JetBlue Becomes 1st Major U.S. Airline to Require Passengers to Wear Masks on Board

JetBlue will become the first major U.S. airline to require all passengers to wear masks or face coverings while flying. The airline announced Tuesday that the policy will go into effect starting May 4. “Wearing a face covering isn’t about protecting yourself, it’s about protecting those around you,” said company president Joanna Geraghty. “This is the new flying etiquette. Onboard, cabin air is well circulated and cleaned through filters every few minutes, but this is a shared space where we have to be considerate of others.” The policy comes after JetBlue likewise began requiring all crew members to wear face coverings while working.

American Airlines also announced on Monday that its flight attendants will be required to wear masks on all mainline and regional flights beginning May 1.