Alaska Airlines to require masks on all passengers, flight staff

SEATTLE -- Face masks will soon be mandatory for all passengers and flight crews on Alaska Airlines planes, the airline announced Friday.

The policy goes into effect on May 11 for passengers, but on Monday for employees whose jobs makes it difficult to maintain 6 feet of space between others, including pilots, flight attendants and customer service agents.

"In light of COVID-19, we're in a new era of air travel and are continually updating our safety standards to better protect our guests and employees," said Max Tidwell, Alaska Airlines' vice president of safety. "For now, this includes wearing masks, which is another layer of protection that can reduce the spread of the virus."

Guests will be expected to bring their own masks and be required to wear them through the airport and flight experience, though the airline will have some mask supplies on hand should anyone forget to bring one, the airline said. Additional details will be provided to passengers on any upcoming flights later next week as the deadline approaches.

The policy is temporary and will be evaluated as guidance evolves, the airline said.

The mask policy joins the airline's other measures to fight the spread of COVID-19 including enhanced cleanings on flights, using hospital-grade air filters on flights and no longer selling middle seats on large aircraft or aisle seats on smaller planes.