American Requires Passengers to Wear Facemasks Starting May 11th

Beginning May 11, American Airlines will require passengers to wear a face covering (or mask) while on board the aircraft. Very young passengers and those with conditions that prevent them from wearing a face covering will be exempt from the requirement. This new requirement is part of the airline’s ongoing commitment to prioritizing customer and team member well-being in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Yuma International Airport Director, Gladys Brown shared, “The health and safety of our travelling guests as well as airlines, TSA and Airport staff, is extremely important and the Airport wants to make sure our travelling guests are properly prepared for this new requirement. The airline asks passengers to bring their own masks or face coverings as American is working to procure face masks and hand sanitizer as a supplement. At this time, the airport asks that any person flying be prepared and bring their own personal protective equipment or some form of covering which needs to cover their nose and mouth. As in previous publications, the TSA is now allowing passengers to bring up to 12-ounce bottles of hand sanitizer through the TSA screening, simply place the bottle in a separate bin." 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. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials can be used as a public health measure. Additional details are available on the CDC website. Brown continued “The Yuma International Airport team wants our guests to feel comfortable and confident about their travel experience. Our team has increased the frequency of its cleaning program throughout the airport terminal and screening areas. American has expanded its level of cleaning of the areas under its control including gate areas, ticket counters, passenger service counters, baggage service offices and team member rooms. American is also using stanchions to encourage social distancing at gates and ticket counters.”

Brown reminds passengers and the echoing messaging throughout the community, “If you are experiencing severe COVID-19 symptoms contact your health care provider to seek medical attention as the CDC has advised. If you have a fever, cough or difficulty breathing, please seek medical attention and do not fly. Please remember to wash your hands frequently with soap and/or alcohol-based sanitizers; avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; cover your mouth or nose when you sneeze or cough; and maintain distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. The constant messaging regarding slowing down the spread of COVID-19 can be seen on the screens throughout the terminal and message boards.”