Are Flight Attendants making us sick?
Jul 18, 2006, 5:04 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: PHX/SFO/LAX
Programs: AA-EXP (1.7MM), BA-Slvr, HH-Diamond
Posts: 7,784
Are Flight Attendants making us sick?
Being the latent germaphobe that I am, I've come to notice that FA's always seem to handle cups by the rim when serving beverages and when collecting already used cups. I’ve noticed this on most US carriers.
Now anyone with knowledge of basic hygiene could tell you that serving beverages after handling used cups is unsanitary. One might as well French kiss everyone on the plane. I can't imagine that it's good for the FA's to be coming in contact with the saliva of passengers either.
Has this ever been addressed by the airlines, unions, or any government agency? It's bad enough that we share the same air on a plane. Must we share the same oral bacteria as well.
Now anyone with knowledge of basic hygiene could tell you that serving beverages after handling used cups is unsanitary. One might as well French kiss everyone on the plane. I can't imagine that it's good for the FA's to be coming in contact with the saliva of passengers either.
Has this ever been addressed by the airlines, unions, or any government agency? It's bad enough that we share the same air on a plane. Must we share the same oral bacteria as well.
Jul 18, 2006, 5:31 pm
#2
Join Date: Dec 2004
Programs: AA, WN RR
Posts: 3,122
Originally Posted by ByrdluvsAWACO
Being the latent germaphobe that I am, I've come to notice that FA's always seem to handle cups by the rim when serving beverages and when collecting already used cups. I’ve noticed this on most US carriers.
Now anyone with knowledge of basic hygiene could tell you that serving beverages after handling used cups is unsanitary. One might as well French kiss everyone on the plane. I can't imagine that it's good for the FA's to be coming in contact with the saliva of passengers either.
Has this ever been addressed by the airlines, unions, or any government agency? It's bad enough that we share the same air on a plane. Must we share the same oral bacteria as well.
Now anyone with knowledge of basic hygiene could tell you that serving beverages after handling used cups is unsanitary. One might as well French kiss everyone on the plane. I can't imagine that it's good for the FA's to be coming in contact with the saliva of passengers either.
Has this ever been addressed by the airlines, unions, or any government agency? It's bad enough that we share the same air on a plane. Must we share the same oral bacteria as well.
Not only FA's pass out beverage cups by the rims. I have noticed this extremely unsanitary practice at several restaurants over the past few years.
Jul 18, 2006, 5:32 pm
#3
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,220
Originally Posted by ByrdluvsAWACO
Being the latent germaphobe that I am, I've come to notice that FA's always seem to handle cups by the rim when serving beverages and when collecting already used cups. I’ve noticed this on most US carriers.
Now anyone with knowledge of basic hygiene could tell you that serving beverages after handling used cups is unsanitary. One might as well French kiss everyone on the plane. I can't imagine that it's good for the FA's to be coming in contact with the saliva of passengers either.
Has this ever been addressed by the airlines, unions, or any government agency? It's bad enough that we share the same air on a plane. Must we share the same oral bacteria as well.
Now anyone with knowledge of basic hygiene could tell you that serving beverages after handling used cups is unsanitary. One might as well French kiss everyone on the plane. I can't imagine that it's good for the FA's to be coming in contact with the saliva of passengers either.
Has this ever been addressed by the airlines, unions, or any government agency? It's bad enough that we share the same air on a plane. Must we share the same oral bacteria as well.
Jul 18, 2006, 6:41 pm
#6
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: MCI
Programs: AA LT Gold; BA Silver; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 3,081
I'm VERY laid-back about germs and, fortunately, very healthy. Yes, I do realize there's probably a connection.
But, given the poor quality of air in the plane (dry, and very little fresh- mostly re-circulated), we're already in a situation that encourages the transmission of communicable diseases. My husband is finally getting back to normal after a bacterial respiratory problem he developed 3 days after we came home from a trip from MCI to SAV via DFW. Took him 3 weeks, 2 doctor visits and a lot of meds to get over it. Did he catch it on the plane? Maybe. I'd appreciate it if the FAs didn't do things that made the situation worse.
But, given the poor quality of air in the plane (dry, and very little fresh- mostly re-circulated), we're already in a situation that encourages the transmission of communicable diseases. My husband is finally getting back to normal after a bacterial respiratory problem he developed 3 days after we came home from a trip from MCI to SAV via DFW. Took him 3 weeks, 2 doctor visits and a lot of meds to get over it. Did he catch it on the plane? Maybe. I'd appreciate it if the FAs didn't do things that made the situation worse.
Jul 18, 2006, 7:14 pm
#7
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Tucson, AZ USA
Programs: Membership has its benefits, or so I am told.
Posts: 265
ewww
i had mastered the "standing in the subway without holding onto the [snot/semen/bacteria/germ/other slathered] poles and seatbacks" technique and have learned to take toilet tissue out of the stall with me, in the event that the lavatory utilizes hand dryers instead of environmentally unfriendly paper towels, so i can open the [snot/semen??/bacteria/germ/other slathered] bathroom door, and NOW i have to wonder where my FA's hands have been....god, just pass me some anthrax and get it over with
ITTIA
ITTIA
Jul 18, 2006, 7:54 pm
#8
Suspended
Join Date: Feb 2000
Posts: 13,344
Originally Posted by ITravelThereforeIam
i had mastered the "standing in the subway without holding onto the [snot/semen/bacteria/germ/other slathered] poles and seatbacks" technique and have learned to take toilet tissue out of the stall with me, in the event that the lavatory utilizes hand dryers instead of environmentally unfriendly paper towels, so i can open the [snot/semen??/bacteria/germ/other slathered] bathroom door, and NOW i have to wonder where my FA's hands have been....god, just pass me some anthrax and get it over with
ITTIA
ITTIA
(kidding hehe)
Jul 19, 2006, 7:54 am
#9
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 55,189
Originally Posted by ByrdluvsAWACO
Has this ever been addressed by the airlines, unions, or any government agency? It's bad enough that we share the same air on a plane. Must we share the same oral bacteria as well.
Jul 19, 2006, 8:17 am
#10
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: ICN / 평택
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I don't go overboard in trying to avoid germs, but I do take small precautions. For instance, I usually rinse the hotel room coffee cup out before using it.
However, if the FAs or other service people can do the small things like proper handling of cups, etc., it will make everyone a little happier. There have been studies done in hotels where they evaluate cleanliness in the rooms, and have found fecal bacteria on the TV remote control (nasty SOB does a number 2, doesn't wash their hands, and then goes back to chaneel surfing), and god knows what on the outer bed linen.
A few small steps in hygiene go a long way. I don't want to be ingesting someone elses saliva either.
However, if the FAs or other service people can do the small things like proper handling of cups, etc., it will make everyone a little happier. There have been studies done in hotels where they evaluate cleanliness in the rooms, and have found fecal bacteria on the TV remote control (nasty SOB does a number 2, doesn't wash their hands, and then goes back to chaneel surfing), and god knows what on the outer bed linen.
A few small steps in hygiene go a long way. I don't want to be ingesting someone elses saliva either.
Jul 19, 2006, 1:35 pm
#13
Join Date: Feb 2005
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Posts: 2,003
Originally Posted by Cromely
I suppose the simple solution would be to tavel with straws in the carryon.
Cromely.
Cromely.
Jul 19, 2006, 3:38 pm
#14
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: LEX
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Posts: 197
Funny thing but as I watched the FA hand out drinks on my latest flight I pondered the exact thing as the OP. My thoughts are that it is impossible to avoid germs unless you live in a bubble (think Seinfeld). Straws aren't a bad idea, you could also bring your own disposable gloves or hand sanitizer.
Jul 19, 2006, 6:39 pm
#15
Original Poster
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Originally Posted by herzmeh
I think you're just overly paranoid.