4.29.20 – Temperature Checks / FA Mask Requirement / Cabin Cleaning Enhancement

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

• Temperature Checks
• Flight Attendant Mask Requirement
• Cabin Cleaning Enhancements

Temperature Checks
Beginning today, April 29th, American will begin temperature checks in DFW and MIA, with expansion to other airports at a later date. Temperature checks will be conducted at Known Crewmember (KCM) portals by Flight Managers, Flight Service Managers, or a third- party vendor. Temperature checks will be conducted for anyone passing through the KCM portal, whether you are working, deadheading, commuting, or traveling for pleasure.

A fever of 100.4 or higher is indicative of illness. If you register a temperature of 100.4 or higher, you will automatically receive a re-test at the KCM portal. If your second test registers 100.4 or higher, you will receive a third test after a 15-minute waiting period. If your temperature continues to register at 100.4 or higher, you will not be permitted to report for duty.

APFA has ensured that you will not accrue attendance points as a result of an elevated temperature reading.

What to do next:

1. Your schedule will be updated with a paid removal code for up to three days, or the length of your sequence, whichever is greater.
2. If you are out-of-base, a commuter, or not in your home city, please reach out to the Hotel/ Limo Desk at 1-800-VIP-CREW, #9, 1 for a company-provided hotel. If you are out-of-base, you will be provided with disposable thermometers to monitor your temperature. More information may found at https://newjetnet.aa.com/community/news/coronavirus. Here, you will also find a Covid-19 Test Site finder, information on the COVID-19 pandemic leave, as well as instructions for reaching out to a Doctor on Demand.
3. If you test positive for the virus, you will find a voluntary reporting form on the APFA website located here. The information collected by APFA will be used to track the spread of COVID-19 within our system. Data may be shared with other Unions and the Company as necessary to identify safety issues created by COVID-19. Personal information (name and contact information) will be redacted before the collected data is shared unless otherwise required by law.

Flight Attendant Mask Requirement
Beginning Friday, May 1st, and until further notice, Flight Attendants will be required to wear a face mask on board the aircraft, except when they interfere with duties such as making announcements. These masks will be available in crew rooms and will be provisioned onboard the aircraft in designated galley compartments. Flight Attendants will be required to wear a mask on board the aircraft when deadheading and pass riding in uniform. Masks are not required in the airport terminals or crew rooms unless local regulations state otherwise.

APFA has concerns that the requirement for face masks does not extend to everyone onboard the aircraft. We will continue to advocate for an onboard mask requirement with the Company, and on Capitol Hill. It simply makes no sense if the end goal is to flatten the curve of the pandemic.

Cabin Cleaning Enhancements
Since the outbreak of COVID-19 began, APFA has been raising concerns about the quality of aircraft cabin cleaning. Flight Attendants reported bare minimum cleaning on turn flights, which is unacceptable in today’s environment. Yesterday, Flight Service released communication outlining the enhanced cleaning procedures cabin cleaners are expected to execute. This includes turn flights as well. At a minimum, cleaners should be:

• wiping down galley countertops;
• removing galley trash;
• cleaning the lavatories;
• cleaning jumpseats and seatbelts;
• cleaning interphones and service panels;
• removing visible trash from all cabin areas;
• cleaning first class tray tables;
• wiping down first-class armrests

On longer-haul domestic turns, main cabin tray tables and armrests should be sanitized. Overnight (RON) aircraft receive a complete sanitation.

APFA believes that complete sanitization is another barrier to the spread of COVID-19. Whether the flight is long or short, all crew and customer touchpoints should be sanitized- no exceptions. This includes passenger service units (call bells, air vents, etc.), window shades, all tray tables, door handles, and seat pockets.

If you witness insufficient cleaning on a turn flight, please be sure to file a Flight Attendant report on your tablet.

Our number one priority is your health and safety. Your APFA Leadership will continue to press for enhanced safety protocols on board the aircraft. The end goal is to curb the spread of COVID-19, and we will continue to advocate for adequate Personal Protective Equipment for both crew and passengers, social distancing, contact tracing, and prompt notification of exposure.