Tony Scott, a recent passenger on an American Airlines flight, said the airline didn’t enforce its mask policy on a recent flight, according to the New York Post.
Scott — who was traveling to Texas to see his son after weeks of quarantine — said he bought a first class ticket and brought many masks on board. He has a history of lung issues. But he said American Airlines’ mask policy made him feel safe.
But Scott explained in a long Twitter thread that his experience on the flight was much different than he expected, prompting him to complain to American Airlines about his flight and question how the airline industry is handling the coronavirus pandemic.
What happened:
- Scott arrived on his flight. His seatmate didn’t have a mask on. She was eating a snack, according to the New York Post.
- American Airlines allows customers to take off their masks while eating. The passenger didn’t put her mask back on after eating.
- So Scott asked a flight attendant about the mask policy. The attendant said the masks are “not mandatory — it’s optional.”
- Scott fought back, pulling up the policy and explaining that the mask removal isn’t optional. He tried to persuade the woman to put on the mask. They didn’t budge, only asking the woman if she wanted to wear a mask. Scott asked for his seat to be moved but the request was denied, according to the New York Post.
- Scott said most seats were filled on the flight.
- He later complained to American Airlines about the flight after his son got sick once he saw him in Texas. He was offered 10,000 AAdvantage Miles. He declined.
How American Airlines responded:
- American Airlines told the New York Post: “The safety and well-being of our customers and team members is our highest priority. American, like other US airlines, requires customers to wear a face covering while on board, and this requirement is enforced at the gate while boarding. We also remind customers with announcements both during boarding and at departure. Some passengers are exempt, such as young children and those with a medical reason why they cannot wear a mask. The policy also does not apply while eating or drinking.”
- According to The Star-Telegraph, American Airlines officials said last month they have not required people to wear masks after the airplane door closes.