Southwest Airlines to Require Passengers Wear Masks, but Won’t Deny Boarding to Those Who Refuse

75756A5E-120A-4932-810C-2FD980DB785E

Southwest Airlines is pledging to frequently clean and disinfect aircrafts and take other measures to make passengers feel safe while flying. That means flight attendants will be wearing masks, and passengers are also being told they must wear masks.

“Customers will be required to wear a mask or a face covering in the airport and on the plane beginning May 11,” the company states on its website. “If you do not bring a mask or a face covering, Southwest will provide you with one.”

The policy makes exceptions for small children, passengers with medical conditions that may prevent them from wearing a face covering, and in the event cabin depressurization causes the oxygen masks to deploy.

However, CNN reports an internal memo it obtained instructs attendants not to deny boarding “solely based on a customer’s refusal” to wear a mask, and to treat any such situation with “empathy and respect.”

LISTEN NOW on the RADIO.COM App
Follow RADIO.COM
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Featured Image Photo Credit: David McNew/Getty Images