4 Major US Airlines Require Face Masks for Travelers, Effective May 4

Airlines join major retailers in requiring the public to don fabric face coverings.

Starting on May 4, travelers will need to wear a face mask on all American, Delta, and United Airlines flights. JetBlue already requires them for their passengers. The move comes at a time when states are starting to open up and people are slowly returning to air travel.

“Nothing is more important than the health and safety of our people and our customers. While we remain committed to our new standard of clean and to providing more space for our customers when they travel, we take seriously the CDC guidelines for adding this extra layer of protection. We believe this change will give customers and employees some additional comfort when traveling with us.” — Bill Lentsch, Chief Customer Experience Officer for Delta Airlines

You can easily make your own cloth mask at home, using a bandana and a couple of rubber bands. If you're handy with a needle, there are several simple tutorials for more tailored masks online as well. Just be sure to leave the medical-grade masks for the professionals!

Need to make a face mask? U.S. Surgeon General has a great video on how to make your own. You can also use a scarf, bandana, or other means of snugly covering the mouth & nose. https://t.co/UsEyPKHlVl via @YouTube
— Charles County Govt (@CharlesCoMD) April 14, 2020

Individuals who can't keep a mask on and children may be exempt from these regulations if they are unable to comply. One thing you can try is to buy a fun new Disney mask to bribe your little ones to cover up.

On their end of things, airlines are also making additional changes to keep passengers safer during flights. JetBlue is limiting the number of seats sold to facilitate social distancing between passengers.

airplane seats

Courtesy of JetBlue

For more information about the new regulations, check with your airline's website or Facebook page before you travel.

What do you think about this latest development in airline requirements? Does it seem excessive, or just right in light of the times? Sound off in the comments!