US Airline Mask Requirements for Passengers
On April 17, the Federal Aviation Administration said that airplane crew members should “consider” wearing a cloth face covering. The agency also advised airlines to provide medical-grade surgical masks, gloves, and other personal protective equipment so that cabin crews can deal with sick passengers. While staff and crew were given this guidance not much had been saying for passengers.
As time progressed, flights would see some passengers wear face-covering and others choose not too. However, since then many American airline carriers have implemented their own policies and requirements for staff, crew, and most importantly the passenger. Check out the full list of where airlines stand and the rules they have put in place for those looking to fly during COVID-19 (alphabetical order):
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines implemented the following policy: While all Alaska employees who can’t maintain six feet of separation are required to wear face masks for some time now, all passengers are required to wear masks as well. Alaska has also made masks available for passengers who forget theirs at home or “mask” does not meet the qualifications. Additionally, Alaska regional carriers like SkyWest Airlines, servicing as Alaska SkyWest, Read more about their policy and FAQ on the airline's blog.
Allegiant Airlines
Local and regional airlines like Allegiant Airlines have also jumped on board with the extra sanitation policies and practice during this time of travel. Allegiant is providing all customers with a complimentary health and safety kit upon boarding which includes: single-use face mask, disposable gloves (non-latex), and two sanitizing wipes. See full details of the changes Allegiant has made to go the distance for safety.
American Airlines
All passengers will be required to wear a face-covering onboard all American Airlines flights despite the fact that all flight attendants have had to wear a mask since the beginning of May. Additionally, American has decided that it will be issuing sanitizing wipes and masks to travelers as well, which will roll out across the company over the next few weeks. Envoy Air, American’s regional airline, Republic Airway, and SkyWest Airlines, both have taken measures and operate under American as American Eagle. Stay up to date with their policies and changes here in their newsroom.
Cape Air
Cape Air, which primarily services the Northeast regional airports issued a statement in May stating that all passengers must wear masks or other face coverings while at the check-in counter, in the gate area, onboard, and while boarding and deplaning. They are encouraging those who can to bring their own mask because while they have some in stock, their supply is limited. Additionally, the aircraft are being sanitized between flights and fresh air is circulated constantly. Read more about this popular regional airlines policy.
Delta Airlines
All Delta Airlines customers are required to wear a face-covering or mask in addition to all Delta employees and contractors when unable to maintain social distancing of six feet. This includes all aspects of the check-in process, any club or lounge, boarding area, as well as the customer service desks. The airline has also promised that face masks will be available upon request for all passengers at the following three locations: at ticket counters, gates, and in flight. SkyWest Airlines and Republic Airway, services as Delta Connect have also taken up the precautions. Read up on Delta mask policy along with the safety precautions the airlines are working on to keep you safe while flying with them.
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines had required all airline crew, staff, and personnel to wear face masks since the middle of April. As of May, they are now requiring customers to do the same onboard all flights. However, the airline has noted no face masks available to customers, and customers are responsible and required to provide their own. Browse what Frontier Airlines is doing to keep you safe during this time.
Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines is requiring all crew and all passengers to wear face coverings. Hawaiian has also vowed to ensure there is more personal space at all check-ins, within the boarding area, and on all flights. The airline has changed its boarding procedures to ensure all guests can social distance while boarding and still be acknowledging any additional assistance individuals may need. See how Hawaiian is ensuring the laid back relaxing nature of flying with them continues despite the current changes.
JetBlue Airlines
JetBlue Airlines is requiring that all crew members and all passengers are required to cover their “nose and mouth”. Like many other airlines, there are loosen regulations around small children who are unable to wear a face covering. See their full “mask” policy on their website.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines has been required employees to wear face masks when interacting with customers and have just added that customers will no be required to wear masks as well. The airline has also promised that face masks and sanitizing wipes will be available upon request to any and all customers. Explore Southwest Airlines’ cleanliness and safety guidelines on its website.
Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines is requiring that all passengers and customer-facing employees will be required to wear masks or face coverings. Customers will be expected to bring their own face mask and will be required to wear them throughout the duration of the flight as well as within airports.
Sun Country Airlines
While many may never fly a Sun Country flight due to its regional nature of flight patterns, Sun Country Airlines has followed suit with the bigger US airlines and imposed a mask policy for customer-facing employees and all customers. Additionally, the airline will be offering hand sanitizers for both guests and crews to use at ticket counters and boarding gates. Check out all the changes Sun Country has made during this time on their website along with a message from their CEO.
United Airlines
Since the end of April, United Airlines has required all employees onboard aircraft to wear masks. Now, all passengers must cover their faces while traveling with the company. The airline will provide masks to travelers free of charge if they do not have access to a mask or forget theirs at home. The regional carriers, SkyWest Airlines, servicing as United Express, and Republic Airway has also implemented similar policies. Read more about how United is tackling this time on their website.