WARNING! If you're flying nowadays...

[DeanFL]

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Oh Oh. I'm flying SWA to West coast then Midwest and back home next month.
Mental note - Only drop mask to take a sip, take a bite - then IMMEDIATELY back.
Follow Directives to a T, or....


Man says he was kicked off Southwest flight for failing to put his mask on — between bites of food.

One minute Avi Mandel was minding his own business on a Southwest Airlines plane before takeoff this weekend and eating a box of Twizzlers — and the next minute, he was kicked off the Florida-bound flight.

Mandel told WBZ-TV that he had been a frequent Southwest customer — that is until his Sunday flight from Thurgood Marshall Baltimore Washington International Airport to Fort Lauderdale.

While waiting for the flight to take off, Mandel told the station he got hungry and opened a pack of Twizzlers — and naturally when one eats, a mask makes that kind of awkward. So he removed his mask.

Then a flight attendant told Mandel he had to put his mask on, WBZ said, and he recalled that she "kind of, like, ran away. And I'm like, 'Oh, I guess she didn't know I was eating.' Then I hear on the loudspeaker, 'Everyone who's eating has to wear mask in between bites.'"
Suddenly, the plane returned to the gate, and a security team entered the plane to escort Mandel off, he told the station.
There was no drama. Mandel told WBZ he remained calm and respectful despite feeling embarrassed — but other passengers stuck up for him.

He showed the station video of passenger Stephanie Misiaszek telling the security team, "That is so wrong. He did nothing wrong. Wow."

The team was also told, "He was eating. Oh my God."

After departing the plane, Mandel appeared on a video clip saying, "I, Avi Mandel, just got kicked off a plane because I wasn't wearing my mask in between my bites while I was eating."
Mandel told WBZ he was rebooked on the next flight to Florida Monday morning but won't fly Southwest again any time soon.

"It was absurd," he told the station. "The way I was treated was absolutely absurd. It was crazy, and it wasn't fair."

Mandel added to WBZ that "there was no warning of it, there was no explanation, there was nothing. It was just a matter of, like, 'I don't like you; get off the plane.'"

After he emailed Southwest, the station said he learned that a new federal mask mandate went into effect in February requiring passengers to wear face masks at all times — including "in between bites."

"If I knew this rule ahead of time, I would have happily listened, but I had no clue," Mandel told WBZ.
The Transportation Security Administration told the station that airline passengers can remove masks while eating, drinking, or taking medications — but they must put them on between bites and sips and cannot leave them off for "prolonged periods."

Mandel maintained to WBZ that the rule that got him kicked off the flight wasn't addressed beforehand.

"I think it could be handled a lot better, and I think the rule could have been placed better," he told the station. "I always do follow the rules. I'm on their plane, I get it. But this was not a rule I knew of, and it wasn't explained to me. I didn't see it anywhere at that point, so to me, it wasn't a rule that I was breaking. Had I known, I obviously would have done it differently, but you got to tell someone the rule in order for them to follow it."

A Southwest spokesperson told WBZ in a statement that while the airline regrets "any inconvenience caused, the face covering policy is communicated throughout the booking and check-in process, and it's the responsibility of their crew to enforce federal regulations."

Baltimore County Man Says He Was Kicked Off Southwest Flight For Not Wearing Mask While Eating Twizzlers (https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/baltimore-county-man-says-he-was-kicked-off-southwest-flight-for-eating-twizzlers/ar-BB1fXqm6)
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[GrumpyOldMan]

There are always 3 sides to stories, his, theirs, and the facts.

I just flew, last month, to Ecuador and back over a 3 week period. I found the airlines and airports to be taking excellent precautions and very willing to discuss rules and help passengers.

I expect there was some confrontation occurring that is not covered on the account.

But, I don't know, maybe the airline just wanted to p**s off a paying customer.

BTW, it was made VERY clear before and during the flight that any violations of masking and separation would result in eviction from the flight and banning any future flights. This was driven home to me over and over again during booking, security, and boarding.

[Gulfcoast]

Jesus went 40 days without eating, fasting is common in most religions and this guy can’t go without eating for a few hours? Oh pleeease.... Entitled brat!

In all fairness, we have no idea when this man last ate.

[manaboutown]

Nuts!

[Velvet]

Really? I can't believe I even wasted these keystrokes to comment.
What a ridiculous comment. Entitled? What - to EAT? are you serious.
I think a medication modification is required....

Medication is a different thing, he said he was hungry. Not a good enough excuse in my book for not following the rules ... he was allowed to eat IF he put his mask on between bites... but no, .... therefore, once more, entitled brat!

[Happinow]

It’s almost laughable. They can seat you elbow to elbow, but you can’t eat or drink like a human. Feel like you are ruled by Hitler.....

[CFrance]

Nuts!
No, I think it was Twizzlers.:duck:

[mixsonci]

Does anyone know if you can wear a shield or does it have to be a mask?

[GrumpyOldMan]

Does anyone know if you can wear a shield or does it have to be a mask?

On my recent trip, I saw many people wearing shields and masks, I saw no one wearing just a shield. The "'rules" are that you have to wear a mask, the shield I believe was optional.

[GrumpyOldMan]

It’s almost laughable. They can seat you elbow to elbow, but you can’t eat or drink like a human. Feel like you are ruled by Hitler.....

You have made up your mind that people want to deprive you of some god-given rights. I am sorry you feel that way.

[Stu from NYC]

You might want to hone up on your reading comprehension...

He was never given the opportunity to comply with the new rules (which were not relayed to him before the decision was made to kick him off the plane)...



Assuming the passengers is telling us the truth why would they not ask him to please put mask on between bites before kicking him off the plane ?

[GrumpyOldMan]

Assuming the passengers is telling us the truth why would they not ask him to please put mask on between bites before kicking him off the plane ?

Just because they are part of the worldwide conspiracy to take away all our rights. They have no interest in making customers happy, and could care less about bad press.

[Velvet]

You might want to hone up on your reading comprehension...

He was never given the opportunity to comply with the new rules (which were not relayed to him before the decision was made to kick him off the plane)...

Oh, and if I remember my New Testament, Jesus preached "compassion", something you're severely deficient in...

Off topic, but I love Tom Petty too.

Airlines can be pretty strict. About 10 years ago I was flying to Florida. I had a cold and I wore a SARS type mask on the plane with my hoodie on my head as I felt chilled. The plane would not leave the run way. After a delay of about an hour, finally a flight attendant came up to me and said my passport didn’t match my name on the ticket. There was a middle initial on my passport which was not on my ticket. They checked me out very thoroughly. I am sure it was because I was wearing a mask and a black hoodie. And I was wearing my mask to keep others from catching my cold! .... They let me stay on after all and the plane took off.

[Gulfcoast]

Assuming the passengers is telling us the truth why would they not ask him to please put mask on between bites before kicking him off the plane ?

SW is saying that they apprise their passengers of the mask wearing policy before they board the plane. Maybe that means that the passengers receive something in writing at check in, maybe there are signs posted about masking between bites.

This mask between bites thing started in February and it's possible that SW has instructed their attendants to call security rather than try to enforce the rule themselves.

SW is probably worried about getting shut down if they don't enforce the policy, yet, they are concerned about placing their attendants into potentially contentious situations with passengers. It's sort of a no win situation all around.

[Topspinmo]

Jesus went 40 days without eating, fasting is common in most religions and this guy can’t go without eating for a few hours? Oh pleeease.... Entitled brat!

Maybe he just fasted for 40 days? No humans can fast for 40 days. If they do their eating something unless they got Iv feeding tube.

[Topspinmo]

In all fairness, we have no idea when this man last ate.


So people can’t go hour with sticking something in there mouth. It’s called eating disorder.

[Bill14564]

So people can’t go hour with sticking something in there mouth. It’s called eating disorder.

.. or a medical condition.

According to both sides (as reported in the one article) the eating wasn't the problem. The problem was a miscommunication, following the rules by the passenger, an overreaction by the flight attendant, or likely some of all three.

[JMintzer]

Assuming the passengers is telling us the truth why would they not ask him to please put mask on between bites before kicking him off the plane ?

Because flight attendants are freaking out in a daily basis...

This isn't the first time something like this has happened.

Recently a family was kicked off a flight because their (just over) 2 yo threw a tantrum about wearing a mask...

If you are "under two" you don't have to wear one. I'm sure the few months made all the difference in the world...

[JMintzer]

SW is saying that they apprise their passengers of the mask wearing policy before they board the plane. Maybe that means that the passengers receive something in writing at check in, maybe there are signs posted about masking between bites.

This mask between bites thing started in February and it's possible that SW has instructed their attendants to call security rather than try to enforce the rule themselves.

SW is probably worried about getting shut down if they don't enforce the policy, yet, they are concerned about placing their attendants into potentially contentious situations with passengers. It's sort of a no win situation all around.

I just flew SW last Wednesday, an no one said a word about putting your mask back on between bites or sips of a drink. I kept my mask off while I ate my Chex Mix and drank my Diet Coke (so did others on the plane) and no one said a word... I had no idea about the new guidelines

Apparently, it's in the fine print you get with your booking documents...

You know, the stuff no one ever reads?

[JMintzer]

So people can’t go hour with sticking something in there mouth. It’s called eating disorder.

What about a cross country flight? Or a flight to Europe/Asia?

I swear, the judgmental attitudes I see on this Forum are astounding...

[golfing eagles]

Because flight attendants are freaking out in a daily basis...

This isn't the first time something like this has happened.

Recently a family was kicked off a flight because their (just over) 2 yo threw a tantrum about wearing a mask...

If you are "under two" you don't have to wear one. I'm sure the few months made all the difference in the world...

Unfortunately, this pandemic is not yet over, and wearing a mask indoors in close proximity to others still makes sense. I flew on SW about a month ago and there is no difficulty putting a mask back on between bites. However, the part that doesn't make sense was filling 175 out 0f 175 seats with a stranger's face 2 1/2 feet away, which violates the still in effect 6 foot indoor guidelines from the CDC, but then enforcing the bite to bite masking.

[JMintzer]

Unfortunately, this pandemic is not yet over, and wearing a mask indoors in close proximity to others still makes sense. I flew on SW about a month ago and there is no difficulty putting a mask back on between bites. However, the part that doesn't make sense was filling 175 out 0f 175 seats with a stranger's face 2 1/2 feet away, which violates the still in effect 6 foot indoor guidelines from the CDC, but then enforcing the bite to bite masking.

Then going back to filling the middle seats made no sense, either...

The entire terminal requires "social distancing", but once you' board the plane? Packed in like sardines...

[Gulfcoast]

I just flew SW last Wednesday, an no one said a word about putting your mask back on between bites or sips of a drink. I kept my mask off while I ate my Chex Mix and drank my Diet Coke (so did others on the plane) and no one said a word... I had no idea about the new guidelines

Apparently, it's in the fine print you get with your booking documents...

You know, the stuff no one ever reads?

Yep, there is no great way to enforce an idiotic rule like this. Probably best to just "not notice" when a passenger dares to take three bites in a row w/o masking.

I am so ready for this nonsense to end, lol.

[Gulfcoast]

Because flight attendants are freaking out in a daily basis...

This isn't the first time something like this has happened.

Recently a family was kicked off a flight because their (just over) 2 yo threw a tantrum about wearing a mask...

If you are "under two" you don't have to wear one. I'm sure the few months made all the difference in the world...

What?? Did they card the kid? How did they know the child was over 2?

If the flight attendants are expected to enforce idiotic rules, you can't blame them for doing their jobs. Blame the idiots who made the idiotic rules.

[chet2020]

Sounds like multiple layers of miscommunication and over-reaction. At least the guy was eating Twizzlers. Pre-pandemic, a guy seated behind me opened a can of tuna 5 minutes into a 2-hour flight and made the plane smell like a fish processing plant. I didn't need to say anything, several passengers got on the guy's case within seconds. Turns out, the guy was on a keto diet. I didn't get that mad, because I knew I'd have a story to tell, like I'm doing now.

[eyc234]

:ohdear: Pleeeeeese, is there really a meal on any commercial flight worth getting upset about not being able to eat!!!!!! If you have a medical condition take food with you (Brother is a major diabetic, flies multi flights a week and takes his own food just in case). You probably should not be eating an airline meal anyway.

[Kelevision]

This is so silly. I’ve flown several times for work. They serve you food, the seat next to you blocked. Nobody had to tell me to put my mask up in between bites or drinks. My common sense was all i needed to know that was what to do. I also doubt this is true, first, they kicked him off when? Mid flight? Because that’s when the food is served. Did he bring his own food and start eating before take off?

[golfing eagles]

This is so silly. I’ve flown several times for work. They serve you food, the seat next to you blocked. Nobody had to tell me to put my mask up in between bites or drinks. My common sense was all i needed to know that was what to do. I also doubt this is true, first, they kicked him off when? Mid flight? Because that’s when the food is served. Did he bring his own food and start eating before take off?

I doubt you read the OP correctly. It was prior to take-off, and he brought his own box of twizzlers. Also it was Southwest Airlines; they haven't blocked the middle seats since early March, the flights are packed like cattle cars.

So the airline had every right to remove him for not complying with their rules. However, I think this in between bites masking policy is pretty stupid. Show me a medical study that shows this has any value. Then, since you are in a sardine can with your mouth 2- 2 1/2 feet from the next mouth, do you have to synchronize your bite with your neighbor so no two masks are down at the same time? Particularly hard if you are in the middle seat and have 2 neighbors to synchronize with. In addition, you spend 1 hour plus in a terminal where you better stay 6 feet away from everyone else, until.....you board a plane (translation: airlines make $$$ off packing a plane, terminals do not). Just wait for the chaos when the airlines require proof of vaccination.

[westernrider75]

I routinely fly Southwest between Pittsburgh and Orlando and they constantly announce the mask policy, almost an absurd amount of announcements

[Bhighley]

Well, the passengers back up his story, maybe read the whole story again and pay attention this time. He was put on another flight suggesting he wasn’t banned for life and facing a lengthy prison sentence for nonconforming, so it sounds like the flight attendant may have just been a grumpy old woman.

[Bhighley]

judge not lest ye be judged. You must have missed this one during your scripture readings.

[Coal Miner]

I doubt the accuracy of that story. I flew Southwest on Saturday. Masks are mandatory, thank goodness, but no excess enforcement.

[Tmarkwald]

What about a cross country flight? Or a flight to Europe/Asia?

I swear, the judgmental attitudes I see on this Forum are astounding...

This is so silly. I’ve flown several times for work. They serve you food, the seat next to you blocked. Nobody had to tell me to put my mask up in between bites or drinks. My common sense was all i needed to know that was what to do. I also doubt this is true, first, they kicked him off when? Mid flight? Because that’s when the food is served. Did he bring his own food and start eating before take off?

Same here - it is a SW thing. That's why I never fly them, Frontier, Spirit, etc. All the real airlines are serving meals now and drinks, etc.. Don't fly in cattlecars.

And I fly on middle-seat blocked flights only if I can.

And for people who say 'can't he wait awhile to eat' are exactly the kind of people I will never socialize with. Ignorant comments.

[Carlsondm]

Perhaps he had a blood sugar problem. I am surprised that a warning wasn’t given so he could comply. Zero tolerance policy I guess. Hard candy solves this. I wonder if he was fully vaccinated.

I have low bp and constantly drink water, especially on flights. Guess I’ll delay flying for a few months.

[Medtrans]

:ohdear: Pleeeeeese, is there really a meal on any commercial flight worth getting upset about not being able to eat!!!!!! If you have a medical condition take food with you (Brother is a major diabetic, flies multi flights a week and takes his own food just in case). You probably should not be eating an airline meal anyway.

There’s no medical condition that requires Twizzlers.

[Petersweeney]

Can’t wait to see the PBS Frontline story 10 years from now on all this speculation and adverse effects of the shots.....
BTW airline attendants either live with their parents or 5 roommates - same pay scale as Wendy’s .....

[LG999]

Some people are always looking for an argument.

[Classic55]

Been flying Southwest every other week for the last year. Never seen any Southwest action like that. Sounds untrue

[NotGolfer]

I read of a similar event, different airline (AA), where a pastor/speaker was flying from Texas to Green Bay, WI. He said he followed ALL the rules but asked for water. Took the mask down to take a sip---nothing more---mask went back on. When he came to the airport for the return trip and picking up his boarding passes---he was flagged and told he wasn't being allowed to fly. He tried to speak with supervisors and even called corporate to no avail. NO ONE would or could tell him what his infraction was! Oh--and he was told he'd not ever be able to fly their airline again!! He had to pay $600.00 for a return ticket, different airline to get home.
Remember when we'd see photos of people social distancing in the airport only to get on the plane and sitting, packed in? THIS doesn't make a bit of sense to me. I guess the virus is polite and only contageous when a mask isn't in place.

[skarra]

My flight attendant friend tells me that passengers will try and nurse a drink for the entire flight to avoid putting on a mask.

I’m sure there’s more to this story.

[Eg_cruz]

Had a friend who’s mask dropped off his nose, the flight attendant told to put it over is nose. He was told it was his only warning if the mask drops again they will take his license and he will be put on a flight restriction list.

This people be serious..........

[Eg_cruz]

Does anyone know if you can wear a shield or does it have to be a mask?
Mask and check the guides on what is a mask because they don’t allow bandannas anymore either

[Eg_cruz]

:ohdear: Pleeeeeese, is there really a meal on any commercial flight worth getting upset about not being able to eat!!!!!! If you have a medical condition take food with you (Brother is a major diabetic, flies multi flights a week and takes his own food just in case). You probably should not be eating an airline meal anyway.
Is there such thing as airline meals anymore??????

[Tmarkwald]

Is there such thing as airline meals anymore??????

yes, of course! Shorter flights, typical snacks. Full meals on cross country.

[J1ceasar]

New federal rule and flight attendants are tough cookies

[J1ceasar]

And it wasn't handled property by attendant

[DeanFL]

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I'm the OP.

First, I am totally befuddled by some of the previous comments made by some - worthy IMO of an OMG... Some "ASSumptions" are quite bizzare.

Second, I researched this TSA Regulation and pasted pertinent language below. The entire PDF is on a link below. And I checked the SWA site - THEIR policy mirrors the TSA memo. This Directive is for ALL Domestic airlines.

Third, "between bites and sips"? Subjective - to interpretation / timing / monitoring/ viewing etc. I see that the TSA Directive expires 5/11 (would NOT doubt the it will be extended).

DIRECTLY from OFFICIAL TSA Memo:

To: Covered Aircraft Operators
Date: January 31, 2021
MEMORANDUM
Subject: Security Directive 1544-21-02


D. The requirement to wear a mask does not apply under the following circumstances:
1. When necessary to temporarily remove the mask for identity verification purposes.
2. While eating, drinking, or taking oral medications for brief periods. Prolonged periods of mask removal are not permitted for eating or drinking; the mask must be worn between bites and sips.
3. While communicating with a person who is deaf or hard of hearing, when the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication.
4. If wearing oxygen masks is needed because of loss of cabin pressure or other event affecting aircraft ventilation.
5. If unconscious (for reasons other than sleeping), incapacitated, unable to be awakened, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.


https://www.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/sd-1544-21-02.pdf
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[cj1040]

Your body... your choice....if you don't like wearing a mask then you REALLY wont like wearing a ventilator....so unfair and selfish of you to depend on the rest of us who are trying to mitigate this pandemic by getting vaccinated while you refuse to cooperate. So many intelligent talented people have died from this virus including several medical professionals who risked their lives to help others. SHAME ON YOU

[JMintzer]

What?? Did they card the kid? How did they know the child was over 2?

If the flight attendants are expected to enforce idiotic rules, you can't blame them for doing their jobs. Blame the idiots who made the idiotic rules.

The parents said he was two... They asked if she was under two, as it would be okay...

[coffeebean]

I doubt you read the OP correctly. It was prior to take-off, and he brought his own box of twizzlers. Also it was Southwest Airlines; they haven't blocked the middle seats since early March, the flights are packed like cattle cars.

So the airline had every right to remove him for not complying with their rules. However, I think this in between bites masking policy is pretty stupid. Show me a medical study that shows this has any value. Then, since you are in a sardine can with your mouth 2- 2 1/2 feet from the next mouth, do you have to synchronize your bite with your neighbor so no two masks are down at the same time? Particularly hard if you are in the middle seat and have 2 neighbors to synchronize with. In addition, you spend 1 hour plus in a terminal where you better stay 6 feet away from everyone else, until.....you board a plane (translation: airlines make $$$ off packing a plane, terminals do not). Just wait for the chaos when the airlines require proof of vaccination.

Your mask synchronizing scenario gave me a chuckle. I do agree with you that the masking policy of masking in between bites is plain silly. This is why I will not even attempt to eat on an airplane if we do fly while this silly mask policy is in place. I have, however, practiced taking a sip of a drink in between masking. I'm quite good at that.

[JMintzer]

I doubt you read the OP correctly. It was prior to take-off, and he brought his own box of twizzlers. Also it was Southwest Airlines; they haven't blocked the middle seats since early March, the flights are packed like cattle cars.

So the airline had every right to remove him for not complying with their rules. However, I think this in between bites masking policy is pretty stupid. Show me a medical study that shows this has any value. Then, since you are in a sardine can with your mouth 2- 2 1/2 feet from the next mouth, do you have to synchronize your bite with your neighbor so no two masks are down at the same time? Particularly hard if you are in the middle seat and have 2 neighbors to synchronize with. In addition, you spend 1 hour plus in a terminal where you better stay 6 feet away from everyone else, until.....you board a plane (translation: airlines make $$$ off packing a plane, terminals do not). Just wait for the chaos when the airlines require proof of vaccination.

Agreed. It's not hard to comply with the rules... IF you know what the rules are!

Simple solution? Ask him to re-mask between bites. If he complies, no problem. If he doesn't? Yes, I can see him being removed from the flight...

Unfortunately, the simple "re-mask" request never happened...

[JMintzer]

I doubt the accuracy of that story. I flew Southwest on Saturday. Masks are mandatory, thank goodness, but no excess enforcement.

Who suggested that masks shouldn't be worn?

[coffeebean]

Just who would you push back against?????? The flight attendant that is simply doing what she is told? Federal law requires you to comply with the instructions of the captain and crew, or you can be removed. So your push back would be to not fly, which is exactly what will happen if you fail to comply with the crew's instructions. Lose-lose.

Yes. Yes. Very true.

[JMintzer]

There’s no medical condition that requires Twizzlers.

It's not and never has been about "the twizzlers"...

[JMintzer]

Been flying Southwest every other week for the last year. Never seen any Southwest action like that. Sounds untrue

I've seen videos of it happening...

[BettyInFL]

I also read that the reason the 'put it back on between bites' is being enforced, is that people would sit there with a bag of pretzels or nuts in their lap the whole trip to avoid wearing a mask.

[coffeebean]

I also read that the reason the 'put it back on between bites' is being enforced, is that people would sit there with a bag of pretzels or nuts in their lap the whole trip to avoid wearing a mask.

How about popcorn? I know how to eat popcorn one kernel at at time. I used to do that when I was in a movie theater way back when I was a smoker and smoking was banned in movie theaters. Worked for me.

[MandoMan]

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Oh Oh. I'm flying SWA to West coast then Midwest and back home next month.
Mental note - Only drop mask to take a sip, take a bite - then IMMEDIATELY back.
Follow Directives to a T, or....


Man says he was kicked off Southwest flight for failing to put his mask on — between bites of food.

One minute Avi Mandel was minding his own business on a Southwest Airlines plane before takeoff this weekend and eating a box of Twizzlers — and the next minute, he was kicked off the Florida-bound flight.

Mandel told WBZ-TV that he had been a frequent Southwest customer — that is until his Sunday flight from Thurgood Marshall Baltimore Washington International Airport to Fort Lauderdale.

While waiting for the flight to take off, Mandel told the station he got hungry and opened a pack of Twizzlers — and naturally when one eats, a mask makes that kind of awkward. So he removed his mask.

Then a flight attendant told Mandel he had to put his mask on, WBZ said, and he recalled that she "kind of, like, ran away. And I'm like, 'Oh, I guess she didn't know I was eating.' Then I hear on the loudspeaker, 'Everyone who's eating has to wear mask in between bites.'"
Suddenly, the plane returned to the gate, and a security team entered the plane to escort Mandel off, he told the station.
There was no drama. Mandel told WBZ he remained calm and respectful despite feeling embarrassed — but other passengers stuck up for him.

He showed the station video of passenger Stephanie Misiaszek telling the security team, "That is so wrong. He did nothing wrong. Wow."

The team was also told, "He was eating. Oh my God."

After departing the plane, Mandel appeared on a video clip saying, "I, Avi Mandel, just got kicked off a plane because I wasn't wearing my mask in between my bites while I was eating."
Mandel told WBZ he was rebooked on the next flight to Florida Monday morning but won't fly Southwest again any time soon.

"It was absurd," he told the station. "The way I was treated was absolutely absurd. It was crazy, and it wasn't fair."

Mandel added to WBZ that "there was no warning of it, there was no explanation, there was nothing. It was just a matter of, like, 'I don't like you; get off the plane.'"

After he emailed Southwest, the station said he learned that a new federal mask mandate went into effect in February requiring passengers to wear face masks at all times — including "in between bites."

"If I knew this rule ahead of time, I would have happily listened, but I had no clue," Mandel told WBZ.
The Transportation Security Administration told the station that airline passengers can remove masks while eating, drinking, or taking medications — but they must put them on between bites and sips and cannot leave them off for "prolonged periods."

Mandel maintained to WBZ that the rule that got him kicked off the flight wasn't addressed beforehand.

"I think it could be handled a lot better, and I think the rule could have been placed better," he told the station. "I always do follow the rules. I'm on their plane, I get it. But this was not a rule I knew of, and it wasn't explained to me. I didn't see it anywhere at that point, so to me, it wasn't a rule that I was breaking. Had I known, I obviously would have done it differently, but you got to tell someone the rule in order for them to follow it."

A Southwest spokesperson told WBZ in a statement that while the airline regrets "any inconvenience caused, the face covering policy is communicated throughout the booking and check-in process, and it's the responsibility of their crew to enforce federal regulations."

Baltimore County Man Says He Was Kicked Off Southwest Flight For Not Wearing Mask While Eating Twizzlers (https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/baltimore-county-man-says-he-was-kicked-off-southwest-flight-for-eating-twizzlers/ar-BB1fXqm6)
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They should only require masks for people who haven’t been vaccinated. The latest CDC statistics show that if you have had both doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines and a couple weeks have passed for antibodies to develop, your chances of catching COVID from someone are about 2.5%. Your chance of a case leading to death are only 0.004%. That’s not very dangerous. And if you don’t have COVID, you can’t pass it on.

[graciegirl]

Your body... your choice....if you don't like wearing a mask then you REALLY wont like wearing a ventilator....so unfair and selfish of you to depend on the rest of us who are trying to mitigate this pandemic by getting vaccinated while you refuse to cooperate. So many intelligent talented people have died from this virus including several medical professionals who risked their lives to help others. SHAME ON YOU

If my high school journalism teacher were reading this, she would say, "Write without obvious bias, your words mean more without criticism. You may be right, but you will change no minds and just make people mad."

She would have written the above like this;

Many people do not want to continue wearing masks although the scientists instruct us to continue even if we are fully vaccinated. I hope that people will continue listening to those who have our best interests in mind, although it appears they change their views. The virus is changing and it takes a long time to get all of the information and all of the ramifications of this truly earth stopping event and to make sense of them and to give valid and helpful information to the public. This pandemic, with this virus is something that this group of people now living have not encountered. Many are frightened and that makes them angry. Many have experienced hearing and watching conflicting views by people in charge of this country. Many truly do not know WHO to trust and so they trust fewer and fewer people. It is understandable that people react in different ways and a lot has to do with the groups they align with and trust.

That is what Mrs. Yates would say, God rest her soul.

I say that making people madder is not helping.

P.S. I know that the OP of this thread has had both shots and so has his wife. I also know he is a kind and considerate person.

[jmpalladino]

It’s almost laughable. They can seat you elbow to elbow, but you can’t eat or drink like a human. Feel like you are ruled by Hitler.....

Eat before the flight! If you can't prepare yourself for a flight in the continental US, ie., no more than 4.5 hours, and eat before you get on board ( except for those with medical conditions), maybe you should travel in a private mode of transportation. That way you can do whatever you want. They should ban all food on flights period, Virus or no virus, other than what they provide on the plane. There is nothing worst than the smell of the food people bring on the plane. Sometimes it is just downright disgusting. Eat what you want, but before you enter the plane.

[DaleDivine]

And that includes the little "hitlers" here that applaud this nonsense.

Put the mask back on between bites ... what a bunch of lemmings / sheep. The airlines can just lose more money - I don't care. Same with the cruise lines. No way they are ever going to make me wear a mask if I'm paying thousands of dollars to be on a cruise ship enjoying myself.

So, we'll find other ways to enjoy God's planet breathing fresh air just as He designed us to do.
They're shots (not vaccines).
They're experimental and the experiment is not over.
I'm not getting them (ever). About 90 million people agree (USA).
And, I'm not wearing the damn mask.
Majority doesn't rule here. My body, my choice. Get over it.

Apparently you don't wear a seatbelt in your vehicle either.
Even though it's mandatory in all states.
Also in most states it's mandatory to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle.
I suppose these rules don't apply to you.
:ohdear::ohdear::ohdear:

[tvmurray]

I am sooooo done with these stupid mask rules. Will not fly until they get back to normal.

[Stu from NYC]

Another reason to avoid flying.

One hand holds my sandwich and the other holds the mask, might be a problem if I forget which is which.

[Cranford61]

In all fairness, we have no idea when this man last ate.
He sucked on candy the whole flight in order to avoid wearing a mask. A finger into the eye of aviation policy. Not a SWA issue.

[Tmarkwald]

Eat before the flight! They should ban all food on flights period, Virus or no virus, other than what they provide on the plane.

Yeah, well, on my Houston to Singapore 18 hour flights, I am not only bringing on food, I am having 4 meals on the aircraft as well.

And my US/Europe flights same thing. Great that we have hot food back on the airlines now.

For US flights, a couple sandwiches.

If I am fortunate enough to be going through Buffalo, I am grabbing a couple dozen nice, hot chicken wings with Ranch Dressing from the Anchor Bar in the terminal.

I don't have time to mess around.

If you have issues with people eating on the aircraft than I would suggest an alternate from of transit.

[JMintzer]

Exactly. Plus, Im sure there is way more to the story. His rotten attitude is prob what got him removed

Nothing like blaming the victim!

Do you have a shred of evidence about his "rotten attitude"?

[JMintzer]

There is no pushing back when it comes to airline flights. If you do not follow the instructions of the crew they will have you removed. This is not new. It has been this way for as long as I can remember. For example, try refusing to fasten your seatbelt and see what happens. Your only option is to vote with your feet and not fly.

That only works when they tell you what the rules are!

I know from my experience that no one said a word about re-masking between bites or sips...

He said if he had known, he'd have no problem following their rules. It's just he never had that option...

[golfing eagles]

He sucked on candy the whole flight in order to avoid wearing a mask. A finger into the eye of aviation policy. Not a SWA issue.

From the OP:

"One minute Avi Mandel was minding his own business on a Southwest Airlines plane before takeoff this weekend and eating a box of Twizzlers — and the next minute, he was kicked off the Florida-bound flight."

So he sucked on candy the whole flight he wasn't on???????

[JMintzer]

.
.
I'm the OP.

First, I am totally befuddled by some of the previous comments made by some - worthy IMO of an OMG... Some "ASSumptions" are quite bizzare.

Second, I researched this TSA Regulation and pasted pertinent language below. The entire PDF is on a link below. And I checked the SWA site - THEIR policy mirrors the TSA memo. This Directive is for ALL Domestic airlines.

Third, "between bites and sips"? Subjective - to interpretation / timing / monitoring/ viewing etc. I see that the TSA Directive expires 5/11 (would NOT doubt the it will be extended).

DIRECTLY from OFFICIAL TSA Memo:

To: Covered Aircraft Operators
Date: January 31, 2021
MEMORANDUM
Subject: Security Directive 1544-21-02


D. The requirement to wear a mask does not apply under the following circumstances:
1. When necessary to temporarily remove the mask for identity verification purposes.
2. While eating, drinking, or taking oral medications for brief periods. Prolonged periods of mask removal are not permitted for eating or drinking; the mask must be worn between bites and sips.
3. While communicating with a person who is deaf or hard of hearing, when the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication.
4. If wearing oxygen masks is needed because of loss of cabin pressure or other event affecting aircraft ventilation.
5. If unconscious (for reasons other than sleeping), incapacitated, unable to be awakened, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.


https://www.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/sd-1544-21-02.pdf
.
.

And I'm sure that everyone researches the TSA website before flying...

All that was needed was a simple request from the flight attendant and the problem would have been solved...

[Tmarkwald]

During the first few months of the pandemic, the restaurants in the airport terminals would deliver food directly to the gates, like duty free. The reason being is that all seating in the airport was restricted. So, I've had complete meals - salad, main course, dessert all delivered in bags and ready for when I board. At least now you can carry it on.

But, never had a bit of trouble eating onboard and removing the mask while eating. I am sure some airlines are more restrictive than others, and some flight attendants more like schoolmarms!

[golfing eagles]

Yeah, well, on my Houston to Singapore 18 hour flights, I am not only bringing on food, I am having 4 meals on the aircraft as well.

And my US/Europe flights same thing. Great that we have hot food back on the airlines now.

For US flights, a couple sandwiches.

If I am fortunate enough to be going through Buffalo, I am grabbing a couple dozen nice, hot chicken wings with Ranch Dressing from the Anchor Bar in the terminal.

I don't have time to mess around.

If you have issues with people eating on the aircraft than I would suggest an alternate from of transit.

Congrats!!!----you're the first person ever to describe being in Buffalo as "fortunate":1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Two Bills]

I would prefer to sit next to someone eating Twizzles on a plane, mask or no mask, than enduring someone slurping Coke, and eating popcorn or hotdogs the whole way through a movie!

[GrumpyOldMan]

That is what Mrs. Yates would say, God rest her soul.


Did you happen to go to Ft. Lauderdale High School in the late '60s? We had a Ms. Yates there that taught English and journalism!

[JMintzer]

Your mask synchronizing scenario gave me a chuckle. I do agree with you that the masking policy of masking in between bites is plain silly. This is why I will not even attempt to eat on an airplane if we do fly while this silly mask policy is in place. I have, however, practiced taking a sip of a drink in between masking. I'm quite good at that.

The IOC has announced a new sport for the Summer Olympics...

"Synchronized Masking'! ;)

[golfing eagles]

And I'm sure that everyone researches the TSA website before flying...

All that was needed was a simple request from the flight attendant and the problem would have been solved...

From the OP:

A) "Then a flight attendant told Mandel he had to put his mask on."

and seconds later:

B) "Then I hear on the loudspeaker, 'Everyone who's eating has to wear mask in between bites.'"

Suddenly, the plane returned to the gate, and a security team entered the plane to escort Mandel off,"

My question: What was said or done in between A & B? Was the customer the perfect angel he described as saying and doing nothing to provoke a further response? Did he refuse to put his mask back on? Did he say something abusive? Just seems like I would like to hear what the flight attendant's side was.

[golfing eagles]

The IOC has announced a new sport for the Summer Olympics...

"Synchronized Masking'! ;)

That was be just a bit more ridiculous than synchronized swimming. (but only a little bit more):1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Tmarkwald]

Congrats!!!----you're the first person ever to describe being in Buffalo as "fortunate":1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

HA HA HA HA! Yeah, I know - But sometimes I have to go to Erie, so that's why. NOT on vacation!

The chicken wings are the 'fortunate' thing, but I am more a Duff's fan ....

[lwmilo]

Possible simple rule...no eating on the plane.....except for meds. Eat prior to boarding the aircraft.

[Tmarkwald]

Possible simple rule...no eating on the plane.....except for meds. Eat prior to boarding the aircraft.

lol - never happen