Over at Anderson Cooper’s AC360 Blog CNN Senior Executive Producer Michael Schulder recently argued that Delta may posses a powerful weapon to prevent the spread of H1N1 flu… the in-flight safety video starring Deltalina! Check out excerpts from his post below:
If you’ve ever flown Delta chances are you’ll remember her videotaped safety briefing, including the now famous finger wag admonishing passengers not to smoke on any Delta flight. I’d like to suggest an important addition to her script and the script of every flight attendant who gives a safety briefing on any airline.
“…. Please take a moment to find the exits closest to you. And remember they may be behind you.” And please, also, take a moment to look carefully at the passengers closest to you. If they have signs of the flu, such as a persistent cough, please alert a flight attendant. Remember, the most contagious passenger could be right in back of you. So look all around. Please do not use a thermometer on fellow passengers without their permission, even underarm thermometers. “Please remain seated with your seat belt securely fastened any time the seat belt sign is on. And even if the sign is off, you should keep your seatbelt fastened in case we experience unexpected rough air. … (finger wag) Smoking is not allowed on any Delta flight.” Neither is any passenger who has flu symptoms, including body aches, fever, and a cough. If any of you have those symptoms, and you’ve been able to hide them from your fellow passengers, please come to the front of the plane right now (director’s note – use forefinger for come hither gesture) where you will receive a full refund and an escort to retrieve your checked bags. I SAID NOW!
Post your own edits in the comments. What do you think?
Chris B.
Sr. Product Manager, IFE
May 6th, 2009 at 7:07 pm
And please, also, take a moment to look carefully at the passengers closest to you. If they have any signs of aliment, such as a persistent cough, and or heavy breathing, please alert a flight attendant. Remember, the most contagious passenger could be a member of the crew. So look all around. Please do not use a thermometer on fellow passengers without their permission, especially the ones that go in the rear. (Finger wag)
May 6th, 2009 at 9:44 pm
My favorite line is “Smoking is not allowed, I’m so sorry.” She can say “The flu is not allowed, I’m so sorry.”
May 7th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
I like everyone else have been flying wearing the new nasal filters called Cleanose and have been asked for them several times. I think I should sell them on the planes. I could pay for my flight. She would be better off offering something as an alternative. Just a thought
May 7th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
I’m not so sure I like this. What if someone has allergies (like me)? Or just tends to sweat profusely (like one of my teachers o_O — hopefully he’d bring a towel or something)? We really mustn’t let this get out of hand. If this was right after 9/11, we could hear “If you see anyone with an unusually-shaped bag or wearing a kipah/turban or has their face covered for a religious practice, duck and cover!” While that’s exaggerating a bit, a single cough is not evidence to be removed from the flight, especially if reported by someone with a fear of flying or just paranoid about H1N1. Let’s not start profiling our fellow passengers (and even crew members!).
May 8th, 2009 at 11:42 am
Jayo Z…the AC360 post was meant to be tongue-in-cheek…
May 14th, 2009 at 12:15 am
lol! that’s funny as sarcasm. very scary if the post is meant seriously. =)
May 15th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
Don’t worry, when I said exaggerated, I didn’t really mean by “a bit”… meant a lot more than just that!