Testing Mesh Curtain on MD80s

Beginning August 12th, two Super 80 aircraft will have a mesh curtain cabin divider installed for a period of three weeks to test functionality in terms of reducing forward movement of customers from the Main Cabin to First Class.


A transparent mesh curtain already has been approved by AA Corporate Security, FAA , TSA and Federal Air Marshals

Mesh curtain-equipped S80s will be ramped at DFW and ORD.

We will attempt to route these two aircraft through the ORD and DFW hubs during the test.

Flight attendants flying on these two mesh curtain-equipped S80s will be surveyed during the test for feedback on the curtain's function and its presence.

Assuming no issues surface during the test, we will begin installation on the full fleet of Super 80s during routine heavy maintenance checks later this year.

A prototype mesh curtain will be available in DFW and ORD operations for flight attendants to see. (Schedule will be announced)


Why do we need them?


Flight attendants have indicated that the lack of cabin-divider curtains has brought an increase in customer traffic forward of the Main Cabin bulkhead, particularly when the Main Cabin flight attendants are engaged in delivering the beverage service.


The increased traffic can interfere with and/or slow the #1 flight attendants' ability to deliver the premium service because they have to stop, ask the Main Cabin customer to either wait at the bulkhead or use the aft lavatories. And as you know, that often requires an additional follow-up explanation to ensure the customer understands why we're asking them to refrain from coming forward.


In addition to the practical usefulness of an obvious cabin divider, some of our competitors, including Continental and Alaska, along with International carriers not subject to TSA mandates, have found success in limiting forward moving Main Cabin traffic using a similar product. Competitive intelligence also suggests that Northwest, America West and United are considering a similar cabin divider for their fleets.


Finally, we're hoping that a reduction in the forward flow of traffic will help maintain the integrity of the premium cabin and the service our flight attendants deliver to our key customers.

If you don't have a chance to fly on one of the test Super 80s, watch for the display curtain in operations while passing through DFW or Chicago. And then, take a moment to share your feedback with us by completing a short opinion survey right here on AAFlightService.com.