JetBlue Becomes First Airline Requiring Face Masks To Fly: Here’s What You Need To Know

JetBlue (JBLU) will become the first airline to require face coverings by all customers flying with the airline during the coronavirus pandemic. The company said the new requirement is effective May 4.

The face coverings or masks must be worn during check-in, boarding, while in flight, and when departing the plane.

JetBlue crewmembers have already been wearing face masks when at work, which the company called an “extra precaution” that adheres to health guidelines.

JetBlue cited the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) guidelines for what a suitable face covering is, saying that it should include multiple layers of fabric, and allow for unrestricted breathing.

Children are exempt from the face-covering requirement if a face mask cannot be worn.

In addition, JetBlue has limited its complimentary food and beverage service, offering only single snacks and water. The airline has also suspended all onboard sales of beer, wine, liquor, meal boxes, pillows, blankets, and earbuds.

JetBlue, along with other airlines, has continued to fly during the COVID-19 crisis, looking for ways to reassure passengers that air travel continues to be safe. The company has taken extra measures to ensure its planes are sanitized with a disinfectant that it said is “effective against coronavirus.”

The airline is also using hospital-grade HEPA air filters on its planes and limiting the number of passengers on a flight to allow for social distancing.

Shares of JetBlue stock were up 7.27% as of 11:36 a.m. EDT on Tuesday.