"This frighteningly packed flight out of Newark has doctor saying he won't fly again anytime soon

[orleans]

"A San Francisco doctor returning from volunteering at a New York City hospital to help fight the coronavirus says he was forced to endure a packed flight on United Airlines — despite the carrier’s promise to enforce social distancing.

"Dr. Ethan Weiss, a University of California-San Francisco cardiologist, shared a photo Saturday of nearly every seat full on the plane out of Newark Airport in New Jersey.

Link to tweet

snip

"Weiss said he was traveling with around 25 other nurses and doctors who have been volunteering on the frontlines of Big Apple hospitals for the past few weeks.

"He noted that he previously praised the airline for flying medical workers there for free, but said the nightmare return trip was the “last time I’ll be flying again for a very long time.”

"Just days before flying, he had told ABC7: “I’m scared of getting on the airplane on Saturday. I’ve been taking care of COVID-19 patients for the last two weeks, and I’m more scared of getting on the airplane on Saturday than I’m walking into the hospital.”

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/this-frighteningly-packed-flight-out-of-newark-has-doctor-saying-he-wont-fly-again-anytime-soon-2020-05-10

[CountAllVotes]

1. This is why I hate these bastards

Their game never changes.

They act innocent and off they go walking away as if nothing at all happened.

I really wish they just go away forever!

Lie, cheat, steal for $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$!

Boycott UA & this is just ONE example why!

[uponit7771]

11. +1

[SunSeeker]

2. Holy shit!

[Iggo]

3. I take public transportation (buses) regularly.

Took.

The week of 3/9 to 3/13, I took two buses instead of ten. Monday only. Took two Ubers Tuesday. Still didn’t feel right. Copped rides with a coworker the rest of the week. Our company sent us home a half hour into the following Monday and I’ve been working from home ever since.

But back to the bus, I remember just looking around the whole time going “what the fuck am I doing here” and “this is my last trip.” It’s sad and oddly comforting reading that this doctor had the same exact feeling as I did.

I’m still not sure on the other side of this thing if I’ll be able to get back on a packed bus. Or even a not packed bus.

[Hawaii Hiker]

4. I've been looking at United's site last couple days

Many routes ie; (ORD-DEN) (DEN-LAX) (ORD-LAX) looked like they have full flights, or only few seats empty......Few weeks ago, there were 10-20 people on flights.....Guess people want to start flying the friendly skies again,

[wishstar]

13. From my vantage point there seem to be more flights

In WNC, spouse and I sit outside for long stretches every day in a spot where we have a great view of high flying commercial jet traffic (so high they are barely visible and can't be heard) and after several weeks of not spotting even one jet we spotted several in a row within just a few minutes yesterday afternoon. The risky experiment of resuming activity is noticeably proceeding.

[Midnight Writer]

5. He should cover his eyes.

[budkin]

6. NOT OK

AT ALL.

[Tipperary]

7. Yikes.

Just no.

[tanyev]

8. This is why I'm suspicious of all the obligatory messages that popped up on every company's

website about everything they were doing to fight COVID-19. They are all worded very similarly. My work did it too, and we were having just as much trouble as everyone else ordering masks, gloves, and disinfectant. We finally shut down completely, and I was glad because I read our statement and thought, "Really? Are we really doing all that stuff?"

[uponit7771]

10. +1

[uponit7771]

9. omfg, so this is not a set up to a huge lawsuit ?! WTF United !?

[FakeNoose]

12. Safer to take the Amtrak train

... or even better - rent a car and drive cross country.

But my choice would be Amtrak - there aren't many people traveling these days and you have lots of room to stretch out. Most trains have a diner car for meals and refreshments. Passengers still need to wear facemasks and practice social distancing, but it would be safer than flying these days.