Masks on airplanes: Where things stand on personal protection and social distancing

(CNN) — Glimmers of a gradual return to air travel mean airlines are rolling out new policies aimed at protecting passengers and crew from coronavirus transmission and increasing consumer confidence in air travel safety.

One day after the TSA marked its highest number of screened passengers in the US since April 3, JetBlue Airways announced that it will require all passengers to wear face masks starting on May 4. Crew members were already required to wear masks.

The TSA figure — 128,875 passengers screened on Sunday — was still only about 5% of the 2.5 million people screened on the equivalent day in 2019, but it’s an uptick nonetheless and safety measures are top-of-mind for anyone considering flying.

JetBlue’s move follows American Airlines’ announcement on Monday that flight attendants will be required to wear masks beginning on May 1.

American will also start handing out sanitizing wipes and gels and face masks to customers in early May, “as supplies and operational conditions allow,” the news release said.

As people in many corners of the world begin to move around more freely, airlines are issuing policies that are likely to evolve with the pandemic.

All of the carriers have plans for enhanced cleaning and sanitation.

Here’s where some major carriers stand so far on personal protective equipment and social distancing measures:

United Airlines

United Airlines will begin to provide masks to passengers in early May, a company spokesperson told CNN.

“We are not mandating that passengers wear a mask, however, we strongly encourage travelers follow CDC guidance to wear a face covering when social distancing is difficult,” said Nicole Carriere, a spokeswoman for United. “By providing the masks, we’re making it that much easier for them to do so.”

The carrier has also modified in-flight service to minimize touchpoints and has moved primarily to pre-packaged foods and sealed beverages.

A passenger prepares to board a flight departing Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on March 15.

John Moore/Getty Images North America

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines is requiring all employees to wear masks or face coverings when unable to maintain the six-foot social distancing rule, the airline said in a memo to employees on Monday.

“We are strongly encouraging our customers to wear masks and will make them available at ticket counters, gates and onboard airplanes,” the memo also said.

American Airlines

“American will not assign 50% of main cabin middle seats or seats near flight attendant jump seats on every flight, and will only use those middle seats when necessary,” the carrier’s temporary policy reads.

JetBlue Airways

“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, in a statement. “This is the new flying etiquette.”

JetBlue has also limited the number of available seats on most flights and regularly reviews seat assignments to maximize space between passengers.

The carrier has adjusted food and beverage service to minimize touchpoints, with more limited offerings in many fare classes.

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.

Services and amenities have also been adjusted to mitigate the risk of viral transmission. Some food service has been suspended or shifted to pre-packaged fare and bar service and pillows and blankets are no longer available on some flights.

Masks and other protective equipment common in Asia

Korean Air is providing cabin crew with protective clothing, including goggles, masks and gloves.

“Protective gowns are being provided on medium- and long-haul inbound flights as overseas Covid-19 cases continue to increase significantly,” Korean Air says in outlining its protective policies.

All Korean Air passengers are required to wear masks, and the airline is providing surgical masks and hand sanitizer at airports and on aircraft.

Some European carriers are offering or requiring masks

Passengers must wear face masks when flying with Lufthansa Group beginning May 4. The group includes Lufthansa, Swiss and Austrian Airlines. Flight attendants will also be required to wear masks, according to a Lufthansa Group news release.

Lufthansa added that leaving middle seats vacant will no longer be necessary.

“As a result of this new regulation, the middle seat that has thus far been left vacant in Economy and Premium Economy Class, will no longer remain a necessity, as the facial covering provides the necessary protection,” the news release said.

“Yet, currently, due to a decrease in flight demand, seats will be allocated as far apart as possible throughout the cabin.”

Air France says on its website that the majority of its flights are not full, allowing social distancing.

“In cases where social distancing is not possible, our crews distribute masks at the aircraft door to customers who do not already have them,” the site says.

Dutch carrier KLM says its crew members wear “mouth caps and protective gloves.” CNN has asked for clarification and information on whether passengers are required to wear masks.