No mask while boarding
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: US
Programs: AA/UA/DL
Posts: 2,714
No mask while boarding
On my flight from SFO to JFK a few days ago. AS let this person board the flight without a mask. He wore a cup!!!
It was on the ground so the air air circulation was not good. I am just wondering why the GA and FA let him board the plane.
It was on the ground so the air air circulation was not good. I am just wondering why the GA and FA let him board the plane.

Last edited by pigx5; May 12, 21 at 8:49 pm
#3
Join Date: May 2017
Location: SEA
Posts: 346
I've only done a few flights on Alaska during the pandemic, but that's pretty normal from what I've seen; I think most FAs don't want to get an angry person in their face for asking them to put on a mask, since purely anecdotally, many of them appear to be desiring a confrontation.
#4
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: PDX
Programs: AS MVP Gold 100K
Posts: 2,165
I've only done a few flights on Alaska during the pandemic, but that's pretty normal from what I've seen; I think most FAs don't want to get an angry person in their face for asking them to put on a mask, since purely anecdotally, many of them appear to be desiring a confrontation.
#5
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: PDX, OGG or between the two
Programs: AS 100K
Posts: 1,907
I was just on a flight yesterday and noticed the hanging mask holder as you enter the plane.... I think it's where the fire extinguishers used to be kept until a more important purpose for the space arose
I am surprised they let someone board that way.... Overall, AS employees have been very diligent with enforcement of masks (not that there haven't been exceptions).

#6
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: On a plane or a beach
Programs: Yes
Posts: 2,069
I’m surprised at some of the responses here. The passenger boarded without a mask that follows AS policy and federal law. Mistakes do happen, but I don’t think it’s appropriate to lambast a fellow passenger for expecting that the policy and law is followed.
#7
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Texas
Programs: AA Platinum Pro, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Gold, IHG Platinum, BonVoy Gold
Posts: 164
Because--maybe?--under the federal mask mandate, exceptions have to be allowed, so maybe this guy had one. It could be he had a bottle of water in his bag and the cup was to drink from since he wasn't likely to get one. He may not have been confronted because every airline is required under the mandate to offer exceptions. While they are few, it definitely would stink to have an exception and then be shown on FT. We never know the whole story. Did you just ask the FA or GA politely?
#9
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: On a plane or a beach
Programs: Yes
Posts: 2,069
#10
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: YVR, HNL
Programs: AS 75k, UA peon, BA Bronze, AC E50k, HH Diamond, Fairmont Plat (RIP)
Posts: 7,423

#14
If I saw this and I had taken the picture I would have sent it with the flight # and day to AS CS and asked why this passenger was allowed to board against FAA and Alaska policy rules. Let them follow up with the crew.
#15
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SEA (the REAL Washington); occasionally in the other Washington (DCA area)
Programs: DL PM 1.4MM; AS MVPG 75K
Posts: 18,697