United Airlines announced that beginning this week its passengers will be required to wear a face covering in the more than 360 global airports where the airline operates, including at the airline’s customer service counters and kiosks, United Club locations, as well as gates and baggage claim areas.
The carrier added that customers refusing to comply may be refused travel and banned from flying United, at least while the mask requirement is in place. United is also strengthened its mask exemption policy by only excluding children under the age of two. Onboard, United passengers are expected to wear a face covering for the duration of the flight, except when eating or drinking
“The most important thing any of us can do to slow the spread of the coronavirus is to simply wear a mask when we’re around other people,” said Scott Kirby, United’s CEO. “A mask is about protecting the safety of others, and I’m proud of the aggressive and proactive steps United Airlines has taken to ensure people are wearing a face covering in the airports where we operate and onboard the aircraft we fly.”
United will post signage throughout the airport regarding the new policy and employees will first give a verbal reminder and offer a free mask to any customer who is not wearing one. The carrier added that if a passenger believes that there are extraordinary circumstances that warrant an exception, they should contact United or speak to a representative at the airport.
