Air carrier JetBlue announced it will soon require passengers to wear masks to curb possible coronavirus transmission, becoming the first U.S.-based airline to do so.
In a statement hosted by investis, the New York City-based airline announced the new regulation will go into effect on May 4. Passengers will be required to wear a mask at all phases of the journey, the airline stated, "including during check-in, boarding, while in flight and deplaning."
"Wearing a face covering isn't about protecting yourself it's about protecting those around you," said Joanna Geraghty, president and chief operating officer of JetBlue. "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."