Mask questions, covered
Wondering if you need one to fly? There’s no single set of rules so err on the side of caution when packing
While the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise against nonessential travel during the new coronavirus pandemic, you may have an urgent issue that requires you to fly.
Airlines and airports are drafting COVID-19 policies intended to keep people safe. Yet, with no central federal organization coordinating decisions on what guidelines should be implemented to protect people, individual airlines and airports are making their own decisions on how to best respond.
Unfortunately, that means no one set of rules governs all travelers. The conflicting recommendations can make knowing what to do confusing.
But the bottom line is this: If you’re flying, pack a cloth face mask in your carry-on.
Why wear a mask at the airport?
The World Health Organization points out there is a deluge of disinformation about COVID-19, making it tough to sort through everything.
Initially, the CDC discouraged people from wearing masks, worried that they would take all the medical-grade masks away from first responders who need them for their jobs.
But the CDC now says that wearing a simple cloth mask could help slow the spread of the deadly virus.
According to the CDC: “A cloth face covering is not intended to protect the wearer but may prevent the spread of virus from the wearer to others. This would be especially important if someone is infected but does not have symptoms.”
To sum it up, you wear a mask to protect others. They wear masks to protect you. Many people who test positive for the coronavirus don’t show symptoms, so if everyone wears a mask, it cuts down the risk of transmitting the disease to someone vulnerable.
Think of it as a slight inconvenience but the polite thing to do to protect others from your germs.
Do I need a mask at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport?
The short answer: Masks are not required ... yet.
“We are evaluating a variety of different possibilities as we speak to our stakeholders, associations and other airports across the country. While many businesses are requiring masks of their employees or customers, at this point we are not requiring every person in the airport to wear a mask,” Heather
Shelbrack, spokeswoman for Sky Harbor Airport said by email.
The same is true at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport in east Mesa. Airport spokesman Ryan Smith said a large number of passengers are choosing to wear masks.
Even though the Phoenix airports do not require masks, the lack of a uniform national policy means you might need one at your destination or connecting airport. For instance, Los Angeles International requires all passengers to wear masks.
Will I need a mask on the plane?
Probably. Most major airlines have instituted policies requiring passengers to wear masks.
Alaska, American Delta, Frontier,
JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit and United all require masks during flight. (Most have exceptions while eating or drinking.)
Allegiant does not require masks, but is handing out amenity kits with wipes and a single-use mask.
You also may have your temperature taken before boarding. Frontier Airlines has instituted passenger temperature checks.
Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly suggested that TSA should start taking passengers’ temperatures during screenings.
In the meantime, protect yourself. Bring hand sanitizer, wet wipes and your mask. Wash your hands regularly. Also remember you need to wash your mask after use.