At least one Ryanair pilot is making sure that passengers fully understand the airline’s mandatory mask policy. On a flight from Birmingham to a holiday destination in Portugal, the pilot warned everyone onboard that a refusal to wear masks would result in offenders starting their holidays in a police station.
This isn’t a kindergarten
Whilst on a nearly full Ryanair flight from Birmingham airport, LBC reports that the pilot of the aircraft sternly reminded passengers that masks needed to be worn during the relatively short journey, saying:
“This isn’t a kindergarten, this is a two hour flight. If you can’t wear your masks you will be starting your holiday in Portugal in a police station.”
The budget airline, like essentially every other carrier in the world right now, has a mandatory mask policy in place. Ryanair’s website tells customers, “Keep your face mask on at all times. Our crew will also be wearing face masks.” The airline’s website also has videos explaining the role and importance of masks, and asks that travelers keep their face coverings on until they have left the airport terminal.
A reminder of the consequences
With a mandatory policy in place, there are consequences for those who refuse to comply, as alluded to by the pilot’s announcement. According to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, the following actions will be taken, depending on where the ‘refusal’ takes place:
- You may be refused access to the airport terminal building, to the aircraft cabin, or removed from the cabin, according to national/local legislation, if you do not follow the instructions given, which are there for the safety of all. Depending on local regulations, you may face additional consequences as determined by the local authorities.
- If the aircraft is already in flight, the procedures relating to handling cases of unruly passengers may be applied if you do not comply with the instructions of the cabin crew. Further actions may be taken by the local authorities at the destination airport, in line with local regulations, as a result of actions that endangers the flight and health safety of other passengers and crew members.
In the case of the flight bound for Portugal mentioned in the article, The Portugal News points out that the penalty in the country for not wearing a mask is a fine of between 120 and 350 euros. Of course, penalties tend to be more severe when disruptions involving unruly passengers take place inflight.
Mask drama
Wearing a face covering, especially one that is designed to contain the air you exhale, obviously presents challenges around personal comfort. Some, however, take mandatory mask policies as assaults on personal freedoms. As such, we have seen plenty have inflight incidents involving refusals to wear masks. The video below shows a passenger making a public statement against the wearing of face coverings. A subsequent video shows her being taken away by security officers upon the aircraft’s arrival at its destination.
Tonight this lady refused to wear her mask abord the @AmericanAir flight from Charlotte NC towards #WashingtonDC DCA. She was yelling and gave a speech about “tyranny”. The passengers in neighboring rows moved.
She calmed down when officers in civilian outfit intervened#COVID19 pic.twitter.com/h95v9ddpXH— Emir Sfaxi (@EmirSX) January 11, 2021
While COVID-19 vaccinations continue around the world, there are still many who are yet to receive even a first dose. Therefore, mandatory mask policies will continue to go a long way in limiting the spread, helping to prevent further outbreaks.
What do you think of the stern warning from the pilot? Should more flight crews be issuing similar announcements? Let us know in the comments.