Three carriers today in North America today announced the requirement to have face coverings when they choose to fly with them. Let’s review the current state of face masks.
JetBlue
JetBlue Airbus A320 at Washington Dulles Airport
JetBlue was the first to announce this move and will require all customers will be required to wear a face-covering during travel from the 4th May 2020. This new policy will require customers to wear a face-covering over their nose and mouth throughout their journey, including during check-in, boarding, while in flight and deplaning. Small children who are not able to maintain a face covering are exempt from this requirement.
Joanna Geraghty, president and chief operating officer, JetBlue said
“Wearing a face covering isn’t about protecting yourself it’s about protecting those around you,”
“This is the new flying etiquette. Onboard, cabin air is well circulated and cleaned through filters every few minutes but this is a shared space where we have to be considerate of others. We are also asking our customers to follow these CDC guidelines in the airport as well.”
Further information: http://blog.jetblue.com/coronavirus/
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines Airbus A320… (Editors note, no I haven’t got a more current image to hand sadly)
They will require all customers to wear a face-covering over their nose and mouth throughout their journey. This will include all ticket counters, gate areas, and onboard our aircraft. This will go live on the 8th May 2020.
Barry Biffle, CEO of Frontier Airlines said
“We want our passengers to feel comfortable when flying with us by protecting themselves and their fellow travelers as we all navigate the Covid-19 pandemic,”
“This new measure is aligned with CDC recommendations and those of many municipalities within the U.S. that include wearing a face covering when out in public.”
Further guidance from Frontier is at https://www.flyfrontier.com/committed-to-you/
American Airlines
American Airlines Boeing 787-8 departing Chicago O’Hare
American Airlines will require all customers travelling to wear a face covering (or mask) while on board the aircraft starting 11th May 2020. The airline notes that face coverings may be required by local jurisdictions. The airline notes that very young passengers and those with conditions that prevent them from wearing a face covering will be exempt from the requirement.
Kurt Stache, Senior Vice President of Customer Experience said
“The American Airlines team continues to prioritize the safety of our customers and team members, and requiring a face covering is one more way we can protect those on our aircraft,” said
“Beginning May 1, we’re provisioning masks and sanitizing wipes for customers on select flights when they board. We will roll this out as quickly as possible and these kits will be widely available across our network in the coming weeks. In the meantime, customers should bring their own masks or face coverings.”
Further information is at aa.com/coronavirus.
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines Airbus A330-300 preparing to depart Dublin Airport.
Delta Air Lines will require all customers to wear a face mask or appropriate face covering when travelling with them from the 4th May 2020. The airline advises that face coverings will be required starting in the check-in lobby and across Delta touchpoints including Delta Sky Clubs, boarding gate areas, jet bridges and on board the aircraft for the duration of the flight – except during meal service. Their use is also strongly encouraged in high-traffic areas including security lines and restrooms. People unable to keep a face covering in place, including children, are exempt.
Bill Lentsch, Chief Customer Experience Officer said
“Nothing is more important than the health and safety of our people and our customers,”
“While we remain committed to our new standard of clean and to providing more space for our customers when they travel, we take seriously the CDC guidelines for adding this extra layer of protection. We believe this change will give customers and employees some additional comfort when traveling with us.”
Further information is at https://www.delta.com/gb/en/travel-update-center/overview
A fact of travel life
With the US CDC issuing guidelines to wear facemasks, expect them to be more common and a requirement for flying for some time to come. Other carriers around the world are also implementing this measure too.
As for United Airlines and other US airlines? Expect announcements shortly.
And keep wearing face masks.
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