Using a half face respirator on UA flight?
Oct 26, 2020, 10:58 am
#31
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Oct 26, 2020, 11:14 am
#32
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It would be helpful if United posted an official clarification as to whether or not vented masks can be worn if covered by a non-vented mask. I am no expert, but it seems to me that covering a vented mask with a surgical mask can't be much worse for others than covering your plain face with a surgical mask.
Oct 26, 2020, 12:01 pm
#33
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It would be helpful if United posted an official clarification as to whether or not vented masks can be worn if covered by a non-vented mask. I am no expert, but it seems to me that covering a vented mask with a surgical mask can't be much worse for others than covering your plain face with a surgical mask.
Oct 26, 2020, 12:30 pm
#34
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All travelers are required to wear a face covering with no vents or openings that fully covers their nose and mouth. A face shield alone does not count as a face covering.
Understand why folks would want the double protection (both from others and for others), the airlines do not have the necessarily front-line expertise to evaluate whether your jury rigged version is appropriate.
Need to keep this simple and it quickly becomes unmanageable.
Oct 26, 2020, 12:32 pm
#35
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One mask over the left ear, one over the night, both covering the vent (plus I have the vent covered with a filter on the interior side as well).
Oct 26, 2020, 12:37 pm
#36
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UA is quite explicit
Things like what if I put a mask over the vent is getting into territory that is unrealistic to manage in the real world. No vents.
Understand why folks would want the double protection (both from others and for others), the airlines do not have the necessarily front-line expertise to evaluate whether your jury rigged version is appropriate.
Need to keep this simple and it quickly becomes unmanageable.
Things like what if I put a mask over the vent is getting into territory that is unrealistic to manage in the real world. No vents.
Understand why folks would want the double protection (both from others and for others), the airlines do not have the necessarily front-line expertise to evaluate whether your jury rigged version is appropriate.
Need to keep this simple and it quickly becomes unmanageable.
Sometimes practicality and judgment has to play more of a role than "following the rules by the letter." The purpose of the policy is to reduce spread. (And nothing in UA's proclamation, seems to rule out wearing something under a surgical mask).
Oct 26, 2020, 12:42 pm
#37
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It would be helpful if United posted an official clarification as to whether or not vented masks can be worn if covered by a non-vented mask. I am no expert, but it seems to me that covering a vented mask with a surgical mask can't be much worse for others than covering your plain face with a surgical mask.
That is a benefit to both the front line staff and the customer. The goal is not to take someone who scans boarding passes and turn them into an authority on the subject matter.
Oct 26, 2020, 1:14 pm
#38
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Oct 26, 2020, 1:16 pm
#39
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I don’t understand what you mean jury rigged configuration. A half face respirator has benefit to the wearer and those around them. Getting a proper fitting mask and one that satisfies the airline requirements makes this more effective and safe for everyone.
I see someone earlier asked if bandana or scarf wrapped around your face meets the requirement?
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Oct 26, 2020 at 1:32 pm Reason: merged consecutive posts by same member
Oct 26, 2020, 1:44 pm
#40
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I disagree. By remaining silent on mask-over-mask, UA is creating confusion -- as evidenced by the person referenced in the OP. I suspect that that person is not alone. If United doesn't want mask-over-mask, I think they should add a sentence to their website that says so. That would be explicit and clear. And it would make things easier for UA's front-line employees, as customers won't have any room to make up their own rules or argue.
Oct 26, 2020, 1:49 pm
#41
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The statement may be simple but how different airline staff and airport staff interpret the rule is what brings us to this discussion.
I don’t understand what you mean jury rigged configuration. A half face respirator has benefit to the wearer and those around them. Getting a proper fitting mask and one that satisfies the airline requirements makes this more effective and safe for everyone.
I see someone earlier asked if bandana or scarf wrapped around your face meets the requirement?
I don’t understand what you mean jury rigged configuration. A half face respirator has benefit to the wearer and those around them. Getting a proper fitting mask and one that satisfies the airline requirements makes this more effective and safe for everyone.
I see someone earlier asked if bandana or scarf wrapped around your face meets the requirement?
Why not wear your half face respirator and let us know how it turned out?
Oct 26, 2020, 2:00 pm
#42
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 13
Looks like they/he was trying to get feedback from others experience and the random enforcement of the rules. I jumped on this thread as i am interested to see how others have managed with masks and respirators. Good to see all the comments.
Last edited by FL510; Oct 26, 2020 at 2:12 pm Reason: correction typo
Oct 26, 2020, 5:18 pm
#43
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I respectfully disagree with that categorical interpretation. One can wear an N95 with a vent under a paper face mask so long as the paper mask covers the nose and mouth. That the N95 (with a vent) is behind the required "face covering with no vent or opening" doesn't change the analysis of the plain language.
I believe you called it double protection.
I believe you called it double protection.
Oct 26, 2020, 5:36 pm
#44
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I respectfully disagree with that categorical interpretation. One can wear an N95 with a vent under a paper face mask so long as the paper mask covers the nose and mouth. That the N95 (with a vent) is behind the required "face covering with no vent or opening" doesn't change the analysis of the plain language.
I believe you called it double protection.
I believe you called it double protection.