A traveler waiting in a busy airport security line was forced to rethink their place in the queue after overhearing a nearby passenger openly discuss her severe illness.
The original poster (OP) described on Reddit this week standing in a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) line when they unintentionally overheard the woman behind them speaking on her phone.
'Open-mouth scoffed'
"I don't know, but it feels like there are razor blades in my throat," user trophy-tabby quoted the woman in their post.
"They need to run more tests because it's not strep."
Concerned for their health, the OP opted to step out of line and move to the back, creating more distance between themselves and the sick passenger.
The move did not go unnoticed: "She full-on open-mouth scoffed, visible to me, as she was not wearing a mask," the OP recounted.
Traveling While Sick: Health Risks and Airline Policies
Health experts warn that flying while sick can pose risks not only to the traveler, but also to those around them.
According to Healthline, passengers experiencing severe symptoms such as fever, excessive coughing, or difficulty breathing should reconsider flying.
Airplane cabins have recirculated air, which, while filtered, can still increase the chances of airborne virus transmission.
Airline policies on traveling while sick vary. While most airlines do not have strict rules preventing passengers with colds from flying, they do encourage self-reporting of illnesses.
In some cases, visibly ill passengers may be denied boarding at the discretion of airline staff.
The topic of flying while sick has become increasingly relevant since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many airlines once required masks during travel, but those mandates have largely been lifted. This has led to renewed concerns about the spread of contagious illnesses in enclosed spaces such as airplanes and security lines.
Medical Guidance on Flying With Illnesses
For those who feel unwell but must travel, experts suggest taking precautions to reduce the risk of spreading illness.
Flightright recommends that passengers with respiratory symptoms wear a mask, sanitize their hands often and avoid unnecessary close contact with others.
The site also advises that flying with severe symptoms, such as ear pain or congestion, can be physically uncomfortable due to cabin pressure changes. In extreme cases, passengers with contagious conditions may be advised by their doctors to delay their trips.
Many Reddit commentators vented their frustration over the situation. Some slammed the woman's decision to travel while sick, while others noted that avoiding potentially contagious passengers in a crowded airport can be challenging.
One user noted, "This is why I carry Emergen-C everywhere. It at least makes me feel like I'm avoiding catching whatever they have."
Another user complained about inconsiderate travelers, stating, "Ugh, travel is such a nightmare because of all the entitled a***** out there. I can barely stand it anymore."
'Plot twist'
The most upvoted remark was, "Plot twist: She was actually calling in 'sick' to work so she could take her vacation. She's fine."
The OP replied: "This would be the best plot twist. I hope that was the case!"
Newsweek has contacted trophy-tabby comment via Reddit.
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