This Is The Only Major US Airline Not Requiring A Face Mask For Passengers

American Airlines RJ 190

Starting May 2020, most major US airlines now require passengers to wear a face mask upon boarding during the coronavirus pandemic. 

This new requirement was implemented by many airlines immediately after the backlash American Airlines received for packing passengers on flights with no measures to practice social distancing. 

Airlines in the United States have been quick to require face masks starting in May, and many airlines are offering free masks to passengers — however, there is one airline that is not requiring passengers wear a face mask.

First, check out the 9 major airlines now requiring face masks, the dates the mask requirement begins and whether the airline provides free masks or not.

Airline not requiring face mask
Face masks are essential during the coronavirus pandemic.

Alaska Airlines

Face masks required: May 11

Will face masks be provided? Guests will be expected to wear their own masks, though supplies will be available for those who do not have one. 

American Airlines

Face masks required: May 11

Will face masks be provided? American working to procure face masks for those who do not have one. 

Delta Air Lines

Face masks required: May 5

Will face masks be provided? Masks will be available for those who do not have one. 

Frontier

Face masks required: May 8

Will face masks be provided? TBD

Hawaiian Airlines

Face masks required: May 8

Will face masks be provided? Face masks will be provided. 

JetBlue 

Face masks required: May 4

Will face masks be provided? TBD

Southwest

Face masks required: May 11

Will face masks be provided? Face masks will be provided if you don’t have one. 

Spirit

Face masks required: May 11

Will face masks be provided? No. In a recent press release, Spirit wrote: “If Guests do not have appropriate disposable or reusable masks, here is CDC guidance on cloth face coverings that can slow the spread of the virus and prevent people who may unknowingly have the virus from transmitting it to others.”

United Airlines

Face masks required: May 4

Will face masks be provided? Yes, face masks will be provided for those who do not have one. 

The only airline that hasn’t required passengers wear a face mask is Allegiant Air. 

However, on May 4, Allegiant Air began offering complimentary health and safety kits to *all* passengers who fly. The kit includes a face mask, non-latex gloves and cleaning wipes, and they will be distributed to customers as they board their flights. 

While it’s not recommended you fly right now, airlines must continue to fly for two reasons: they can only receive their coronavirus aid if they continue to fly, and they do not want to lose their slots. For more information on why these two requirements are mandatory, click here. 

More stories:

I took my first flight in 16 months – here’s what flying post Covid-19 is like

Why frequent travelers should buy a passport wallet in 2021

How to realistically get free flight upgrades in 2021

Jogging is the new manspreading during coronavirus pandemic. 

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Jimmy Im has traveled to 113 countries, stayed in over 600 hotels and has flown a million airmiles. He lives in New York City.

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