(WXYZ) — American Airlines announced Thursday that all customers will be required to wear face coverings starting May 11. This is in an effort to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
The announcement comes shortly after the airline said that all flight attendants are required to wear face coverings during every mainline and regional flight beginning May 1.
The company cites the Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC) in its decision to implement the requirement, as the CDC says that the use of a simple face covering can slow spread of the virus. It also helps people who may have the virus and are unaware, from transmitting it to others.
“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. “Beginning May 1, we’re provisioning masks and sanitizing wipes for customers on select flights when they board. We will roll this out as quickly as possible and these kits will be widely available across our network in the coming weeks. In the meantime, customers should bring their own masks or face coverings.”
The CDC has provided guidelines on how to correctly wear on face masks and how to make homemade face coverings. That information is availablehere.
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