Inn-Coming

MY flight back to Heathrow from Innsbruck had its interesting moments, and I am not just referring to when the pilot told us there was a "technical" problem with the brakes.

Firstly we were informed over the public-address system that everyone had to fill in a passenger locator form before arriving in London, and also had to follow relevant covid regulations.

I pointed out to a member of the cabin crew that the requirement for such forms ended on Friday.

A corrected announcement was made, but then we were told everyone had to wear a mask except when eating or drinking.

I told the same crew member that British Airways' policy on masks had been updated since Friday.

I explained the new policy was masks had to be worn to countries where masks on public transport were still a requirement, but not to countries where such a requirement no longer applied.

The chief steward quickly came over and told me I was wrong, I was being selfish and it was unfair not to wear a mask "when everyone else is."

I suggested he should check BA's updated policies, but he said he did not need to as he knew he was right.

For anyone interested in BA's mask policy, and one hopes that would include BA staff, here is the relevant section from ba.com:

Keeping our customers and colleagues safe at all times is always our number one priority, and during the pandemic we introduced new measures to make sure we were able to continue to do that to enable us to operate during the most challenging period in our history.
One of the requirements introduced was for us all to wear face coverings.
The legal requirement to wear a face covering has now been removed in England and Wales and we have updated our face mask policy.
Customers are no longer required to wear a mask at some airports in England.
However, as an international airline flying all around the world, we are obliged to ensure our customers continue to comply with local restrictions and meet the requirements of the destination they arrive at.
Therefore, we ask you to check the requirements of the destination you’re flying to before departing for the airport, as:
If you are travelling on our flights, you will be required to wear a mask on board if the destination you are flying to or from requires you to
If you are travelling on our flights, you will be required to wear a mask to disembark the aircraft, and at your arrival airport, if the destination you are flying to requires it
Where we are unsure or have not been able to clarify the local restrictions, we will still require you to wear face coverings, and we ask that you continue to carry masks with you for the duration of your journey.
For destinations where we have established that the wearing of a face covering is not mandated, you are able to make a personal choice and we kindly request everyone respects each other’s preferences.

I was relying on the last paragraph, which seems pretty clear to me: For destinations where we have established that the wearing of a face covering is not mandated, you are able to make a personal choice and we kindly request everyone respects each other’s preferences.

However, on closer reading, I can see why another interpretation would be to rely on the seventh paragraph: If you are travelling on our flights, you will be required to wear a mask on board if the destination you are flying to or from requires you to

Perhaps BA might like to clarify ...