWA wrote:

SWA needs to require passenger masks to board. They can use their undershirt if they have to or hold toilet paper over their mouth if necessary.

Captains are the law on their ship. SWA prohibits particular batteries/quantities on board for heaven sakes. Boarding is prohibited due to obnoxious behavior, and there
are all sorts of other requirements including cigarette ban, obnoxious music, and three bags in the cabin. They can be arrested for mutiny on departure if they won't
cooperate - notify them when they are on the gangplank not to board if they won't cooperate.

Passing out masks at the gangway for passengers whose mask broke, should be a service. IF Masks are in short supply, use SWA bandanas in the meantime. Notification can be
done at on-line checkin and at the kiosk.

Passengers who inevitably cough due to typical dry air or snack chip "down-the-windpipe will cause anxiety among passengers FOR SURE and can be asymptomatic carriers (most
likely at least one passenger in 100 but likely more than 10 in 100 will be asymptomatic transmitters of the virus)

Dr. Sanjay Gupta was on CNN concerned about breathe vapor for joggers and passer-bys alike! Can you imagine! Concern for breathe vapor outdoors! And the CEO does not even
address the issue on a plane?!

Air travel facilitated the spread of the virus across the world. Not requiring masks to baord threatens a high potential for a second economic shutdown and airline
shutdown. Does the CEO have no concern for stock price and boycott?

Social media and an Op-Ed is the next step to force immediate policy change. The consequence of an op-ed could be a public recognition to use the competition -an
effective boycott. 71,000 views on SWA discussion board is signal enough. Act now


You should really consider the science of wearing masks before pontificating about the necessity of masks.

 

https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2020/04/commentary-masks-all-covid-19-not-based-sound-da...

Re: Require masks!

chgoflyer
Aviator A

@ipsedixit wrote:


You should really consider the science of wearing masks before pontificating about the necessity of masks.

 

https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2020/04/commentary-masks-all-covid-19-not-based-sound-da...


 

The nature of the pandemic means this is a quickly changing environment. Masks are now recommended by the CDC as a way to reduce transmission, in conjunction with social distancing and frequent hand washing -- and especially when these are not possible (for example, on an airplane).

 

Recommendations change over time and in response to a changing environment. The referenced article stated the following issues with masks as reasons against their use:

 

We do not recommend requiring the general public who do not have symptoms of COVID-19-like illness to routinely wear cloth or surgical masks because:

  • There is no scientific evidence they are effective in reducing the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission
  • Their use may result in those wearing the masks to relax other distancing efforts because they have a sense of protection
  • We need to preserve the supply of surgical masks for at-risk healthcare workers.

 

However:

 

1)  While it's true that there have been no studies yet specific to masks and SARS-CoV-2 transmission (SARS-CoV-2 having been identified just months ago -- studies take time), there actually is evidence that masks are effective at preventing respiratory virus transmission.

 

The First Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial of Mask Use in Households to Prevent Respiratory Viru...

 

2) Controlling social behavior is difficult. Hopefully it's clear to everyone that social distancing and frequent hand washing are still key, with or without mask use.

 

3) With greater availability of cloth masks for the general public, and availability of PPE for healthcare workers and other front line first responders, this is no longer a concern.

 

Here's a article that provides another view.

 

What is the evidence on wearing masks to stop COVID-19?

 

Their summation:

 

We recognize and support the CDC, WHO and other key institutional leaders that are heroically leading the charge against COVID-19 and invite all stakeholders to acknowledge that – if there is even dubious benefit to the widespread use of masks – consideration is merited. In addition to the general low-risk nature of this intervention, the anecdotal and scientific evidence that surrounds their widespread use is indeed cause for pause, and our thoughts on their utility in this fight should be subjected to objective and sober scrutiny. It could very well be the proverbial little hinge that swings the big door in this fight for humanity.

Re: Require masks!

jksobonya
Aviator A

My whole issue with masks is that it can give people wearing them a false sense of security, and they end up touching their face (etc.) more which can potentially spread even more germs. The same goes towards wearing disposable gloves, which I think is entirely pointless, but we are all entitled to our opinions. Some people go as far as to wash (sanitize) their mail, their grocery bags, and their clothes immediately after being around other people. While that's fine if you want to go to that level, to me all of this is just increasing the potential of turning everyone into a bunch of paranoid germaphobes 😕 

 

I think we all need a reminder that this virus is mild for most and the vast majority who contract it recover. 

 

--Jessica

Re: Require masks!

chgoflyer
Aviator A

@jksobonya wrote:

 

I think we all need a reminder that this virus is mild for most and the vast majority who contract it recover. 

 

--Jessica


 

While that's true, it's also true that what we do now will directly decide how many more people die.

 

We're at 70,000+ in the US, and best case scenario another 70,000 die as we trend down the curve. But with increased opening and -- sadly, as I'm seeing personally -- less social distancing and mask wearing, that number will certainly be higher. Possibly much, much higher.

 

Masks protect others.

 

Edited to add:

 

Here's a great, no-nonsense guide:

 

The Risks - Know Them - Avoid Them

Re: Require masks!

Freedomfighter
Explorer C

Please never ever fly them again.   Not fly until everyone wearing masks. Apparently science and facts don’t mean anything to you. Unless someone is wearing a true protective mask That dopey piece of paper in your face isn’t really working.  You probably should just never go out ever again.  Ever