Southwest to require passengers to wear face coverings

In an effort to increase safety for passengers and staff during the coronavirus pandemic, Southwest Airlines is introducing updated protocols that include requiring passengers to wear face coverings.

Southwest, McCarran International Airport’s busiest carrier, revealed a list of updated safety measures in a news release issued Friday. It includes a mandate for customers to wear masks beginning May 11. If a customer arrives without a face covering, Southwest will provide one.

“We feel extreme gratitude for those who are serving on the front lines of this pandemic. And from our own front lines to our back offices, we share an immense pride in the service we’re providing to Southwest customers for whom travel is essential right now,” Southwest chairman and CEO Gary Kelly said in a statement.

American Airlines, McCarran’s fourth busiest carrier, also announced Friday that it will require all customers traveling to wear a face covering or mask while on board starting May 11.

“The American Airlines team continues to prioritize the safety of our customers and team members, and requiring a face covering is one more way we can protect those on our aircraft,” said Kurt Stache, senior vice president of customer experience in a statement.

“Our sense of responsibility cannot be understated. In the future, we are committed to reconnecting our customers to people and places they love. So, as we warmly await their return, we add the Southwest Promise to a nearly 50-year commitment of unmatched hospitality and an unwavering focus on safety.”

Southwest’s plans

Southwest said that in addition to requiring passengers to wear masks, it will require all customer-facing employees to wear face coverings effective Sunday. Other employees will continue to comply with local requirements for wearing masks.

Before the requirement for Southwest passengers to wear masks takes effect May 11, the airline encourages customers to bring their own face mask or covering and hand sanitizer.

Beginning Saturday, the number of passengers seated in the cabin will be reduced temporarily. This is being done to allow passengers to spread out at comfortable distances. Customers can still pick their seat, as Southwest will not be blocking seats or directing seating. Families or those traveling together may sit together.

Southwest also will implement new boarding procedures in which groups of no more than 10 people at a time will be allowed to board sequentially by boarding position. Flight attendants also will provide guidance during deplaning to maintain distancing.

Southwest’s drink and snack service remains discontinued, but customers are allowed to bring snacks and nonalcoholic beverages on board.

Beginning this month, Plexiglass shields are being installed at ticket counters and gate podiums. Additionally, Southwest will post airport signage and floor markers to encourage social distancing in gate areas.

Sanitizing wipes will be available on board, upon customer request. The wipes will contain a solution proven safe and effective in aircraft settings.

American’s changes

American announced earlier this week that face coverings will be required for flight attendants during every mainline and regional flight beginning Monday.

American will begin distributing sanitizing wipes and face coverings to customers on select flights and will expand the offer to all flights as supplies and operational conditions allow.

“We ask customers to bring their own masks or face coverings they’re comfortable with when they travel. American is working to procure face masks and hand sanitizer as a supplement.”

Young passengers and those with conditions that prevent them from wearing a face covering will be exempt from the requirement.

Contact Mick Akers at makers@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2920. Follow @mickakers on Twitter.