Q // Do I need a special type face mask to travel on an aeroplane?

In recent months, several European airlines, including Air France, Lufthansa and Swiss, have banned the use of cloth masks on board and made specific, medical-grade varieties mandatory for travel. Among the typically accepted types are surgical masks and FFP2 or FFP3 respirator masks without a valve — all of which offer some of the highest levels of filtration. Some masks have ‘NR’ at the end of their name, which simply means ‘not reusable’.

N95 or KN95 masks are a similar offering, and are accepted by some airlines. However, because they’re certified in the US rather than in Europe, for flights closer to home you’re best to stick to those labelled as FFP2 or FFP3.

Some airlines ask passengers to carry spare masks in case of loss or to replace used ones on longer flights (medical masks are generally intended for onetime use and should be worn for no longer than four hours if you follow World Health Organization guidelines).

Children under a certain age and passengers unable to wear a mask for medical reasons may be exempt. Rules differ between airlines, so be sure to check before you fly.