A Flight Attendant Explains What Happens When Someone Has Lice Onboard
By Leslie Veliz
VACATIONS
Lice infestations can be particularly troublesome on a plane, and Islands exclusively spoke to Barbi, a flight attendant with nearly 40 years of experience, about this scenario.
Barbi said, "The pilot in command (PIC) and the medical professionals should decide the course of action. For most U.S. carriers, Medlink is available to contact."
She added, "However, if head lice are found on the ground prior to boarding the airplane, the decision should be between the PIC and ground control." In essence, protocol can vary.
In the summer of 2017, a 6-year-old child aboard a Delta Airlines flight was found to have lice. The boy and his family were barred from their next flight during a layover.
If you're worried about contracting lice, bring disinfecting wipes to clean your seat. If you are flying and believe there's a possibility you have lice, notify the flight crew.