Delta Will Require Passengers To Wear Face Masks
Delta Will Require Passengers To Wear Face Masks
Earlier today, Frontier Airlines announced they will require passengers to wear face masks starting May 8. Now, Delta Air Lines announced it will also require passengers to wear face masks. Previously, the airline announced it was requiring flight attendants to wear masks. The new face mask policy begins on May 4, 2020.
In a statement, Delta Air Lines said:
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.
Jet Blue announced last week they would require passengers to wear face masks. American Airlines also announced they were going to require flight attendants and to wear face masks. They will be providing face masks to passengers, and they made it mandatory for passengers today. United Airlines requires their flight attendants to wear masks, but they have not updated that policy to include passengers as of yet.
A big part of the move to requiring masks is likely to alleviate concerns people have about flying. Although airline filtration systems may actually be well suited to prevent the spread of infected air droplets, it seems to provide comfort to people. In recent outbursts on social media, passengers have called out airlines for flights with no social distancing and large amounts of people not wearing masks.
Bottom Line
It’s likely that we will see more airlines follow this route, as it now seems to be the trend. Keep in mind, the CDC still says the risk of catching COVID-19 on a plane is low. That being said, date shows masks can help prevent the spread of asymptomatic people. It is not known how long airline’s will keep these policies in place.
