American Airlines Updates Mask Requirements

While we’re eagerly and carefully dipping our toes back into travel, American Airlines is keeping in step with safety measures.

American Airlines is updating existing mask requirements for its ongoing flights, in compliance with protocols from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Transportation Security Administration, following the White House executive order.

The mandate states what many airlines were already doing, but in a formal requirement, commanding masks be worn during travel on public transportation, including on aircraft and in airports. American Airlines will update guidelines for acceptable mask types by prohibiting bandanas and gaiters.

“Our mask requirement has been and will continue to be a critical component of our comprehensive effort to protect the health and well-being of our customers and team members during the pandemic,” said David Seymour, chief operating fficer, American Airlines. “This federal mandate will provide additional support to our crew members who are working diligently to enforce our policy and further reinforce the safety of air travel during COVID-19.”

As before, customers are required to wear masks for the duration of their journey, including at the airport and on board the aircraft. Children under the age of 2 will continue to be exempt from the mask requirement.

American Airlines will also ask customers who are unable to wear a mask due to a disability to notify the airline’s Special Assistance team a minimum of 72 hours prior to departure. Exemptions from the mask mandate require documentation the customer’s licensed health care provider, and proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure.

Following U.S. government instructions, customers refusing to wear a mask will be denied boarding, be removed from the aircraft, be subject to penalties and fines and be barred from future travel with American Airlines.