Stories of anti-maskers pitching a fit on their flight and getting booted are all too common these days, but this woman was removed from her flight FOR wearing a face mask and we’ve got questions.
A woman with the Twitter handle @LizzyStorm4Uxxx tweeted that she was removed from an October 29th flight because she refused to change her mask (which she was properly wearing). Her mask, below, was an anti-Fentanyl mask that stated “F*** Fentanyl.”
For the unfamiliar, Fentanyl is a very dangerous and powerful opioid that is often abused by drug addicts – many times resulting in overdose. And in this case, it would seem it killed Ms. Storm’s son and is thus a deeply personal expression for her.
“In recent years, fentanyl has disrupted the North American market for illegal drugs, capitalizing on pre-existing demand for opiates such as heroin and prescription pharmaceuticals. In 2016, fentanyl and fentanyl analogues were the most common cause of overdose deaths in the United States at more than 20,000, about half of all opioid-related deaths”
Wikipedia
Why was Lizzy Storm removed from her flight for properly wearing a mask? It’s because, at least according to her, she violated the American Airlines dress code which states, “Dress appropriately; bare feet or offensive clothing aren’t allowed.” It would seem that American Airlines deemed her face mask offensive and thus removed her.
At face value this seems “ok” but as Gary from View from the Wing points out, American Airlines found itself embroiled in a similar kerfuffle regarding a F*** Cancer shirt and later apologized.
The problem is that the policy is too vague. What is “offensive clothing?” I hate the Yankees. Could I be offended by a Yankees Hat? I guess, but you get my point. That example is a bit of a stretch, but other examples are tougher. What makes it ok to tell cancer to pound sand, but not Fentanyl? Or what makes it ok to F*** the police? But not the drug that they are terrified to find on a drug bust?
The problem is the policy. Their vacuous policy puts a gate agent or flight attendant in a tough spot – too tough, in our opinion – and forces them to make a gut call on the ground that may or may not result in a good outcome.
Was the employee who made this call right or wrong? Probably both, but it’s really the company that’s wrong – at least their policy.
PS, you can buy the F*** Fentanyl face masks here – but I wouldn’t wear it on AA flight.
PSS, let’s hope AA does the right thing and issues an apology and credit to Ms. Storm.
Hat tip to View from the Wing
2 comments
She knows better. Be a grown-up and pack an alternate mask.
It’s pretty simple. Don’t wear curse words. Come on, now.