Tiffs over mask-wearing, common on the ground, trouble airlines, too

WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — The wearing of masks to protect against the coronavirus has become such a sensitive issue in the United States that airlines are struggling to impose the practice on defiant travelers in the enclosed environment of an airplane.

Johannes Eisele, an AFP photographer, experienced the problem in person.

He recently took his seat on an American Airlines flight from LaGuardia Airport in New York City — then a coronavirus hot spot — to Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina. He had a middle seat, wedged between two other passengers — only one of whom was wearing a mask.

As Eisele recounted it, “I asked him if he didn’t have a mask. He said, ‘Yes, I have.’ And I asked him, ‘Can you please wear it?’’’

“He said he feels more comfortable without the mask and he won’t wear it.’’

When Eisele told the man that “I feel more comfortable if you wear it,’’ his seatmate replied, “Keep your fear to yourself.’’ The flight was completely full, so Eisele was unable to change seats.

The scene occurred early this month, shortly before US airlines imposed mask rules — generally exempting only passengers with medical or religious excuses, or very young children — to slow the spread of COVID-19.

At the time of boarding, say officials at American Airlines and United Airlines, the rule is clear: No passenger can board a flight unless he or she has a mask on.

If a passenger’s refusal to wear a face covering causes a disturbance, a United spokesman told AFP, “we’ve counseled our flight attendants to use their deescalation skills.’’

If a passenger declines to wear a mask for reasons other than medical or religious, it says, “please encourage them to comply, but do not escalate further.’’