American Airlines flight attendant dies of coronavirus, elevating fears in the industry

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

Paul Frishkorn, a Philadelphia-based American Airlines flight attendant and union representative, has died from coronavirus, the airline confirmed Thursday.

"Earlier this week, we lost a respected, longtime member of the American Airlines family, who tested positive for COVID-19," a statement from American Airlines released Thursday read. "Our hearts go out to Paul’s loved ones, many of whom work for American."

Lori Bassani, president of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, which represents 27,000 flight attendants at American Airlines, said in a statement, "It is with deep sadness we report that one of our own … has passed away from Covid-19."

Frishkorn, 65, was described as a tireless advocate for the flight attendant corps who was spending time in the Philadelphia crew room "answering questions and assisting our members through this difficult time" before he fell ill.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/american-airlines-flight-attendant-dies-of-coronavirus-elevating-fears-in-the-industry/ar-BB11LPLj?li=BBnb7Kz

[peacebuzzard]

1. There is no social distancing on packed flights. RIP.

With the cuts in air travel, the probability of having a packed flight is still great.

I just did air travel round trip out of the country 10 days ago. The flight was jammed pack because other carriers discontinued their routes and those stranded passengers were crammed into a flight that was supposed to be half empty.

The airlines will reduce the frequency to make it cost-effective and still accept the normal full loads, if there are souls willing to travel.

It should be mandatory for everyone to wear masks and gloves if one absolutely has to travel for essential business, essential employment or emergency.

[dansolo]

2. I had tickets on American for my daughter's graduation

I canceled my flight, but I won't get a refund. The only thing they are offering is to apply the money I paid to another flight, but it has to be taken some time this year. I may end up losing $1400.

[Solomon]

3. Small price to pay to keep your life.

[mnhtnbb]

4. I bought tickets for my son and his partner to join me on Bonaire

to celebrate my March birthday this year.

I got a text at 4 am in the morning from the airport on March 7th that they were not going to come. The American agents at the desk told them the tickets were refundable. They were not. I went on-line and was routed to non-refundable. I called American and was told if I paid $200/ticket they would be usable up until October of this year (I bought them last October). So I'm out the cost of both tickets. I had bought First/Business class for them because they're both very tall and I wanted them to be comfortable because my son's partner has a lot of anxiety flying.

Huh. On top of that, the VRBO place that I'd booked for them did not refund the money, either. It was a pretty big hit adding that in with the flights.