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Personal Protection and Social Distancing Policies on Airlines

April 30, 2020
By Collette Vanderryst

Due to the ever changing nature of this information, Cain recommends all travelers review the policies of the airline they are flying for the most current and accurate information.

United Airlines:

  • All flight attendants are required to wear face masks.

  • Boarding and seat assignments have been altered to promote social distancing through at least May 31, 2020.

  • Starting May 4, 2020 passengers will be required to wear face masks. Masks will be provided if necessary.

  • Passengers are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines regarding face covering when social distancing is difficult.

Delta Airlines:

  • All employees are required to wear masks or face coverings when unable to maintain proper social distancing.

  • Passengers are required to wear face masks in check-in areas, Delta Sky Clubs, boarding gate areas, jet bridges, and onboard throughout the flight except when meals are being served.

  • Passengers should bring their own masks that fit them comfortably. Masks will be available to passengers as needed.

  • Passengers will board 10 at a time and no middle seats will be used on airplanes.

  • Reduced food and beverage service to lessen touch points between passengers and crew.

American Airlines:

  • Flight attendants are required to wear face masks starting May 2020.

  • Starting May 11th, passengers are required to wear masks. The airline recommends passengers bring their own but will have supplies to supplement as needed. 

  • Limited kiosks in use to encourage social distancing at check-in.

  • Temporary reduction of passengers on all flights through May 31, 2020.

JetBlue Airways:

  • Passengers are required to wear face masks as of May 4, 2020.

  • Seating assignments and seating availability have been reduced on all flights to maximize space between passengers.

  • Adjusted food and beverage service to minimize touch points.

Air Canada:

  • All Air Canada passengers are required to comply with a Canadian government mandate that all passengers flying through, to or from Canada wear a non-medical face mask or face covering over their nose and mouth.

  • Boarding procedures and seating have been adjusted to enable social distancing.

  • Some food service has been suspended or shifted to pre-packaged fare, bar service and pillows/blankets are no longer available on some flights.

PPE on Asian Carriers:

  • Malaysia Airlines is requiring all passengers to wear a face mask.

  • Korean Air is providing flight attendants with PPE and requiring passengers to wear masks.

PPE on European Carriers:

  • Air France is promoting social distancing on their planes and when not possible, masks are provided to passengers. All staff are provided with PPE.

  • KLM is providing employees with face masks and PPE while encouraging social distancing through seating.

  • Lufthansa is requiring all passengers and crew to wear face masks and has reduced the number of passengers on all planes to enable social distancing.

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