(CNN) – Flashes of a gradual return to air travel mean that airlines are implementing new policies aimed at protecting passengers and crew from coronavirus transmission and increasing consumer confidence in air travel safety.
A day after the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reached its highest number of passengers examined in the US. USA Beginning April 3, JetBlue Airways announced that it will require all passengers to wear face masks beginning May 4. Crew members were already required to wear masks.
The TSA figure – 128,875 passengers screened on Sunday – was still only about 5% of the 2.5 million people screened on the equivalent day in 2019, however, it’s an increase, and security measures are paramount. for anyone considering flying.
The JetBlue move follows American Airlines’ announcement Monday that it will require stewardesses to wear masks beginning May 1.
American will also begin distributing disinfectant wipes and gels and face masks to customers in early May, “as supplies and operating conditions,” the press release said.
As people in many corners of the world begin to move more freely, airlines issue policies that are likely to evolve with the pandemic.
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All carriers have plans to improve cleanliness and sanitation.
This is where some of the top airlines are so far in terms of personal protective equipment and social distancing measures:
United Airlines
All United Airlines flight attendants must wear face masks. United was the first major US airline to announce the requirement.
The carrier has also modified in-flight service to minimize contact points and has moved primarily to prepackaged food and sealed beverages.
United is also implementing changes to shipping and seating assignments to promote social distancing until at least May 31.
A female passenger ready to board a flight at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on March 15.
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Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines requires that all employees wear face masks or blankets when they cannot maintain the two-meter social distance rule, the airline said in a memo to employees Monday.
“We strongly encourage our customers to wear face masks and we will make them available at the ticket counters, doors and airplanes on board,” the memo said.
Delta is blocking intermediate seats and reducing the number of passengers on each flight, addressing ten customers at a time and changing the food and beverage service to reduce the points of contact between passengers and crew, in accordance with the measures described in the carrier’s website.
American Airlines
In addition to handing out masks to passengers and requiring flight attendants to wear them starting in May, American Airlines has turned off some computers and kiosks at ticket counters to encourage social distancing.
Door signage reminds passengers not to get too close during the boarding process. American has also reduced food and beverage service until April 30 and has limited the number of passengers on each plane until May 31.
“American will not allocate 50% of the central seats in the main cabin or the seats close to those of the stewardess on each flight, and will only use those intermediate seats when necessary,” says the carrier’s temporary policy.
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JetBlue Airways
JetBlue is the first major airline in the US. USA that demanded that passengers wear masks, starting May 4.
“Wearing a face covering is not about protecting yourself, it is about protecting those around you,” said Joanna Geraghty, president and chief operating officer of JetBlue, in a statement. “This is the new flight tag.”
JetBlue has also limited the number of seats available on most flights and regularly reviews seat allocation to maximize space between passengers.
The carrier has adjusted the food and beverage service to minimize contact points, with more limited offerings in many fare classes.
Air canada
All Air Canada passengers are required to comply with the Canadian Government’s mandate that all passengers flying through or to Canada wear a non-medical face mask or face covering over their nose and mouth.
Air Canada has adjusted its boarding procedures and is relocating customers to allow for social distancing. When adequate space is not possible, passengers can choose to take a subsequent flight at no additional cost.
Services and amenities have also been adjusted to mitigate the risk of viral transmission. Some food services have been discontinued or changed to prepackaged and bar service and pillows and blankets are no longer available on some flights.
Masks and other common protective equipment in Asia
Since April 23, Malaysia Airlines has required that all passengers (except babies) wear face masks.
Korean Air provides cabin crew with protective clothing, including goggles, masks, and gloves.
“Protective gowns are provided on incoming medium and long distance flights as covid-19 cases abroad continue to increase significantly,” says Korean Air in describing its protection policies.
All Korean Air passengers must wear masks, and the airline is providing surgical masks and hand sanitizer at airports and on planes.
Some European airlines offer masks
Air France says on its website that most of its flights are not full, allowing for social distancing.
“In cases where social distancing is not possible, our teams distribute masks at the door of the plane to customers who do not yet have them,” says the site.
Dutch carrier KLM says its crew members wear “protective caps and gloves.” CNN has asked for clarification and information on whether passengers should wear masks.
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