NEW YORK -- JetBlue is requiring all passengers to wear a mask or face covering during flights.
The new policy goes into effect May 4, making JetBlue the first major U.S. airline to enforce such rule. The announcement comes as the airline required all crewmembers to wear one while working.
“Wearing a face covering isn’t about protecting yourself it’s about protecting those around you,” said Joanna Geraghty, JetBlue's president and chief operating officer, in a press release. “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. We are also asking our customers to follow these CDC guidelines in the airport as well.”
Passengers must wear the face covering during check-in, boarding, during the flight and deplaning, JetBlue said. Small children who are not able to keep the face covering on are exempt from the rule, the airline said in a press release.