Commercial Fixed Wing
Flight Attendant Current
Communication Breakdown; Confusion; Situational Awareness
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Passenger Misconduct; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury
General None Reported / Taken
Company Policy; Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors
Myself and the FA A arrived to the gate in ZZZ for our departure Flight ABC to ZZZ1 where we would meet the [rest of] crew for the flight. When arriving we noticed the customer service having a hefty conversation with what I had assumed was a passenger for Flight ABC. Another agent checked the crew in for boarding; whom mentioned she would be controlling and boarding the flight. She continued by stating she wasn't aware with what the agent at the counter was dealing with; but would find out more. A short time after myself and the additional crew boarded; customer service advised us 'we now have a passenger who cannot wear a mask on our flight due to medical reasons.' We all asked if there was evidence to support her statement. He replied that she did not and also stated he asked for support from his leads whom told him the passenger did not need any.At this time the crew and I asked for inflight supervisors to come to the aircraft. I continued to research the latest inflight documents and COVID-19 requirements. We as a crew were aware that a document stating passengers were required to have proof of exemption to wear a mask. As the aircraft continued to fill up for boarding the A FA and D FA remained in the forward galley speaking to inflight Supervisor.When I approached the forward galley area; Supervisor A asked me how [I was] inward feeling. My response was that 'I don't feel comfortable having a passenger on board the aircraft who states  they can't wear a mask.' Supervisor A stated that I had the opportunity to call crew scheduling to call out of the trip if I didn't feel comfortable. I replied that that wasn't a favorable option. I would then have to call in sick when not sick; affecting my attendance; and then find my own way home from ZZZ.At this time we decided to continue to fly due to not having many options other than to do so. I still wasn't comfortable having interactions with the passenger so the D FA AND myself; B FA; switch positions for the duration of the flight. We re-briefed with the crew and continued the flight.I'm still extremely upset that there was no company or management support for a passenger who claimed to have a medical condition but no proof. Passengers must wear mask or not fly regardless of medical conditions.
Upon arrival at the gate; I saw an interaction between the gate agent and a passenger. We presumed that whatever the issue might be that it would be pertinent to our flight. The crew and I then inquired with the agent who then informed the crew that a passenger had notified him that she cannot wear a mask. We asked him if she had a note from a medical professional indicating that she was safe and well enough to fly and was indeed exempt because at this point we had no indicators on our manifest of such an exemption. He said no. We requested a Supervisor and interacted with two; one of which was Supervisor A. The crew told Supervisor A and the other Supervisor that we did not feel safe a number of times; and every time it was dismissed. We were told by both supervisors that asking for a note would violate Health Information Privacy and Accountability Act (HIPPA). From my understanding; one is allowed to ask for documentation for a mask a exemption. HIPPA is not applicable as it only applies to people with access to medical records. Individuals cannot cite that law when refusing to disclose a request for medical exemption as a customer. This was also ignored by supervisors. We searched for supporting facts and our attempts were met with disdain and followed by opinions and lies. Finally; After coming to the realization that management was not going to protect us; I inquired with Supervisor A as to what our recourse was. Supervisor A happily told me that airline has plenty of options in the event that we did not feel safe. The first option would be to call in sick. The second option would be; to put it in her words; 'That's what leaves are for.' To clarify; a Supervisor instructed me to lie to the company and tell them that I am unwell when I am not sick; and left to find my own accommodations or way home in a different state in which I didn't live. Option two in my opinion was inappropriate and irresponsible for Supervisor A to say so casually; as if we did not have families to support or a need for a roof over our heads. I found this comment disheartening and we felt like we had no options left but to work. Supervisor A then continued to tell me that because I was working in the forward cabin that I would have minimal exposure and would be fine; completely disregarding any concern for the well being of the three other crew members in that aircraft. Not only was this disrespectful and unprofessional; but it was also incorrect. Social distancing is almost impossible within crews. We have duties to fulfill including briefing; pilot breaks; cabin service; and emergencies as well as shuttle rides to and from airports that would require a close proximity to one another. I was particularly angered by this reasoning because if a medical or cabin safety issue should arise; management's statement takes the assumption that I would deny my responsibility as the medic; police; and fire personnel on board because of an imaginary line segmenting responsibilities within cabin crew positions. As these conversations were happening I requested Medical and was never patched. I cannot accept this situation because I care about my job; my family; and other people that it could affect by this carelessness.Changes in policies that concretely state protections for FA's; hazard pay; and better alternatives than calling in sick or taking leave.
Flight attendants reported a passenger was allowed to fly without wearing a face mask due to a self-reported medical condition.