American Airlines bans face masks with valves or valves, becomes latest carrier to announce policy


American Airlines is the latest major carrier to ban face masks with one-way valves as valves, following similar mandates from airlines including United, Delta and JetBlue.

The announcement comes shortly after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its guidance on the issue, advising against any masks that have valves or valves.

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‘Wearing a face mask is a responsibility we all share. Effective coverage, well-worn, is one of the best ways to control the spread of COVID-19 to protect our team members and customers, ‘said Alison Taylor, chief customer officer at American Airlines, in a media release released Wednesday. was issued. “Since Americans began requesting face coverage in early May, the vast majority of customers have expected their continued efforts to strengthen policies based on CDC guidance.”

“Effective coverage, well-worn, is one of the best ways to control the spread of COVID-19 to protect our team members and customers,” said Alison Taylor, Chief Customer Officer at American Airlines. (iStock)

In addition, American Airlines currently bans masks made with materials that do not prevent the release of respiratory droplets, such as mesh or lace. By policy, face shields on their own are also unacceptable substitutes for face covering.

Those without masks will be provided with one on request, although “those who do not wish to comply with U.S. facial policies at any time during their trip may be denied boarding or hindered for future travel for the duration of this policy,” per the announcement.

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The latest U.S. policy will take effect on August 19.

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Several fellow carriers have already announced similar bans, including United and JetBlue, both of which announced their policies in early August, and Delta, which announced its ban on valve masks in late July.

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Passengers on these major airlines are still allowed to remove their masks shortly before eating or drinking. Those under the age of 2 may also be exempt.

News of American’s new policy comes days after the CDC updated its guidance on effective masks, and advised against validated versions.

“The purpose of masks is to keep respiratory drops from reaching others to help with source control. Masks with one-way valves or valves can expel exhaled air through holes in the material. “This can spread exhaled respiratory drops to others and potentially spread the COVID-19 virus,” the federal agency said in a statement.

“Therefore, CDC does not recommend wearing masks if they have an exhalation valve or vent.”

Fox News’ Madeline Farber and Cortney Moore contributed to this report.