JetBlue Airways will require passengers to wear face masks or other face coverings beginning May 4, becoming the first U.S. airline to do so as the coronavirus pandemic continues.
The move by the New York-based airline comes amid increasing calls from airline union leaders, consumer groups and elected officials about the need for face coverings to help slow the spread of the virus and, eventually, reassure travelers it is safe to fly.
On Monday, Rep. Steve Cohen, a member on the aviation subcommittee of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, sent a letter to FAA administrator urging them to require face masks after he flew on American Airlines last week and noticed some flight attendants and passengers without face masks.
"We know that masks are one of the most effective tools to mitigate people’s risk of exposure when those around them are also wearing masks,'' Cohen said in the letter. "As air travel continues to increase while the country slowly starts to reopen, it’s imperative that the flying public feel safe and comfortable in doing so. This should include the requirement of masks, which will accomplish this goal and protect both crew members and passengers."
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