Major U.S. Airlines Announce Increased Enforcement of Face Coverings

WASHINGTON, June 15, 2020 – Today, Airlines for America (A4A), the industry trade organization representing the leading U.S. airlines, announced that its member carriers will be vigorously enforcing face covering policies, putting rigor around rules requiring passengers and customer-facing employees to wear facial coverings over their nose and mouth. This is one critical element of the multiple layers that A4A carriers are implementing to mitigate risk and protect passengers and crew.

Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines will be implementing the following policy updates regarding face coverings:

1. Preflight Communications: Each airline will clearly articulate its individual face covering policy in communications with customers, which may require passengers to acknowledge the specific rules during the check-in process.
2. Onboard Announcements: Onboard the aircraft, crew members will announce specific details regarding the carrier’s face covering policy including the consequences passengers could face for violating the policy.
3. Consequences for Noncompliance: Each carrier will determine the appropriate consequences for passengers who are found to be in noncompliance of the airline’s face covering policy up to and including suspension of flying privileges on that airline.

“U.S. airlines are very serious about requiring face coverings on their flights. Carriers are stepping up enforcement of face coverings and implementing substantial consequences for those who do not comply with the rules,” said A4A President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio. “Face coverings are one of several public health measures recommended by the CDC as an important layer of protection for passengers and customer-facing employees.”

The new measures are expected to remain in place throughout the COVID-19 public health crisis.

“Fly Healthy. Fly Smart.”

Last month, A4A unveiled a new public awareness campaign, “Fly Healthy. Fly Smart.” which helps educate the traveling public on measures airlines are implementing as well as reminding the traveling public of steps they can take to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Airlines Take Action

In addition to enforcement of face covering policies, passengers may see several other changes and updates to the travel experience.

• At check-in counters and gate areas, travelers may see agents sanitizing counters and kiosks. Some airlines have installed plexiglass shields over the counters to provide additional protection, and some have marked the floors to ensure appropriate distance is maintained.
• All A4A member airlines have aircraft equipped with HEPA filters, which help generate hospital-grade air quality. The CDC has said that, “Because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes, most viruses and other germs do not spread easily on flights.”
• U.S. airlines have implemented intensive cleaning protocols, in some cases to include electrostatic cleaning and fogging procedures. Carriers are working around the clock to sanitize cockpits, cabins and key touchpoints – including tray tables, armrests, seatbelts, buttons, vents, handles and lavatories – with EPA-approved disinfectants. Airlines have increased the frequency of deep cleaning procedures for both domestic and international flights.
• Carriers have implemented a range of policies – including back-to-front boarding and adjusting food and beverage services – to help allow for distancing between people.
• As an additional layer of protection, A4A’s member airlines have encouraged the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to begin conducting temperature screenings.

Passenger Responsibilities

• All passengers are required to wear a face covering throughout the travel journey on the leading U.S. airlines, as clearly stated on each airline’s website.
• Additionally, travelers are urged to stay home when ill, frequently wash their hands and to wear a face covering throughout their air travel journey, consistent with CDC guidance.

For more information about how carriers are working to protect traveling public and what travelers can do to protect themselves and others, please visit www.AirlinesTakeAction.com.