Jun 17, 2020, 4:09 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
Debating the value of masks is not appropriate for the UA forum -- we will discuss the UA requirements, enforcement and/or compliance. The value of masks is not UA specific issue (and not airline industry-specific either) and is best discussed elsewhere in a more universal format
WineCountryUA
UA coModerator
.22 April UA to provide "Social distancing" by blocking middles from advance seat assignments -- note middles can be assigned for those traveling together or at the gate if needed ... example notice and COVID-19: What we're doing to keep customers and employees safe
20 May 2020 United Launches United CleanPlus: A New Standard of Cleanliness and Safety in Partnership with Clorox and Cleveland Clinic ... (post)
"allowing customers to take alternative flights when we expect a flight to operate over 70% capacity." is included in the above announvement
Also NSRA not allowed if above 70%
15 June 2020 United Airlines Strengthens Onboard Mask Policy to Further Protect Passengers and Employees Against COVID-19 Spread ... (post)
July 2020 -- appears UA has dropped blocking pre-assignment of middles, still notifying if 70% booked
20 July -- "Traveling is different now, but we're still committed to your safety What to expect when you travel next", e-mail
22 July -- United Extends Mask Requirements to Airports
17 August 2021 -- TSA to extend transportation mask mandate into January (18, 2022)
WineCountryUA
UA coModerator
.22 April UA to provide "Social distancing" by blocking middles from advance seat assignments -- note middles can be assigned for those traveling together or at the gate if needed ... example notice and COVID-19: What we're doing to keep customers and employees safe
20 May 2020 United Launches United CleanPlus: A New Standard of Cleanliness and Safety in Partnership with Clorox and Cleveland Clinic ... (post)
"allowing customers to take alternative flights when we expect a flight to operate over 70% capacity." is included in the above announvement
Also NSRA not allowed if above 70%
15 June 2020 United Airlines Strengthens Onboard Mask Policy to Further Protect Passengers and Employees Against COVID-19 Spread ... (post)
July 2020 -- appears UA has dropped blocking pre-assignment of middles, still notifying if 70% booked
20 July -- "Traveling is different now, but we're still committed to your safety What to expect when you travel next", e-mail
22 July -- United Extends Mask Requirements to Airports
17 August 2021 -- TSA to extend transportation mask mandate into January (18, 2022)
UA COVID19 precautions: **REQUIRING** mask usage per CDC/DoT
May 17, 2020, 1:07 pm
#211
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May 17, 2020, 1:15 pm
#212
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May 17, 2020, 1:27 pm
#213
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Considering that they're running 10% of their originally scheduled capacity, it's possible for flights to be full and for them still to be losing money precipitously at their current scale.
May 17, 2020, 1:28 pm
#214
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Mask policies are going to be in place for at least a year, more likely two years. If you won't fly because of mask policies, it's going to be an awfully long time before you fly.
May 17, 2020, 1:32 pm
#215
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So saying “look at the full planes!” Is specious. They’re only that way because UA is valuing things other than passenger and employee safety right now.
May 17, 2020, 1:35 pm
#216
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The bigger issue is someone who boards with a mask and then refuses to continue wearing it in-flight - the risk of that could create a disturbance during the flight leading to an altercation among passengers. In this case, the FAA needs to step in with a clear policy that defines the use of masks, when masks can be removed, and the penalties for non-compliance.
May 17, 2020, 1:40 pm
#217
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Both my flights today were full or nearly full. On the IAH - DEN leg, they upgraded the A319 to a 737-900. It was still full. Before they closed the door the Captain got on the PA and announced that if anyone was uncomfortable with the full flight, they could get off and United would get them on a later flight. No one budged. All three airports I passed through today looked like normal Sunday crowds. People traveling today were a mix families and business fliers. Everyone wore a mask. Everyone was patient. And everyone seemed to be happy to get on living again.
May 17, 2020, 1:44 pm
#218
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Not in the least. OP posited that people are booking away from United due to the fact that they aren't blocking middle seats. If that were true en masse, then UA flights would not be crowded. Some individual travelers, sure, just like some individual travelers are deeply concerned with a slightly wider seat on a 320 as opposed to a 737.
May 17, 2020, 1:58 pm
#219
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The mask policy needs to be absolute - if some jerk shows up and refuses to wear a mask before boarding, they should be refused boarding and their ticket invalidated without refund or change options.
The bigger issue is someone who boards with a mask and then refuses to continue wearing it in-flight - the risk of that could create a disturbance during the flight leading to an altercation among passengers. In this case, the FAA needs to step in with a clear policy that defines the use of masks, when masks can be removed, and the penalties for non-compliance.
The bigger issue is someone who boards with a mask and then refuses to continue wearing it in-flight - the risk of that could create a disturbance during the flight leading to an altercation among passengers. In this case, the FAA needs to step in with a clear policy that defines the use of masks, when masks can be removed, and the penalties for non-compliance.
May 17, 2020, 1:58 pm
#220
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UA 653: I been looking to either taking a risk of a non-stop SFO-IAD full flight or switch to 1 stop with any other airline and hope for a 6 feet clearance...
As of now, the last 5 days fly are near or at capacity ... tell me that they are very care of their customers
-T-
As of now, the last 5 days fly are near or at capacity ... tell me that they are very care of their customers
-T-
May 17, 2020, 2:25 pm
#221
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It tells me a lot of their customers are willing to make their own decisions about whether or not they want to fly, and at least an airplane full do. What a concept.
May 17, 2020, 4:51 pm
#222
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From what I've heard, domestic load factors are still under 40% overall and 35-40 flights per day are being up-gauged to larger aircraft to help maintain the empty seats on flights that are booked higher.
May 17, 2020, 4:55 pm
#223
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I don't think this can really be enforced, the last thing United wants is people being dragged off one of their planes again like the doctor because they don't want to wear a mask... I would say it should be strongly suggested by in no way mandatory, just can create too many headaches
If it happens while on board, the recourse is with the FAA who can assess a fine of $10,000 along with a 12 month ban on commercial flying - their information gets sent to the FAA who then handles enforcement after the fact. While on board, the crew can just hand them an information card that details what the FAA will be doing to them after arrival.
This shouldn't be any different than someone lighting up in the lavatory or fondling their seatmate.
May 17, 2020, 5:28 pm
#224
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But it isn't and there seems to be some debate as to if it can be required by FAA. And including it in the FARs would take time.
May 17, 2020, 9:27 pm
#225
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https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/...5-15208241.php
"While standard N95 respirators, when worn properly, can reduce the wearer’s exposure to 95% of airborne particles and protect those around them from potentially infected coughs, sneezes and other respiratory droplets; N95 respirators with a built-in exhalation valve — or one-way vent — pose a potentially serious issue.
While these types of masks protect the wearer, they do not protect others from a potentially infected cough or sneeze due to their ability to release large respiratory droplets into the air."