Face Shields: Airport Rules And Regulations

Face shields have been a topic of discussion since the Covid-19 pandemic. In the Philippines, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) mandated the No Face Shield, No Ride policy, which requires arriving and departing passengers at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport to wear face shields in addition to face masks. This policy is expected to be implemented in all modes of public transportation, including air travel.

In the United States, American Airlines initially did not allow flight attendants to wear face shields due to image standards, but later reversed its decision after facing backlash. Health officials, including Dr. Eli Perencevich, a professor of internal medicine and epidemiology, support the use of face shields for protection against the coronavirus. Face shields have been shown to significantly reduce inhalation exposure to respiratory viruses and can help protect the eyes, which are a potential entry point for the virus.

While face shields may provide additional protection, it is important to follow other safety protocols such as wearing face masks, maintaining physical distance, and washing or sanitizing hands frequently. These measures help reduce the spread of respiratory droplets and lower the risk of infection.

It is essential to stay informed about the latest guidelines and recommendations from health authorities and adapt our behaviours accordingly. By following these measures, we can contribute to creating a safer environment for everyone, whether at the airport or during air travel.

Face shields are required for passengers and drivers of public vehicles in the Philippines

As of August 2020, face shields are required for passengers and drivers of public vehicles in the Philippines. This directive by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) applies to all forms of public transportation, including airports. The rule also applies to airport personnel and must be adhered to alongside wearing face masks, handwashing, sanitising, and physical distancing. Those who fail to comply will not be allowed to board public vehicles.

The face shield mandate was implemented to curb the transmission of COVID-19. Face shields help travellers cover and protect their entire faces, reducing exposure to and transmission of respiratory droplets.

In addition to face shields and masks, passengers with valid travel documents are allowed to enter airport premises. Checking of body temperature is mandatory upon entry, and social distancing measures must be strictly observed inside airport premises.

The Philippines' Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has also mandated the wearing of face masks in vehicles with passengers. This policy applies to both public and private transport, regardless of whether the individuals inside the vehicle are from the same household.

The Land Transportation Office, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and other agencies will coordinate for the proper implementation of the policy, with fines and penalties for violators to be discussed.

American Airlines initially refused to let flight attendants wear face shields, but later reversed their decision

In early May 2020, American Airlines banned flight attendants from wearing plastic face shields, citing that they were not part of the "image standards" and made passengers feel uncomfortable. Deidre Daudt, a Boston-based flight attendant, started wearing an $8 plastic face shield over her N95 mask to protect herself from contracting COVID-19. However, managers at American Airlines denied her requests, and she faced repercussions for her choice to wear a face shield.

Daudt shared her ordeal, stating that she had flown with someone who tested positive for the virus and wanted to take every precaution to protect herself, especially since not all passengers complied with mask requirements. She also did not wear glasses or other eye protection. Despite her concerns, she was told that if she didn't feel safe, she should take leave. This put her in a difficult position as she couldn't afford to take the offered leave.

The situation escalated, and Daudt became the centre of attention, with managers discussing her choice of protective gear. She stood her ground, insisting that she would continue wearing the face shield, arguing that the airline requires 'face coverings', and a face shield is a form of face covering.

American Airlines eventually reversed its decision following national media coverage of the face shield debate and the actions of other airlines, such as JetBlue Airways, who allowed their flight attendants to wear face shields. The initial ban on face shields by American Airlines was met with backlash, and the company suffered negative publicity. The reversal of the decision was a victory for flight attendants like Daudt, who felt that their health and safety were being prioritised.

While American Airlines eventually allowed flight attendants to wear face shields, it is important to note that face shield requirements at airports and on flights can vary depending on the region and local regulations. For example, in Canada, Transport Canada updated its requirements for face coverings at airports, disallowing face shields. In contrast, in the Philippines, the Department of Transportation mandated the "No Face Shield, No Ride" policy, requiring all passengers and drivers of public vehicles, including those travelling by air, to wear face shields in addition to face masks.

Face shields are allowed on American Airlines flights

In early May 2020, a Boston-based flight attendant called Deidre Daudt started a public campaign to wear a face shield over her N95 mask. She wanted to take every possible precaution to protect herself, especially as not all passengers were complying with mask requirements, and because she didn't wear glasses or other eye protection. Managers at American Airlines denied her requests, citing that face shields were not part of their "image standards" and made passengers feel uncomfortable.

After national media coverage of the face shield debate, and following JetBlue Airways' decision to allow their flight attendants to wear face shields, American Airlines reversed its decision on July 22, 2020. The airline also started requiring all passengers over the age of two to wear face coverings, with no exemptions for health reasons.

Some countries and airports have implemented rules requiring arriving and departing passengers to wear face shields in addition to face masks. For example, in the Philippines, the Department of Transportation mandated the "No Face Shield, No Ride" policy for all public transportation, including the aviation sector and airports. Similarly, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport in the Philippines required all passengers and airport personnel to wear face shields and masks while on the airport premises. However, it is important to note that requirements for face shields may vary depending on the country, airport, and airline. It is always a good idea to check the latest guidelines and requirements before travelling.

Face shields are allowed on AirAsia flights

In 2020, the Philippine government announced additional guidelines for public transport, requiring all AirAsia Philippines (Z2) guests to wear face shields throughout their entire journey. This mandate was in addition to the airline's face mask policy to board a flight.

The use of full-face shields was implemented to curb the transmission of COVID-19, allowing travellers to sufficiently cover and protect their entire faces and, in turn, reduce exposure to and transmission of respiratory droplets.

The mandatory use of face shields on AirAsia flights was effective from 15 August 2020, according to the Department of Transportation. For contactless transactions, guests could check-in on the AirAsia mobile app or website up to 14 days before their scheduled departure time.

AirAsia continues to enhance its safety measures for the health and well-being of all guests and employees.

Face shields are mandatory for passengers and airport personnel in Cebu, Philippines

As of August 15, 2020, face shields are mandatory for passengers and airport personnel in Cebu, Philippines. The Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) issued an advisory stating that arriving and departing passengers must wear both face shields and face masks. This is in compliance with the "No Face Shield, No Ride" policy mandated by the Department of Transportation (DOTr). The policy aims to curb the transmission of COVID-19 by ensuring that travellers' entire faces are covered, thus reducing exposure to and transmission of respiratory droplets.

The requirement to wear face shields applies to all modes of public transportation, including airports, aviation, railways, roads, and maritime sectors. Face shields must be worn in addition to face masks, which have been federally required in airports and on board flights since April 20, 2020. The mandate to wear face shields in airports is not unique to Cebu and can be observed in other countries such as Canada. Transport Canada, for instance, updated its requirements for face coverings in all Canadian airports, disallowing bandanas, masks with valves or vents, neck gaiters, and face shields.

In Cebu, the "No Face Shield, No Ride" policy has received mixed reactions from passengers. Some agree with the added protection that face shields provide, while others find them stuffy and burdensome, especially with the additional expense. Despite the varying responses, the well-being of passengers and staff remains the topmost priority for airports like the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA). The airport authority has urged all stakeholders to adhere to health and safety procedures, including the mandatory use of face shields and masks, to ensure the safety of everyone in the continuing global battle against COVID-19.

Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Cebu Pacific have also implemented the requirement for their passengers to wear face shields and masks during all phases of their flights. This aligns with their existing multi-layered safety measures, such as the use of full PPE by cabin crew, the availability of hand sanitizers, thermal scanning of passengers, intensive disinfection of aircraft surfaces, and the use of high-tech cabin air flow systems and HEPA filters to ensure clean air in the cabin. These comprehensive safety protocols reflect the airline's commitment to safety and their adherence to the latest guidelines set by the Philippine Department of Transportation for the public transport sector.

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