Deplane to Avoid a Sick Passenger?
Apr 19, 2016 | 10:11 pm
#31
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: LAX/TPE
Programs: United 1K, JAL Sapphire, SPG Lifetime Platinum, National Executive Elite, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 47,182
I now keep Zicam Ultra with me when I travel (all year around).
I once got stuck in a middle seat (full flight) next to a woman coughing, sneezing, nose- blowing, etc. No amount of "avoidance" on my part, including leaning as far away from her as I could, not touching my face, washing my hands at the first chance I could get, etc. prevented what felt like the absolute worst cold I ever had ever "caught" in my life.
I once got stuck in a middle seat (full flight) next to a woman coughing, sneezing, nose- blowing, etc. No amount of "avoidance" on my part, including leaning as far away from her as I could, not touching my face, washing my hands at the first chance I could get, etc. prevented what felt like the absolute worst cold I ever had ever "caught" in my life.
With a trip coming up to HK, Shanghai, Tokyo and back to the USA, I just bought two packs of disinfectant wipes which I use to wipe down every non-fabric part of the seat, AV system, controls, storage areas, arm rests, table trays, etc - anything I, or my stuff might touch.
Apr 19, 2016 | 10:54 pm
#33
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: LAX/TPE
Programs: United 1K, JAL Sapphire, SPG Lifetime Platinum, National Executive Elite, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 47,182
I touch nothing...I use tissue or paper to touch the flush mechanism, faucet, door handle, etc. Just common sense...an airplane is a concentrated petri dish of germs, the lavatory being among the worst offenders, with I believe the tray table being the absolute worst from a news report done on the subject.
Apr 20, 2016 | 2:17 am
#34
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: DFW
Programs: UA peon (+decades 1K), AA Exec Plt
Posts: 1,120
I highly recommend a combination of Sambucol liquid (clinically proven anti-viral, but useless against bacterial infections) and 1,000mg of Vitamin C. Zicam and other zinc products never really worked for me.
With a trip coming up to HK, Shanghai, Tokyo and back to the USA, I just bought two packs of disinfectant wipes which I use to wipe down every non-fabric part of the seat, AV system, controls, storage areas, arm rests, table trays, etc - anything I, or my stuff might touch.
With a trip coming up to HK, Shanghai, Tokyo and back to the USA, I just bought two packs of disinfectant wipes which I use to wipe down every non-fabric part of the seat, AV system, controls, storage areas, arm rests, table trays, etc - anything I, or my stuff might touch.
The anti-viral studies are in vitro (not with people or animals). Neat Scotch has excellent in vitro anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties and is my choice. Too bad United doesn't stock a decent one on their planes.
Whatever makes you feel safer you should do as long as it doesn't impede upon anyones else safety. A sneezing person isn't necessarily sick and many sick people aren't sneezing yet are infectious.
I wouldn't go to sleep. I've watched people sleeping touch all parts of the seat and plane and then rub their faces and orifices thereon.
Apr 20, 2016 | 2:38 am
#35
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: The Indo Jungle
Programs: AA EXP, IHG Spire
Posts: 1,323
The mask would offer 0% protection from any of the things you listed, unfortunately.
Apr 20, 2016 | 5:25 pm
#36
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: UA 1K MM, Accor Plat, Htz PC, Natl ExEm, other random status
Posts: 2,879
You may still get sick, but you won't care as much..
May 5, 2016 | 7:38 pm
#37
Suspended
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 335
May 6, 2016 | 9:16 am
#38
Senior Moderator
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: San Francisco, CA
Programs: UA Plat/2MM [23-yr. 1K, now emeritus] clawing way back to WN-A List; MR LT Titanium; HY Whateverist.
Posts: 12,458
Hardly any part of the thread is specific to United, so to preserve the discussion and continue to share tips and remedies, please follow the thread as it moves to the TravelBuzz forum. Ocn Vw 1K, Moderator, United.
May 6, 2016 | 9:25 am
#39
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Bangkok or San Francisco
Programs: United 1k, Marriott Lifetime PE, Former DL Gold, Former SQ Solitaire, HH Gold
Posts: 11,889
Yesterday morning, I flew ORD-LAX (UA 2001). Having booked the night before, the only remaining Economy Plus seat was 33B, the bulkhead middle on our flight's 757-300.
I made the mistake of asking the gate agent if I could standby for an E+ window or aisle if any opened up at the check-in cutoff. Sure enough, 10F opened up, and the agent manning the BP scanner tried to move me to it. Problem is, the agent at the desk had just assigned it to a standby. And, as the agent helping me tried to put me back in 33B, the desk agent gave that to a standby, too.
Thus, I wound up in 35F. Not great given my height (6'3"), but I figured I'd sleep. The bigger problem: My seatmate had a severe cold and coughed constantly, making at best a ceremonial effort to cover his mouth.
There's never a convenient time to get sick, but I have my parents coming cross-country to visit me this weekend, and I'm really hoping to stave off whatever I was probably inhaling inflight.
Given that risk, I considered asking to deplane and standby for the next flight two hours later. (Every seat on 2001 was assigned by the time my seatmate's problem became apparent late in boarding.) I resisted the inclination primarily for fear that offloading me could screw up the weight-and-balance calculations and delay the flight.
Was that operational concern correct? And, if you had time to wait for a later flight, would you have done so in my circumstance? I'm sort of kicking myself for not looking into it, but the fear of being perceived as the DYKWIA of the flight exceeding my concern for my immune system.
I made the mistake of asking the gate agent if I could standby for an E+ window or aisle if any opened up at the check-in cutoff. Sure enough, 10F opened up, and the agent manning the BP scanner tried to move me to it. Problem is, the agent at the desk had just assigned it to a standby. And, as the agent helping me tried to put me back in 33B, the desk agent gave that to a standby, too.
Thus, I wound up in 35F. Not great given my height (6'3"), but I figured I'd sleep. The bigger problem: My seatmate had a severe cold and coughed constantly, making at best a ceremonial effort to cover his mouth.
There's never a convenient time to get sick, but I have my parents coming cross-country to visit me this weekend, and I'm really hoping to stave off whatever I was probably inhaling inflight.
Given that risk, I considered asking to deplane and standby for the next flight two hours later. (Every seat on 2001 was assigned by the time my seatmate's problem became apparent late in boarding.) I resisted the inclination primarily for fear that offloading me could screw up the weight-and-balance calculations and delay the flight.
Was that operational concern correct? And, if you had time to wait for a later flight, would you have done so in my circumstance? I'm sort of kicking myself for not looking into it, but the fear of being perceived as the DYKWIA of the flight exceeding my concern for my immune system.
May 10, 2016 | 10:05 pm
#41
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Traveling the World
Posts: 6,140
What you may want to do is use Sanitizer Wipes, mini bottles of hand sanitizer and breathe through your nose and keep your mouth closed. Having a lot of Probitcics before and after the flight along with Emergen C before during and after the flight and other liquids will greatly reduce you getting sick. What you need to also do is walk up and down the aisles as much as possible to avoid contact with the sick passenger.
Also do not use the airline blanket or pillows. And be sure not to touch your face without washing your hands throughly with warm water. You could also politely tell the passenger to please contain his or her cough so as to void you getting sick.
Zinc losengers can be great as well as Echanacia and Godsend and Edelberry. Take these three days before, during and after your flight. At the first sign of a tickle up the zinc.
If you are that concerned you could ask the Flight attendant discreetly about your concern and she was she suggests.
Also pack Sailie Spray in your checked luggage and use it before you leave and then once you arrive take a warm shower and use it before going to bed. Sudafed/Mucinex or Antihistamine can also help you keep your airways open so you can breath through your nose. When you only breath through your nose and keep your mouth closed it works like an air filter. It has worked for me.
Also do not use the airline blanket or pillows. And be sure not to touch your face without washing your hands throughly with warm water. You could also politely tell the passenger to please contain his or her cough so as to void you getting sick.
Zinc losengers can be great as well as Echanacia and Godsend and Edelberry. Take these three days before, during and after your flight. At the first sign of a tickle up the zinc.
If you are that concerned you could ask the Flight attendant discreetly about your concern and she was she suggests.
Also pack Sailie Spray in your checked luggage and use it before you leave and then once you arrive take a warm shower and use it before going to bed. Sudafed/Mucinex or Antihistamine can also help you keep your airways open so you can breath through your nose. When you only breath through your nose and keep your mouth closed it works like an air filter. It has worked for me.
May 10, 2016 | 11:06 pm
#42
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: The Indo Jungle
Programs: AA EXP, IHG Spire
Posts: 1,323
What you may want to do is use Sanitizer Wipes, mini bottles of hand sanitizer and breathe through your nose and keep your mouth closed. Having a lot of Probitcics before and after the flight along with Emergen C before during and after the flight and other liquids will greatly reduce you getting sick. What you need to also do is walk up and down the aisles as much as possible to avoid contact with the sick passenger.
Also do not use the airline blanket or pillows. And be sure not to touch your face without washing your hands throughly with warm water. You could also politely tell the passenger to please contain his or her cough so as to void you getting sick.
Zinc losengers can be great as well as Echanacia and Godsend and Edelberry. Take these three days before, during and after your flight. At the first sign of a tickle up the zinc.
If you are that concerned you could ask the Flight attendant discreetly about your concern and she was she suggests.
Also pack Sailie Spray in your checked luggage and use it before you leave and then once you arrive take a warm shower and use it before going to bed. Sudafed/Mucinex or Antihistamine can also help you keep your airways open so you can breath through your nose. When you only breath through your nose and keep your mouth closed it works like an air filter. It has worked for me.
Also do not use the airline blanket or pillows. And be sure not to touch your face without washing your hands throughly with warm water. You could also politely tell the passenger to please contain his or her cough so as to void you getting sick.
Zinc losengers can be great as well as Echanacia and Godsend and Edelberry. Take these three days before, during and after your flight. At the first sign of a tickle up the zinc.
If you are that concerned you could ask the Flight attendant discreetly about your concern and she was she suggests.
Also pack Sailie Spray in your checked luggage and use it before you leave and then once you arrive take a warm shower and use it before going to bed. Sudafed/Mucinex or Antihistamine can also help you keep your airways open so you can breath through your nose. When you only breath through your nose and keep your mouth closed it works like an air filter. It has worked for me.
May 11, 2016 | 5:01 am
#43
formerly dave h.
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Seattle - it's not Hell, but you can SEA it from here!
Programs: SkyMiles, IHG nobody, HH nobody
Posts: 192
i have to fess up to being the sick person on a TATL flight. after being stuck in bed in London for 4 days, i had to catch my flight home. luckily the flight was only about 80% full and the guy next to me could move across the aisle. i was as glad for him as he was that he could move. ended up chatting across the aisle.
i really dreaded getting on that plane, but had to get home.
i really dreaded getting on that plane, but had to get home.
May 11, 2016 | 4:54 pm
#44
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 436
What you may want to do is use Sanitizer Wipes, mini bottles of hand sanitizer and breathe through your nose and keep your mouth closed. Having a lot of Probitcics before and after the flight along with Emergen C before during and after the flight and other liquids will greatly reduce you getting sick. What you need to also do is walk up and down the aisles as much as possible to avoid contact with the sick passenger.
Also do not use the airline blanket or pillows. And be sure not to touch your face without washing your hands throughly with warm water. You could also politely tell the passenger to please contain his or her cough so as to void you getting sick.
Zinc losengers can be great as well as Echanacia and Godsend and Edelberry. Take these three days before, during and after your flight. At the first sign of a tickle up the zinc.
If you are that concerned you could ask the Flight attendant discreetly about your concern and she was she suggests.
Also pack Sailie Spray in your checked luggage and use it before you leave and then once you arrive take a warm shower and use it before going to bed. Sudafed/Mucinex or Antihistamine can also help you keep your airways open so you can breath through your nose. When you only breath through your nose and keep your mouth closed it works like an air filter. It has worked for me.
Also do not use the airline blanket or pillows. And be sure not to touch your face without washing your hands throughly with warm water. You could also politely tell the passenger to please contain his or her cough so as to void you getting sick.
Zinc losengers can be great as well as Echanacia and Godsend and Edelberry. Take these three days before, during and after your flight. At the first sign of a tickle up the zinc.
If you are that concerned you could ask the Flight attendant discreetly about your concern and she was she suggests.
Also pack Sailie Spray in your checked luggage and use it before you leave and then once you arrive take a warm shower and use it before going to bed. Sudafed/Mucinex or Antihistamine can also help you keep your airways open so you can breath through your nose. When you only breath through your nose and keep your mouth closed it works like an air filter. It has worked for me.
Most of your advice is pure BS, repeating the marketing claims of "supplements" which have no basis in fact and most of which have been disproved in clinical trials.
May 12, 2016 | 4:24 am
#45
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: South Yorkshire, UK
Programs: VS Silver
Posts: 2,478
If the passenger next to you has a cold then, no, the FA will not remove them from the flight for health reasons. That pathogen has probably already been swirling liberally around the airport and planes for days anyway - you just happened to be next to someone who was visibly symptomatic. If they're coughing up blood, puking or have the trots then that's a different matter. Sickness tends to evoke a strong reaction in others, so if you are feeling uncomfortable about sitting near someone sneezing then that's basically your problem. Deplane if you want to - it's your right.
I was once on an internal flight in India where a gentleman two rows ahead of me was a bit short of breath and kept rubbing his sternum. He said it was because he had to run to catch the flight but the FA removed him because the pilot didn't want a heart attack to deal with in mid-air. If the shortness of breath didn't bring on the heart attack then I'm fairly sure the apoplectic fit at being deplaned was a strong second candidate.
I was once on an internal flight in India where a gentleman two rows ahead of me was a bit short of breath and kept rubbing his sternum. He said it was because he had to run to catch the flight but the FA removed him because the pilot didn't want a heart attack to deal with in mid-air. If the shortness of breath didn't bring on the heart attack then I'm fairly sure the apoplectic fit at being deplaned was a strong second candidate.