Social distancing a joke

[Mach E Avelli]

Perhaps someone who has recently flown with Virgin or Qantas can confirm or deny. Had a report of nearly every seat occupied on one of these two carriers. Another of a Herc arriving somewhere with a mob of military personnel jammed in like sardines, who were ordered to disembark at 2 metre intervals "for the benefit of the media".
If not true, please bear in mind this IS a rumour network.
But if true, it does prove that one can be a little bit pregnant after all.

[zlin77]

A family member travelled BNE-SYD on the 14th. with Qantas on a 737, all middle seats empty in an attempt at "social distancing"..!

[ScepticalOptomist]

A family member travelled BNE-SYD on the 14th. with Qantas on a 737, all middle seats empty in an attempt at "social distancing"..!

How else would you do it without turning it into a private jet?

[rattman]

Perhaps someone who has recently flown with Virgin or Qantas can confirm or deny. Had a report of nearly every seat occupied on one of these two carriers. Another of a Herc arriving somewhere with a mob of military personnel jammed in like sardines, who were ordered to disembark at 2 metre intervals "for the benefit of the media".
If not true, please bear in mind this IS a rumour network.
But if true, it does prove that one can be a little bit pregnant after all.


Read facebook less

On commerical aviation middle seat on a seat of 3 unavailable if you want one for a family group you have to check in count, also if possible they will only seat you on every second row

As to military they are absolutely practicing social distancing where possible, units are also being segragated from each other. There are times when due to military situation social distancing is not a possible. But guys on base messing is done in shifts and social distancing, if you are caught actively breaking it on either on military or private time then charges or a penalties will be laid. I know of a few events where I am that has resulted in charges and loss of ranks. Military is not screwing around

[jolihokistix]

Ah, finally clicked on the meaning of ‘all middle seats’!
I had a vision of passengers seated at both ends of the cabin, with an empty mid section!!! (“Why?”) My imagination went to work. Because maybe stale air is extracted at either end I was guessing, and for ease of weight distribution so luggage could then be loaded in the middle of the hold. :nuts:

[Black Maria]

Travelled SYD MEL on April 13 and it was a pretty full flight, with many of the rows in at least the front half of the aircraft 3 abreast. Kind of expected that to be the case as VA had just reduced their whole operation to one MEL SYD MEL a day. Pax beside me thought that there were some on board who had just completed mandatory 14 days in hotel quarantine after returning from overseas, so at least they should not have been carriers.

Big worry was that the flight was to MEL where the authorities believe that a $1000+ fine for individuals deemed to be breaking the social distancing rules is the way to go, and the majority of us, if not all, spent the whole hour and a bit well inside the 1.5 metre bubble.

The Press reported that a QF flight to BNE on the same day had a passenger test positive for Covid 19. Those in the nearby seats are now in 14 days isolation, as I am told first hand.

End of the day social distance when you can, but there will be times you simply can’t.

Risk you take when you sit in a narrow body tube with up to 180 plus other people.

[Airspire]

Perhaps someone who has recently flown with Virgin or Qantas can confirm or deny. Had a report of nearly every seat occupied on one of these two carriers. Another of a Herc arriving somewhere with a mob of military personnel jammed in like sardines, who were ordered to disembark at 2 metre intervals "for the benefit of the media".
If not true, please bear in mind this IS a rumour network.
But if true, it does prove that one can be a little bit pregnant after all.

In a herc, hahaha, good luck with that!

Rumour or not, the last bit with the choreographed exit "for the benefit of the media" ...now I'd believe that.

[Kiwiconehead]

The Press reported that a QF flight to BNE on the same day had a passenger test positive for Covid 19. Those in the nearby seats are now in 14 days isolation, as I am told first hand.

Thats ok - the Qantas company vet told the staff you can't catch it on an aircraft

[Hoosten]

A family member travelled BNE-SYD on the 14th. with Qantas on a 737, all middle seats empty in an attempt at "social distancing"..!

I find this dubious.

I arrived in Australia from the States on the 31st of March, spent two weeks in a Sydney hotel in isolation. I travelled from Sydney to Melbourne on the 13th of April on a Qantas 737.

Boarding Announcement:

'Qantas welcomes you aboard Flight 417, Sydney to Melbourne. This flight is full today. We advise you to strictly observe social distancing when presenting your boarding pass and in the aerobridge'

The social distancing point was emphasised on several occasions. I asked the person who made the announcement 'why social distance when you have a full flight? I'll be seated literally one inch from the person beside me' BLANK STARE from the obviously brainwashed fool making the announcement.

It was a full flight. Not only was my row full but the couple beside me had a bub. Four of us in the row.

I DID NOT have a problem with this flight being full, a bub being in the row with us etc, what I did have a problem with is the BULL**** HYPOCRACY from Qantas.

I know for a fact that Virgin at that time were blocking the middle seat.

Ask yourself why Qantas have a cluster of employees in Adelaide (250?) on lock down with multiple infections.

Ask yourself why Qantas is being investigated for standing down an employee in Sydney for raising concerns over covid19.

Qantas clearly has a culture issue. From attacking their opposition when clearly their focus should be on ensuring their survival, their employees safety and employment etc. So Virgin has enough money for 3-6 months and Qantas has 12 months, so that makes you better managed? They are managed by a narcissist, psychopath. Has anybody noticed that someone has obviously told the clown to STFU?

[The Bullwinkle]

I find this dubious.

I arrived in Australia from the States on the 31st of March, spent two weeks in a Sydney hotel in isolation. I travelled from Sydney to Melbourne on the 13th of April on a Qantas 737.

Boarding Announcement:

'Qantas welcomes you aboard Flight 417, Sydney to Melbourne. This flight is full today. We advise you to strictly observe social distancing when presenting your boarding pass and in the aerobridge'

The social distancing point was emphasised on several occasions. I asked the person who made the announcement 'why social distance when you have a full flight? I'll be seated literally one inch from the person beside me' BLANK STARE from the obviously brainwashed fool making the announcement.

It was a full flight. Not only was my row full but the couple beside me had a bub. Four of us in the row.

I DID NOT have a problem with this flight being full, a bub being in the row with us etc, what I did have a problem with is the BULL**** HYPOCRACY from Qantas.

I know for a fact that Virgin at that time were blocking the middle seat.

Ask yourself why Qantas have a cluster of employees in Adelaide (250?) on lock down with multiple infections.

Ask yourself why Qantas is being investigated for standing down an employee in Sydney for raising concerns over covid19.

Qantas clearly has a culture issue. From attacking their opposition when clearly their focus should be on ensuring their survival, their employees safety and employment etc. So Virgin has enough money for 3-6 months and Qantas has 12 months, so that makes you better managed? They are managed by a narcissist, psychopath. Has anybody noticed that someone has obviously told the clown to STFU?
Well said!!!

[coaldemon]

There will be a new normal coming in Airlines but let's face it not too many customers are happy to pay for the spacing seat to allow social distancing to happen. They expect someone else to cover it off lets say for the greater good. Effectively if an Airline does what it can for social distancing or more accurately seat map spacing for flights where they are not full that is good.

If they are full then it comes down to PPE and hygiene. Call it consideration for your fellow traveler.

Most International Airlines are leaving the last 2 to 3 rows free for an isolation zone. In the new world someone has to pay for that. Yes that will be the travelers.

If Customers say no I want the space between me and the next traveler then guess what. You will have to pay for it, Otherwise Airlines at a permanent 55% full will not be here.

It will be interesting to see the outcome as I expect once things get going there will be a natural focus on narrow body capacity as much as possible to cover off routes that don't need a wide body. This means of course more full flights once things come back.

[601]

I'll be seated literally one inch from the person beside me' BLANK STARE from the obviously brainwashed fool making the announcement.

You made the choice to travel. Personally I would have not made that choice.
What did you expect?
It is so easy to have a go at the person with the "blank stare" What did that accomplish?

[maesaithwameh]

The social distancing point was emphasised on several occasions. I asked the person who made the announcement 'why social distance when you have a full flight? I'll be seated literally one inch from the person beside me' BLANK STARE from the obviously brainwashed fool making the announcement.



Qantas clearly has a culture issue. From attacking their opposition when clearly their focus should be on ensuring their survival, their employees safety and employment etc. So Virgin has enough money for 3-6 months and Qantas has 12 months, so that makes you better managed? They are managed by a narcissist, psychopath. Has anybody noticed that someone has obviously told the clown to STFU?

Perhaps you should STFU, clown. The "obviously brainwashed fool making the announcement" was only doing her job and following company directives.

[Slaine]

Im genuinely gobsmacked that people are willfully getting on Commercial flights right now without dire need to do so

[PHDracing]

Im genuinely gobsmacked that people are willfully getting on Commercial flights right now without dire need to do so
We are stuck in our winter home because we are part of the vulnerable class and we will not take the chance to fly back to our summer home. We also will not take the loooong drive and stay in motels.....so here we set, waiting for a therapeutic at the very least.....and hoping for a miracle vaccine.
Speaking of Threraputics.... I could mention yet another one but some azzwhole would probably claim I was working for them.

Not sure WHEN we will feel safe enough to try the flight......Laurel and Hardy would have summed this virus up nicely....
" Well , here's another nice mess you've gotten me into "

[73qanda]

If Customers say no I want the space between me and the next traveler then guess what. You will have to pay for it, Otherwise Airlines at a permanent 55% full will not be here.
There is a price point where they will happily tootle around 55% full making a profit.
The cost per cubic meter of economy class space has fallen 94% since 1960, maybe it needs to rise a little for a change, or does the price only go one way?

[Flyingmole]

Read facebook less

On commerical aviation middle seat on a seat of 3 unavailable if you want one for a family group you have to check in count, also if possible they will only seat you on every second row

As to military they are absolutely practicing social distancing where possible, units are also being segragated from each other. There are times when due to military situation social distancing is not a possible. But guys on base messing is done in shifts and social distancing, if you are caught actively breaking it on either on military or private time then charges or a penalties will be laid. I know of a few events where I am that has resulted in charges and loss of ranks. Military is not screwing around
Mmm The military is not screwing around. Tell that to the crew of the USS Theodore Roosevelt

[SARF]

There is a price point where they will happily tootle around 55% full making a profit.
The cost per cubic meter of economy class space has fallen 94% since 1960, maybe it needs to rise a little for a change, or does the price only go one way?
the price does only go one way.. untill it doesn’t. Flying could get a lot more expensive.. and a lot more profitable for the remaining carriers.
untill of course it then gets more packed and cheaper again

[Mach E Avelli]

There is a double standard here. Much of the initial spread of the virus occurred on cruise ships, where there is a lot more personal space than in an aeroplane.
Yet our risk management experts in government now say it is OK to allow 180 people to cram into a 30 metre sealed tube and sit there breathing recycled air for several hours, but not OK to sit at the beach or in an outdoor cafe.
If the concern is mental health and kick starting employment while balancing risk, some CDF needs to be applied.

[machtuk]

There is a double standard here. Much of the initial spread of the virus occurred on cruise ships, where there is a lot more personal space than in an aeroplane.
Yet our risk management experts in government now say it is OK to allow 180 people to cram into a 30 metre sealed tube and sit there breathing recycled air for several hours, but not OK to sit at the beach or in an outdoor cafe.
If the concern is mental health and kick starting employment while balancing risk, some CDF needs to be applied.

I think most people know that the lockdown laws, social distancing etc is mostly ludicrous but the fools have stuck their necks out too far now to just say all bets are off use common sense! We don't even have uniform laws across the country! One state you can go fishing play golf in another state you will get fined for such activities.

The whole debacle has not only destroyed this countries economy but set up for life long mental health issues far greater than pre CV19!

[Foxxster]

If you really think about the impact of obeying the 1.5 meter rule inside a commercial aircraft, you would quickly realise that if it was obeyed, no aircraft would be flying. Why? Because the 1,5 meter rule does not just mean side to side. It also means behind and in front. So leaving the middle seat empty is one thing, but you would also need to leave the row in front and behind empty. Work out your load factor. Then ask if it would be economical for any aircraft to take off when it is less than a third full.

But yes of course there are gross and glaring inconsistencies with this social distancing and you don’t need to look at an occasional activity for the general public like air travel. People are cramming into trains and busses everyday.

As for hoping for a vaccine. You may have noticed some softening of the language surrounding this from our politicians especially Gladys. Her last press conference didn’t mention finding a vaccine at all instead saying when we find drugs that can treat it. Why?

Two facts;

one. HIV AIDS has been around for over 35 years, killed millions and costs many more millions in medical costs per year in treatment. There has been a worldwide effort to find a vaccine since it started and god knows how many man hours and billions spent to that end. There is still no vaccine.

two. This new WuHu bat stew corona virus is a new strain of corona virus. To date , THERE IS NO VACCINE FOR ANY CORONA VIRUS. The normal flu is not a corona virus.

So IF we ever develop a vaccine for this it will be a first for corona virus. And corona viruses were first discovered in the 1930s

[73qanda]

the price does only go one way.. untill it doesn’t. Flying could get a lot more expensive.. and a lot more profitable for the remaining carriers.
untill of course it then gets more packed and cheaper again
Yes. That was my point.

[Hoosten]

You made the choice to travel. Personally I would have not made that choice.
What did you expect?
It is so easy to have a go at the person with the "blank stare" What did that accomplish?

Did you not read ALL of my post??

I said: I did not have a problem with the full flight. I have a problem with the hypocrisy of the social distancing crap when you are seated and inch away from the person beside you.

I chose to fly on the flight NO PROBLEM and would do it every day of the week.

I received the blank stare, I asked a question of why social distance in the aerobridge when the flight is full??

[rattman]

Mmm The military is not screwing around. Tell that to the crew of the USS Theodore Roosevelt

thats the US navy a different country. The US navy made the decision that the health and safety of the crew was lower than keeping the carrier on station until they got embarrased enough to pull it and other infected carriers off station

[Slezy9]

I think most people know that the lockdown laws, social distancing etc is mostly ludicrous

I think most people know you’re wrong.

(See how easy it is to make stuff up? You provide no evidence of said statement yet pass it off as fact)

[red_dirt]

WEAR IS PROUD PEOPLE!!!!!
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/224x225/download_ab303cac51b617df70f2e910dfab756e5f378606.jpg

[maesaithwameh]

His job, not hers.

If he was doing his job, why wasn't he ensuring social distancing on the aircraft? Or was that part of it conveniently forgotten? Love to see the internal memo on that one 'Social distance at the the checkin an aerobridge, but **** it, don't worry about the seating'.

Perhaps you should GFYS you inbred.

Cabin crew are not responsible for allocating seats to passengers you clown. It shows you have NFI how the industry works. Pity this website has degenerated to a forum for enthusiasts and plane spotters.

[Jjp321]

I think a lot of airlines are going to the no middle seat thing.

[Black Maria]

Hoosten..

I know for a fact that Virgin at that time were blocking the middle seat.

I was on the VIrgin flight SYD MEL on the day you mention (April 13) and I can assure you that the middle seats were not blocked off. Sure there were some that were vacant as it was not a totally full flight, but there were many rows, including mine, that had all three seats occupied

I understand your position on the pointlessness of social distancing in the lounge/aerobridge, when you are boarding an aircraft where social distancing can’t really apply, but really, a “a death stare” towards someone just doing his/her job and asking for social distancing on the bridge?

In fact the Cabin Crew, Check In staff etc should be praised, as on your flight (and every other no matter what brand) put themselves at risk due to having more close contact with passengers than you most likely would have had.

So as frustrating pointless requirements may be, perhaps cut a little slack, and leave the “death stare” for times it might have a place.

[Buttscratcher]

Did you not read ALL of my post??

I said: I did not have a problem with the full flight. I have a problem with the hypocrisy of the social distancing crap when you are seated and inch away from the person beside you.

I chose to fly on the flight NO PROBLEM and would do it every day of the week.

I received the blank stare, I asked a question of why social distance in the aerobridge when the flight is full??

Right. Here's the answer, since you are being a little bitch about it.
The folks at the gate are simply doing their job as instructed.
When you are on the aircraft and seated in your allocated seat, your position relative to others is documented. Subsequent identification of cases proximate to your seat can be assessed, and you will be notified of such and further action may be required.
Your proximity to others in the Terminal or Bridge cannot be assessed.
It's pretty simple. Do as you are instructed. You may not be the smartest guy in the room.

[601]

were not blocked off

Why would you need to block the seats off?
Can't you read the set allocation on your boarding pass?
So deciphering a seat allocation is above some peoples pay scales.

It used to frustrate me no end that pax could not read or listen to simple briefings and act on those briefings.
I had a plane full of US lawyers on a flight when we had pressurisation failure and the masks dropped down. NOT ONE of the pax put their mask on.

[The Bullwinkle]

Why would you need to block the seats off?
Can't you read the set allocation on your boarding pass?
Are you serious???

[Square Bear]

Been flying and paxing for lots of years, occasionally get the pax seat wrong....just like I get sometimes get out of the Elevator at the wrong floor for Crew Hotel Accommodation.

601, I think it may be just human nature.

But off topic...apologies.

[Hoosten]

Cabin crew are not responsible for allocating seats to passengers you clown. It shows you have NFI how the industry works. Pity this website has degenerated to a forum for enthusiasts and plane spotters.

Degenerated to a forum for enthusiasts and plane spotters,

All hail the superior non enthusiast and non-plane spotter. With the language you use you're the professional paragon of virtue? Give it up you arse clown. Who said that allocating seats was up to cabin crew? If an employee of mine can't take a message from a customer back to management;

'Hey, a customer brought up a valid point today about the conflicting message of social distancing in the aerobridge but jammed into a full flight'

Then I wouldn't employ them. You are one of these cretins who can't think for themselves obviously.

[Hoosten]

Right. Here's the answer, since you are being a little bitch about it.

lol

The folks at the gate are simply doing their job as instructed.

Is that not completely obvious and inferred?

When you are on the aircraft and seated in your allocated seat, your position relative to others is documented. Subsequent identification of cases proximate to your seat can be assessed, and you will be notified of such and further action may be required.

Su-weeet! So we'll potentially and deliberately expose you to a so called known health hazard, then letya know when ya get home sometime. Awesome mate. While I'm waiting to be let know and I'm popping down to the supermarket for some essentials should I take everyones name and number for when I get the call?

Your proximity to others in the Terminal or Bridge cannot be assessed.

Really!! Is that so?? Are your eyes painted on?? The health checks I received when I arrived off the International flight including having my temperature taken and allocated a medical grade mask couldn't have been done in the terminal??

It's pretty simple. Do as you are instructed. You may not be the smartest guy in the room.

It ain't me who has the intelligence problem. It is useful idiots like yourself, who clearly cannot come up with practical solutions to a potential health risk.

Don't bull**** to me mate, either social distance including in the cabin, or don't. Don't peddle your bull**** when it is clearly about money.

[Hoosten]

I was on the VIrgin flight SYD MEL on the day you mention (April 13) and I can assure you that the middle seats were not blocked off. Sure there were some that were vacant as it was not a totally full flight, but there were many rows, including mine, that had all three seats occupied

On my arrival to Melbourne I had a socially distanced coffee with a Virgin employee who told me they were blocking the middle seat.

I understand your position on the pointlessness of social distancing in the lounge/aerobridge, when you are boarding an aircraft where social distancing can’t really apply, but really, a “a death stare” towards someone just doing his/her job and asking for social distancing on the bridge?

Christ, here we go again, 'a death stare' How many times do I have to repeat myself here? I DID NOT DEATH STARE ANYONE. I asked the question and got a BLANK STARE in return.

In fact the Cabin Crew, Check In staff etc should be praised, as on your flight (and every other no matter what brand) put themselves at risk due to having more close contact with passengers than you most likely would have had.

I appreciate anyone going to work in this environment, but no, they didn't have any close contact. The did not touch anything, boarding passes or anything associated with the passengers.

So as frustrating pointless requirements may be, perhaps cut a little slack, and leave the “death stare” for times it might have a place.

Again, read my posts, For Chrissakes.

[Hoosten]

So Black Maria, I don't want an apology for your clearly mis-leading and embellished quotes regarding my previous posts. I'm not a precious baby like some commenting on this thread. But an acknowledgement and retraction of that post is appropriate.

[Black Maria]

Hoosten hi again,

My post was somewhat supportive of you, but did correct a misconception that you had regards the the middle seat being “blanked out” on the Virgin flight as you erroneously suggest, I was on that flight, you were not.. I think first hand experience beats second hand say so, does it not.?

Your level of angst, vitriol, is quite terrible really, but i accept that you are probably extremely stressed ( aren’t we all atm) so I won’t label you as a troll, but rather advise you contact Lifeline.

Anyway, I hope you can hang in there.....Cheers

[Hoosten]

Black Maria, for the most part, my 'vitriol' is in return to derogatory comments that are made to me. I don't start the name calling but I'll certainly return it.

In regards to the seat blocking, I'm only telling you what I was told, I didn't contradict you, I was told by a Virgin employee (good friend) and I believed it to be true at the time.

Nuance is lost on a bulletin board, you may think I'm distressed for some reason? I'm not, but what I don't like is being bull****ted to when clearly, it's bull****.

I'll say it again, either social distance, or don't, there's no in between.

Good hygiene, consideration for the people around you, i.e. sneezing and coughing into a tissue and not shaking hands or physical contact was good enough for me on this flight.

And your post quoting me is clearly embellishment, incorrect and well, bull**** or extremely poor comprehension.

Your level of angst, vitriol, is quite terrible really, but i accept that you are probably extremely stressed ( aren’t we all atm) so I won’t label you as a troll, but rather advise you contact Lifeline.

And this rubbish? Are you serious? Get a grip. Pure deflection from your rubbish misrepresentation of my post.

[Vindiesel]

Interesting study out of Stanford in California that estimates actual fatality rate at 0.1-0.2% based on antibody testing in Northern California:

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-01095-0