Why don't airlines require passengers who are coughing and sneezing to wear face masks?

Question

I came back to the west coast from DC on a flight full of people hacking and sneezing; I've been sick now for five weeks -- a bad cold mutated into whooping cough, which is serious, contagious and has a months-long recovery time. I'll never travel without a face mask in self-defense again!

Answer 1

I agree, I think they should. With the world trying to be so "politically correct", how well do you think that would fly? Someone would make a big issue out of it.

Do what my wife does - wear her own mask!

Answer 2

The legal issues with this a huge!! Think of how many times a year the airlines would get sued for discrimination!! Do make sure you have your own face mask and hand sanitizer (wipes) on your next trip. You need to take care of yourself first!!

Answer 3

It's about the money not the health or really even saftey. And they'd sell less if people ad to wear **** because they were sick. Plus, they'd have to pay certified doctors or nurses or whatever to evaluate every single customer, slowing everything down more than all the new security checks, and costing them more money.

Answer 4

Because not ALL coughs are contagious. U should work on Ur immunities. I am a nurse, and I travel often. I have not had a virus in 5yrs. So U can not ask that someone else wear PPB for Ur convenience.

Answer 5

I dont know but you make a very valid point. Considering that many airborne diseases that came from Europe, Africa, and Asia were transported to the US from someone who had it on a plane and infected others in the tight, enclosed space.

Answer 6

They really don't care, as long as they sell all the seats and don't crash.

Answer 7

AMEN!