Southwest, American, Delta and other airlines to require passengers wear face masks

A growing number of airlines are requiring passengers to wear face masks or coverings on flights, including some that want travelers to wear face coverings throughout the airport.

Southwest, Delta, American, Frontier, JetBlue and Alaska airlines are among the companies with a face mask policy for customers.

Each cited CDC recommendations that Americans maintain six feet of social distancing and wear face masks in places where that’s difficult.

Spirit Airlines

Spirit will require all passengers to cover their mouths and noses with either masks or face coverings on all flights beginning May 11, the company said in a news release.

Passengers will be expected to bring their own masks or face coverings and wear them both at the airport and for the duration of the flight, the release said. Young children are exempt, per guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The airline is also requiring all employees that interact with guests to cover their noses and mouths.

Southwest

Southwest will require passengers to wear face masks starting May 11.

The airlines is encouraging travelers to wear face coverings and bring hand sanitizer before the new rule takes effect.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines will begin requiring face masks on May 11, according to a news release. The airline wants travelers to wear face coverings throughout the airport and during the flight.

The company says additional supplies will be available for people who forget a mask.

The airline plans to release more specific guidance with customers next week before they travel.

Delta

Delta announced its new policy after requiring employees to wear face masks earlier this week, according to a news release. Delta says the policy aligns with CDC recommendations to wear masks to prevent spreading the virus to others.

“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,” Bill Lentsch, chief customer experience officer, said in the release.

Delta airlines travelers will be required to wear face coverings in check-in lobbies, Delta Sky Clubs, boarding gate areas, jet bridges and aboard planes, the company said. Children are exempt.

The rule will take effect May 4.

American Airlines

American Airlines also announced that starting May 11, it will require all travelers to wear a face covering or mask while flying, according to a company news release.

“According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the use of a simple face covering slows the spread of the virus and helps people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others,” the airline said in a news release. “Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials can be used as a public health measure.”

The airline previously said it plans to provide customers with face masks and sanitizing wipes or gels as supplies are available beginning in early May.

Frontier Airlines

Frontier announced Thursday it would require passengers to use face coverings or masks to cover their nose and mouth on flights starting May 8.

Masks have been required for Frontier flight crews since April 13 due to the coronavirus pandemic, the company said in a news release.

Young children will not be required to wear masks, per guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“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,” CEO Barry Biffle said in the release. “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.”

Earlier this month, Frontier began requiring passengers to accept a “health acknowledgment” during the online check-in process, the release said.

The acknowledgment asks travelers to certify:

• That they will check themselves for fevers before heading to the airport
• That they will wash their hands before boarding
• That neither they nor anyone in their household has exhibited COVID-19 symptoms in the last 14 days

Information about the mask requirement will be added to the acknowledgment, the release said.

Frontier said it is also blocking every other row on its planes through the first week of May to promote social distancing, according to the release.

JetBlue

Earlier this week, JetBlue became the first airline to require passengers to wear masks on flights, McClatchy News reported. JetBlue’s policy is slated to take effect May 4.

This new policy requires customers to wear a mask throughout their travel, including during check-in, boarding, on the flight and during deplaning.

Small children are exempt.

“This is the new flying etiquette,” President and COO Joanna Geraghty, said in a news release. “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.”

This story was originally published April 30, 2020 at 11:59 AM with the headline "Southwest, American, Delta and other airlines to require passengers wear face masks."