anyone seen passengers on UA's TPAC flights wearing respirator yet? is it allowed?
#4
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,115
Per CDC and per OSHA guidelines, N95 respirators are designed to reduce personal exposure to particles including small particle aerosols and large droplets, while surgical masks are designed to protect other people against infection from the person wearing the surgical mask and are not considered an appropriate form of personal respiratory protection.
A surgical mask could, therefore, indicate that the wearer has a communicable disease and is wearing the surgical mask in accordance with the CDC/OSHA guidelines, which qualifies for Refusal of Transport per the United Airlines CoC Rule 21, H, 13. If pax fails to present a medical certificate, a determination to re-accommodate the passenger can be made.
A surgical mask could, therefore, indicate that the wearer has a communicable disease and is wearing the surgical mask in accordance with the CDC/OSHA guidelines, which qualifies for Refusal of Transport per the United Airlines CoC Rule 21, H, 13. If pax fails to present a medical certificate, a determination to re-accommodate the passenger can be made.
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,904
It does seem like overkill at this point though. The fact that there is one case in Seattle and one in Chicago tells me that it's not too likely to transmit it on a plane (otherwise there would be a lot more then one in each of those cities... a whole planeful of people for not catch it)
#6
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: New York City
Posts: 130
I will be wearing a N95 respirator on my next flight, no chances should be taken.
With the limited airflow in a plane, I wouldn't want to be caught in such a situation unprepared. Regular surgical masks usually aren't helpful in a case where smaller particles are able to pass through it, so N95/N99 (or P/R series) are suggested.
With the limited airflow in a plane, I wouldn't want to be caught in such a situation unprepared. Regular surgical masks usually aren't helpful in a case where smaller particles are able to pass through it, so N95/N99 (or P/R series) are suggested.
#7
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: SAN
Programs: 1K (since 2008), *G (since 1990), 1MM
Posts: 3,213
As someone who travelled frequently overseas during SARS, I am not someone who is prone to overreacting on flu type outbreaks, but the fact the WHO was at 50/50 on the issue yesterday and there is a lot of politics at play in that organization this is more serious than the Chinese initially let on.
1919 was the last serious worldwide influenza epidemic and we did not have the fast global connections we have now. We are overdue for a killer influenza and I for one will be wearing a respirator when I travel. Of course basic hygiene principles as well.
I am amazed UA has not yet mandated them for their customer facing personnel.
1919 was the last serious worldwide influenza epidemic and we did not have the fast global connections we have now. We are overdue for a killer influenza and I for one will be wearing a respirator when I travel. Of course basic hygiene principles as well.
I am amazed UA has not yet mandated them for their customer facing personnel.
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,904
The N95 can be worn until damaged, breathing becomes difficult, or contaminated with blood or bodily fluids.
It's not like it just stops working after 8 hr.
#10
Join Date: Jan 2016
Programs: UA 1K; *G, AA Plat
Posts: 1,700
Seen it on a flight. I too will be wearing one on my next flight out of LAX this week although its not TPAC.
I dont think Americans really understand how big a holiday CNY is. Just look at how many flights there are from China to the west coast (LAX for example).
I dont think Americans really understand how big a holiday CNY is. Just look at how many flights there are from China to the west coast (LAX for example).
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,904
This thread convinced me, I just bought a 10-pack. Better safe than sorry.
I'm a big fan of the 3-panel ones (like the 3M "Aura"). I bought a couple before going to Delhi. They are very comfortable, and the lower panel covers the entire chin, which helps to keep the mask in place, and improves the fit.
I'm a big fan of the 3-panel ones (like the 3M "Aura"). I bought a couple before going to Delhi. They are very comfortable, and the lower panel covers the entire chin, which helps to keep the mask in place, and improves the fit.
#15
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 8
The N95 mask is only effective if worn correctly. Few wear the mask correctly while awake much less asleep. They are really uncomfortable for long periods of constant use.
The virus is spread via droplets when a person coughs or sneezes. It can also be spread when someone touches a contaminated surface. As such a N95 is overkill. The surgical mask catches spittle, is easier to wear correctly and much more comfortable.
The N95 is suppose to catch 95% of particles 300 nanometers or larger. Coronavirus is around 100 nanometers so the N95 is not rated for that size particle.
The virus is spread via droplets when a person coughs or sneezes. It can also be spread when someone touches a contaminated surface. As such a N95 is overkill. The surgical mask catches spittle, is easier to wear correctly and much more comfortable.
The N95 is suppose to catch 95% of particles 300 nanometers or larger. Coronavirus is around 100 nanometers so the N95 is not rated for that size particle.