JetBlue Becomes First Major US Airline to Require Passenger Face Masks

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The new normal is coming to pass.

Starting May 4, JetBlue will require all crew members and passengers to wear face masks on flights to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

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


Geraghty calls it “the new flying etiquette.” Cabin air may be well circulated and cleaned through filters, but the space inside the plane is shared, and all precautions will be taken simply to be considerate of others.

The new policy is based off the CDC guidelines that state wearing face coverings helps slow the spread of the virus.

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Passengers will be required to wear face coverings over their nose and mouth during check-in, boarding, while in flight and when deplaning. Small children unable to maintain a face covering will be exempt.

American Airlines is taking similar steps to prevent the spread of the virus by announcing that they will provide face masks and sanitizing wipes to all passengers. However, the airlines did not specify whether masks would be required at all times during the duration of a flight.

Delta Airlines will also offer face masks to passengers and all cabin and crew members will be required to wear masks.

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