JetBlue now requiring passengers to wear face masks. What are other airlines doing?

JetBlue Airways became the first airline Monday to require all passengers on its flights to wear face masks during the coronavirus pandemic.

The decision by the airline comes as there are nearly 1 million confirmed coronavirus cases in the United States and 3 million worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins University.

JetBlue’s new policy will begin May 4. The airline is also requiring its workers to wear face coverings.

“Wearing a face covering isn’t about protecting yourself, it’s about protecting those around you,” said Joanna Geraghty, president and chief operating officer of JetBlue. “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.”

The airline will also continue to limit the number of seats available for most flights, which it has done since March, it announced Monday.

American Airlines also updated its policies, but it did not go as far as requiring passengers to wear masks. It will provide optional face coverings for passengers beginning in early May, and all flight attendants will wear masks.

“We are looking out for our customers’ well-being to give them peace of mind while they travel with us,” said Kurt Stache, Senior Vice President of Customer Experience with American Airlines. “We’re moving quickly on these enhancements and we’ll continue to improve the travel experience for our customers and team members as we navigate these times together.”

Staff at Delta Air Lines must also wear face masks starting Tuesday, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The airline told employees it is “strongly encouraging” that customers also wear masks, according to the Atlanta newspaper.

Last week, United Airlines became the first major U.S. airline requiring its flight attendants to wear masks “to protect themselves and customers on board our aircraft,” it announced.

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen of Tennessee called Monday for face masks to be required on all flights for each airway.

“As air travel continues to increase while the country slowly starts to reopen, it’s imperative that the flying public feel safe and comfortable in doing so,” said Cohen, who is also a senior member on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation. “This should include the requirement of masks, which will accomplish this goal and protect both crew members and passengers.”

JetBlue’s move also aligns with the Association of Flight Attendants. Its president, Sara Nelson, told CNBC, “all airlines should follow JetBlue’s lead.”

This story was originally published April 28, 2020 at 8:53 AM with the headline "JetBlue now requiring passengers to wear face masks. What are other airlines doing?."