OK to ask potential seat mate whether s/he's vaxed?
Apr 28, 2021, 2:29 pm
#17
Join Date: Aug 2010
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I would do the opposite if you can, find someone in the aisle with open seats next to them and say as silly and self deprecating as possible... "we're those crazy safe people, do you mind if I ask you, have you been vaccinated or tested recently?" -- If they say no, you can go to another row. If you ask someone who comes to you, it'll come off a hair more rude. Oh sorry, please don't sit here, we only want a vaxxed fellow pax next to us... probably won't fly well.
Apr 28, 2021, 3:07 pm
#18
Used to be 'Travelergcp'
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I’ve offered the information to put people at ease, but I certainly wouldn’t try to dig it out of someone, you’re still stuck sitting next to them no matter what their answer is anyway.
Apr 28, 2021, 3:17 pm
#19
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I would politely ignore the person asking the question. My health status is none of that person's business. Feel free to move; I would be happy to have an entire half row of seats. Thanks.
Apr 28, 2021, 4:52 pm
#20
Join Date: Feb 2004
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Just wear this shirt on flights, at airports, and in public 
https://www.amazon.com/Vaccinated-Still-Pro-Vaccine-T-Shirt/dp/B08X2HNFNB/
https://www.amazon.com/Vaccinated-Still-Pro-Vaccine-T-Shirt/dp/B08X2HNFNB/
Last edited by expert7700; Apr 28, 2021 at 4:58 pm
Apr 28, 2021, 6:09 pm
#21
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 4,735
a) answer that question if asked by some random stranger
b) not tell you to mind your own d@mn business.
It is extremely intrusive, and very inappropriate. If I meet the government and airline standards for fitness to travel, I have the right to be on the plane and be seated according to the airline's protocol. I don't owe information regarding my health to other passengers.
b) not tell you to mind your own d@mn business.
Apr 28, 2021, 6:37 pm
#22
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 6,607
We were in Florida in March and April and on both trips were were baited into conversations by anti vaxers.
Going forward I would answer that I'm on vacation and nothing more.
The person you are asking has no idea which way a "have you been vaccinated " question will go and if you lead with you have been vaccinated the person you ask may be an anti vaxer
I don't see any good to asking that question, if you are that nervous just stay home as the people sitting around you could also pass covid.
Going forward I would answer that I'm on vacation and nothing more.
The person you are asking has no idea which way a "have you been vaccinated " question will go and if you lead with you have been vaccinated the person you ask may be an anti vaxer
I don't see any good to asking that question, if you are that nervous just stay home as the people sitting around you could also pass covid.
Apr 29, 2021, 9:10 am
#23
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Peoria
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I like this plan. Just be all excited and giddy and blurt out "We're so happy; this is our first flight in a year and for the first time we feel safe because we're both vaccinated!". If they just grumble or grunt or don't respond at all, likely the answer is no.
Apr 29, 2021, 9:16 am
#24
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This is the same method I use with boarding numbers. I never ask "What number are you?" I just say "I'm A21, is this where I belong?" Half the time they tell me their number. That's good enough for me.
Apr 29, 2021, 10:40 am
#25
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 4,735
Even in this age of over-sharing some people still believe in the right to privacy, and that privacy extends to the OP, as in greeting a stranger with your personal medical history is too much sharing, keep it private.
Last edited by CDTraveler; Apr 29, 2021 at 3:54 pm Reason: typo
Apr 29, 2021, 1:32 pm
#27
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No it's very invasive.
One of you should take the aisle and one the window in the back of the plane and your odds will be low of anyone sitting between you unless it's a full flight.
Even if they aren't vaccinated it won't matter, not like you can tell them move and they'll have a mask on most of the flight anyway.
One of you should take the aisle and one the window in the back of the plane and your odds will be low of anyone sitting between you unless it's a full flight.
Even if they aren't vaccinated it won't matter, not like you can tell them move and they'll have a mask on most of the flight anyway.
Apr 29, 2021, 2:24 pm
#28
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A2: I am quadruple vaxxed. Let's throw a partay and celebrate!
A3: Thanks for the note.
A4: no hablo ingles
I could do this all day.
Apr 30, 2021, 5:20 pm
#30
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 378
While you're at it, make sure to ask their political affiliation, if they've ever had cancer, what religion they are, and if they've ever had an abortion. Considering literally none of that is your business, vaccination status shouldn't be either. Maybe you should rent a car and drive.