Issue N-95 Masks, Goggles, and Gloves To All Boarding Passengers

[JimBlack]

I have a suggestion that would make a lot of us feel more secure flying again.   If hospital workers can be protected when they have to get very close to people, then airline passengers can be protected in the same way.  Issue N-95 masks, goggles, and gloves to all boarding passengers!   Yes, this will cost money and will not be practical until N-95 mask production improves, but it would be worth the effort and expense for airlines if customers felt secure enough to fly in close quarters again.

[ffflyer]

Just another reason not to fly anymore. 

[DebbyC55]

The last time I checked we still lived in America.... Where hundreds of thousands of soldiers fought for the very freedoms we are losing daily. I cannot wear a mask due to claustrophobia and I would appreciate it if you would not force your unsubstantiated paranoia on me. Don’t fly- stay at home in your safe bubble if that is what freedom means to you.

[dfwskier]

If you have a medical need to not wear a mask, you will not need to wear one. It's like preboarding. If you have a need to pre-board, then you do. You do not need to explain your need.

However, some passengers might stare at you.

[naturextreme]

Unfortunately, their process is to ask for sooo many things before you can fly without a mask if you have a medical condition. Have to disclose what medical condition you have, have a doctors note, fill out a form, send out an email, and HOPE they allow you to fly without one. And that's if they get back to you in time. Can be a wait time of 30 days plus by email to even know if you can or can not, which can be too much time for some or to call which as many know can take forever to get through. 

[sycamorepro]

I certainly hear your frustration and wonder and how we approach the requirement with someone who has been a victim of abuse in the past and simply cannot wear a mask because of PTSD. Should they not be allowed the same right to choose air travel that others do? I’m not arguing your perspective, just asking from another.

[CassioBanquo]

I travel just as much as you, and will not travel until your ridiculous emotion over evidence policy is reversed. Shame on SW airlines for forcing people to wear things. What's next?

[John1158]

Then drive. You can wear all the masks you want. 

[naturextreme]

Not everyone can medically wear a mask so that is so discriminatory on your part to make it a requirement. For those of you on this chain to see how you can get around the masking when you have a medical condition, there is an ability to do so with South West. You will have to fill in a medical form you can get here: https://www.southwest.com/assets/pdfs/coronavirus/Mask-Exemption-Application-Form.pdf and then go to their contacts page: https://support.southwest.com/email-us/s/  and click the "comment/question" option where you can request to be allowed not to wear a mask for a medical condition. Remember to attach the form you filled out. Have gone through the process to see how well they handle those with medical conditions that make mask wearing an issue and if they are discriminatory towards those who can not wear a mask. Will add to this chain depending on how they handle.  

[naturextreme]

So update to this process. Spoke with my specialist doctor who knows about my medical conditions, and knows how masking can affect me, but basically said airports will not allow anyone with even a legit medical reason to not fly without a mask. This was during my process of trying to go through Southwest's process for being exempt and being denied to fly without a mask. I had tried wearing a mask in an airport previously with nearly having a asthmatic attack and other concerning symptoms, which was why I wanted to try and fly without to eliminate the possibility of having this happen again. So if you have a medical reason for you not being able wear a mask or have trouble doing so, for reasons the CDC said you shouldn't, you are screwed by this process. Not very happy with this system that is making those who cannot wear a mask or has difficulty become second class in the flight transport industry. Not to mention those I know who have been victims of sexual assault and can't have anything cover their face. So if you are planning to fly and can't do a mask, don't support the airports by flying right now, unless you can afford to fly private without masking (or an airplane company decides not to). Had I known it was going to be so freaking difficult, I would not have paid for a flight.