From the land to the sky above, coronavirus pandemic has eventually made everything quieter. Empty aircraft, parked airlines, and minimized flight operations have been a matter of concern for both the airlines as well as the passengers. Although we all know that coronavirus has made massive lifestyle changes for all, travel remains inevitable. All Commercial Airlines in the US, including American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines, have made it mandatory for the passengers as well as the airline staff to wear Face masks in their flights.
Similar announcements were made by Frontier Airlines as well as The Jet Blue Airlines early in the week.
As per the announcement, American Airlines has asked all the passengers traveling to wear face-covering while traveling with effect from May 11.
This change in the air travel code has been made, keeping in mind the current coronavirus outbreak and passengers’ safety. And not only the passengers’ wellbeing, wearing masks will be helpful for the team members as well.
Kurt Stache, senior vice president of customer experience, stated that American Airlines had asked the passengers to come up with their own masks per the convenience while traveling.
In addition to this, American Airlines is working to procure hand sanitizers as well as face masks as a supplement.Moreover, the announcement has been made regarding the issue of face masks to the passengers from the airlines’ end.
Also, Sara Nelson, the head of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, appreciated the move taken by the airlines to ensure passenger security.
In addition to this, other safety and precautionary measures can be taken by the airline, including the sound spacing.
Such protective measures are essential to safeguard frontline airline employees as well as passengers who cannot avoid traveling amidst the COVID-19.
Some of the other changes made by the Airlines for the passengers; convenience are mentioned as under:
1. Alaska
(i) Passengers must wear masks if they cannot maintain a minimum social distance of 6 feet.
(ii) Aisles seats of the aircraft shall remain blocked. We will not book middle seats to maintain the required distance.
(iii) The airlines will not serve any in-flight meal. Also, the airline lounges will remain closed except at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
2. American
(i) The flight attendants must wear face masks with effect from May 1.
(ii) In early May, the airlines will issue sanitizing wipes as well as the face masks to the passengers.
(iii) It also declares the closing of some of the lounges as also minimizing the supply of onboard drinks.
3. Delta
(i) Airline crew and passengers must wear masks if they cannot effectively maintain social distance.
(ii) Blocked middle seats for all flights
(iii) Limited options for lounges and food and beverages options
Every airline is taking essential steps to safeguard passengers and crew members from COVID-19 outbreak.
Also, it lies in the hands of the travelers to follow the precautions issued by the WHO to prevent its spread.