SOUTHWEST

starting May 11.

“The American Airlines team continues to prioritize the safety of our customers and team members, and requiring a face covering is one more way we can protect those on our aircraft,” said Kurt Stache, senior vice president of customer experience in a statement.

Before the requirement for Southwest passengers to wear masks takes effect May 11, the airline encourages customers to bring their own face mask or covering and hand sanitizer.

Beginning Saturday, the number of passengers seated in the cabin will be reduced temporarily. This is being done to allow passengers to

spread out at comfortable distances. Customers can still pick their seat, as Southwest will not be blocking seats or directing seating. Families or those traveling together may sit together.

Southwest also will implement new boarding procedures in which groups of no more than 10 people at a time will be allowed to board sequentially by boarding position.

Beginning this month, Plexiglass shields are being installed at ticket counters and gate podiums. Additionally, Southwest will post airport signage and floor markers to encourage social distancing in gate areas.

Sanitizing wipes will be available on board, upon customer request. The wipes will contain a solution proven safe and effective in aircraft settings.

American’s Changes

American will begin distributing sanitizing wipes and face coverings to customers on select flights and will expand the offer to all flights as supplies and operational conditions allow.

“We ask customers to bring their own masks or face coverings they’re comfortable with when they travel. American is working to procure face masks and hand sanitizer as a supplement,” Stache said in a statement.

Young passengers and those with conditions that prevent them from wearing a face covering will be exempt from the requirement.

Contact Mick Akers at makers@ reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2920. Follow @mickakers on Twitter.