RaySharpton
Retired and going to Disney.
- Joined
- Oct 28, 2000
American Airlines is not requiring passengers to wear masks. Jet Blue is requiring passengers to wear masks.
Hi, Mainsail Minnie.
That is correct about American Airlines.
Beginning May 1, American will require masks for all flight attendants, which will be available onboard. The airline will not require masks for passengers, but AA will begin distributing face masks, along with sanitizing wipes or gels, to passengers beginning in early May.
American
Aircraft cleaning
Currently, American is thoroughly cleaning aircraft during longer stops, but will expand this program to every mainline flight beginning in early May, including using an EPA-approved disinfectant to clean common customer touch points (arm rests, seat belts, overhead controls, etc.), along with cockpits, galleys and other crew areas.
Face masks
Beginning May 1, American will require masks for all flight attendants, which will be available onboard. The airline will not require masks for passengers, but AA will begin distributing face masks, along with sanitizing wipes or gels, to passengers beginning in early May.
Passenger loads
American is limiting the number of passengers on all flights through May 31, though this practice will vary from one aircraft to the next, and may not result in all middle seats being unoccupied. Currently, AA is blocking 50% of middle seats for selection, but not for sale — a gate agent may assign blocked seats only when necessary. Additionally, passengers will not be seated near flight attendant jump seats.
Other measures
American has also increased the frequency of cleaning areas it controls throughout the airport, including ticket counters, team member rooms and gates.
Jet Blue says,
All JetBlue crew members are required to wear face coverings, and, as of May 4, all passengers will be required to cover their nose and mouth as well, with the exception of small children who are unable to wear a face covering.
JetBlue
Aircraft cleaning
According to JetBlue, the airline is “applying disinfectant that is effective against coronavirus across aircraft interiors including the places customers touch most – the tray tables, seat covers, armrests and seatbelts.”
Face masks
All JetBlue crew members are required to wear face coverings, and, as of May 4, all passengers will be required to cover their nose and mouth as well, with the exception of small children who are unable to wear a face covering.
Passenger loads
The airline is limiting the number of seats it’s selling on “most” flights, and creating “buffer zones” near jump seats, to help keep flight attendants safe. Additionally, airline representatives are reviewing seat assignments and manually reseating customers to create more space, where possible.
Other measures
JetBlue is sanitizing surfaces throughout airport terminals more frequently, and implementing other measures to limit contact, such as encouraging customers to scan their own boarding passes.