United and face masks

Starting last Friday (24 April) United Airlines (UA) became the first major US carrier to require all flight attendants to wear a face covering or mask.

In an announcement to cabin staff, and in conjunction with the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA), UA explained how it will work.

This new initiative is in line with the most recent CDC (US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention) recommendations that say wearing a cloth face covering is advisable when in public and when social distancing is difficult to maintain. The Union is urging the same rule for passengers too.

The airline pointed out that many aspects of the flight attendant’s duties, both on and off the aircraft, can make practicing social distancing challenging, which is why this new initiative is so important.

“When do I need to wear a face covering?

• You will be required to wear a face covering while you are on duty.

Note: during taxi, take-off, landing, or crew rest, you may need to remove your mask to perform your responsibilities (e.g. making an announcement). In decompression situations, you will need to remove your face covering and don an oxygen mask.

• In some stations, you may be encouraged to wear a face covering in the public areas of the terminal to comply with local mandates.

• If you are unable to wear a face covering due to a documented medical condition, you may be exempt from this requirement”.

Surgical masks are provided in the Inflight Customer Kit on board and provisioned for each flight attendant working the flight.  The airline says staff may also wear their own cloth face covering per the CDC guidance.  Neutral colour only is the rule!

www.united.com

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