The whole point of wearing a mask is to minimize acquisition of and/or minimize transmission of the corona virus. Every moment that the mask is not worn - particularly in a crowded environment such as an airplane cabin - potentially serves to defeat its primary purpose. Alaska FA's don't want to be Mask Nazis, but at the same time they have a responsibility to the well being of all passengers onboard their flights. Alaska's culture - more so than some other businesses - puts a premium on being nice. At the same time - as the FA's remind us with every safety announcement - their primary responsibility IS PASSENGER SAFETY. Mask wearing didn't used to be part of this equation, but it is now. Alaska's FA's need to step up and be a little more proactive in defining what constitutes proper mask wear with regard to eating and drinking. The wording is easy, it's not impolite to define it, and it will hopefully contribute to safer flights for us all.

And, as stated before, once we're all on the same page with understanding and implementation of proper mask wear, we're that much closer to eradicating flimsy excuses such as the one currently employed to support the currently substandard First Class meal service.

On that note, I might also add that were Alaska leadership to officially state that the airline is in a very serious financial situation and as such, the minimization of inflight meal service would go a long way toward helping the airline out in that regard, I'd be totally onboard, up to and including the eradication of meals on flights under 3.5 hours. It's no big deal for me to buy my own food beforehand. I've been doing it anyway for years now. Ask not what your airline can do for you; ask what you can do for your airline.

Let's wait and cross that taxiway when we come to it, however.