JetBlue Just Became The First US Airline To Require Face Masks

As the coronavirus pandemic wreaks havoc in the skies—and controversy, with airplanes crowded with mask-free passengers making headlines—JetBlue has just announced that it will become the first US airline to require that its passengers wear face masks. The news comes on the heels of a plea from the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) to increase protections for its workers and to “end all leisure travel until the virus is contained.”

“Wearing a face covering isn’t about protecting yourself…it’s about protecting those around you,” said Joanna Geraghty, JetBlue’s president and chief operating officer. “This is the new flying etiquette.”

The new policy will go into effect on May 4, with every JetBlue passenger being required to cover their nose and mouth during check-in, boarding, in flight and while deplaning. Small children are exempt. JetBlue already requires that all crew members wear face coverings while working. 

According to JetBlue, the airline modeled its new face mask policy on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines, which indicate that all individuals should wear a face covering in public to help slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Additionally, two of the other major US carriers—American Airlines and Delta Air Lines—announced on Monday that they will provide masks for passengers, though they won’t make it a requirement.

READ MORE: “Flight Attendants Warn: Leisure Travel Needs To Stop Now”

Beyond requiring that crew and passengers wear face coverings, JetBlue has also been doing its part to fight coronavirus in the air and to help with social distancing onboard airplanes. The airline limits the number of seats available for sale on most flights, thereby providing additional space between passengers. Rows near the jump seats that crew use during takeoff and landing are being blocked of to create a buffer zone that enhances safety for both crew and customers. And all of JetBlue’s aircraft are also equipped with hospital-grade high-efficiency air particulate (HEPA) filters. 

JetBlue says it is making this latest move in order to protect its passengers and staff and to give people confidence to fly. “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,” said Geraghty.

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