A 2021 Flight Attendant Rant

Listen. I know I’ve been silent on the inter-web regarding masks, Covid-19 and I guess life in general. Sorry about that. But I’m back and as promised I’m coming to you raw and real. So for this first subject matter 2021 post, I’ve got something to say. Ahem… WEAR YOUR MASK PEOPLE!!!!! At least when you’re flying. For the love of God please comply with the contracts of carriage that YOU sign before flying on a plane and listen to the flight attendants. Please stop skirting around the mask rule by taking 3 hours to eat one Reese’s peanut butter cup. Some of you think I am joking. Unfortunately I am not. But before you put me on your no fly list, just stay with me because I have one major fact check for you. 

Is Flying on a Plane Safer Than Shopping at a Store?

LSS ANSWER:  With the current attitudinal climate, the answer is False. Here’s why:

BUT would be true… IF PEOPLE WERE COMPLIANT. According to this CNN article, Harvard did a study and found that droplets didn’t circulate on planes that well because of the strength of the downward air from the ventilation systems on aircraft as well as the high-quality filters and swift 2 to 3 minute air recirculation. (Please calm down, Karen. You’re not breathing recycled air the whole flight.) “This ventilation effectively counters the proximity travelers are subject to during flights,” is what the Harvard report states (Faculty and Scientists at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health). They go on to say that the aircraft ventilation system is not as effective by itself.  “Harvard’s researchers described masks as a critical part of keeping travelers healthy and credited the role of disinfection and passengers’ self-screening for Covid-19 symptoms,” (Wallace).  So… did you hear that? It doesn’t work if you’re not complying.  You, the person that just bought a ticket for tomorrow knowing good and well, you have symptoms…this means you. People it’s not that big of a deal to have to cancel so I don’t understand these people who are flying right now despite being sick. These days airlines are giving full refunds and letting people switch fee-free. I myself have had to change or cancel flight plans three times since March 2020. But hey, that’s just me and I am implored by my integrity to care about others. Like some of our leaders, many do not have this trait. (Oooop! Y’all wanted raw and real!)

All of this is just to say, we want you to fly. And we also want you to be safe and keep us and thus our families safe as well. I don’t care what you do on your own time but please when you’re flying, just. be. compliant. I don’t care if we are talking about wearing a mask, putting your carryon under the seat or keeping your illegitimate emotional assist pet in its carrier – you signed it, so just do it. Thanks ✌🏽       Ooh I got real sassy in this one. 

 

 

 

 

Works Cited:

Alonso, Melissa Kelly Murray And Hollie Silverman. “United Passenger Died of Covid-19 and Acute Respiratory Failure, Coroner Says.” CNN, 22 Dec. 2020, edition.cnn.com/2020/12/19/us/united-passenger-died-covid-symptoms/index.html.

Faculty and Scientists at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “AVIATION PUBLIC HEALTH INITIATIVE.” Harvard.Edu, Aviation Public Health Initiative (APHI), 27 Oct. 2020, cdn1.sph.harvard.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2443/2020/10/Phase-One-Report-Highlights-1.pdf.

Wallace, Pete Cnn Muntean And Gregory. “Flying Can Be Safer than Grocery Shopping, Harvard Study Asserts.” CNN, 27 Oct. 2020, edition.cnn.com/travel/article/flying-covid-19-harvard-study-wellness/index.html.