Team,
Last week, the U.S. government rolled out a new federally mandated Security Directive to require masks in all airports, on all aircraft and while traveling using public transportation. We’ve long been a strong proponent of masks on board our aircraft and in our workplaces as they are one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and help keep our team members and customers safe.
While we’ve required customers to wear face coverings on board our aircraft and team members while at work since May, this federal mandate helps our airport team members and our flight crew members who work diligently to enforce our current policy and further reinforces the safety of air travel during the pandemic.
Just as it does for our customers, the mandate brings three major changes for team members who work at the airport (indoors and outdoors) or on board an aircraft, in addition to non-rev travelers:
- Limited exemptions: The federal mandate provides for very limited exemptions under a narrow set of circumstances for customers. For example, customers whose disability prevents them from wearing a mask may request an exemption, which will require advance notice, documentation from a licensed medical provider, and a negative COVID-19 test or proof of recovery from the virus. We have taken as conservative an approach to exemptions as the mandate allows, and we expect these exemptions to be rare.
As a reminder, face masks are required at all times while you’re at work — whether indoors or outdoors. They are an essential function of your job. You can learn more about the limited exceptions to our policy on Jetnet. - Fewer approved mask types: Bandanas and neck gaiters are no longer considered acceptable mask types. This applies at the airport, on the aircraft and at all other work locations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now provides that bandanas are not acceptable face coverings. CDC further provides that gaiters are only permissible if they have two layers or are folded over. Because of the difficulty of discerning if a gaiter has two layers or is folded over and for additional health and safety reasons, we’ve made the decision to prohibit them altogether. If you need an acceptable replacement face mask, please check in with your local leadership.
- Penalties for noncompliance: Individuals who are not compliant with the new federally mandated Security Directive may be subject to penalties under federal law.
As we expect our customers to comply with the new mandate, we expect our team members to, as well. Find out everything you need to know about our team member face mask policy by visiting Jetnet.
Jumpstarting air travel starts by getting this virus under control and it’s incumbent on all of us to do our part. The research shows that wearing a face mask can help stop the spread of COVID-19, and that should be the goal of every American team member. Thanks for continuing to embrace the changes thrown your way during this pandemic, including our airport team and flight crew members who have consistently enforced our face mask policy since we put it in place and continue to do so as it has evolved.
