Airlines aren’t messing around when they say “Wear a mask. Or else.”
So far, Delta Air Lines has banned more than 700 passengers who refuse to mask up. And Alaska Airlines has banned 219 flyers under the airline’s “No Mask, No Travel” policy.
Now, to help get their point across about masks, Alaska Airlines has a safety dance video.
Alaska Airline’s “Safety Dance” video was directed by Warren Fu. He’s known for his work with artists such as Dua Lipa, The Weeknd, Daft Punk. and HAIM. The video was choreographed by Anna Matuszewski, who is known for her work with Macklemore.
Even better, the people dancing in the video are real Alaska Airlines employees.
Buy an ugly Alaska Airlines holiday sweater for a good cause
For the past few years, anyone wearing a holiday sweater was treated to priority boarding on Alaska Airlines flights on National Ugly Sweater Day.
National Ugly Sweater Day is December 18th this year. But Alaska Airlines won’t be offering early boarding for holiday sweater-wearers due to social distancing guidelines.
Instead, Alaska Airlines is inviting sweater fans to purchase their own Alaska Airlines-branded ugly sweater for $30 each, with the proceeds going to provide holiday meals for those in need.
Funds will be donated to United Way’s Ride United Last-Mile Delivery initiative, which partners local United Ways with DoorDash and its “Dashers” (drivers) to deliver food from local food banks, food pantries and other distribution points to senior citizens, low income families and those who can’t leave home.
The sweaters are for sale on Alaska Airlines’ company store website, where you’ll also find fun gifts such as Luly Yang socks and holiday ornaments, such as tiny little ugly sweaters.
Airports are joining airlines in ramping up service and welcoming passengers back to terminals that have been all but empty for months due to a record coronavirus-induced drop in air traffic.
And, like the airlines, most every airport is going all out to proclaim extreme vigilance in keeping facilities clean and travelers safe.
Mask required for all passengers entering the terminals? Yes at airports in Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Denver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, New York, Washington, D.C. and in many other cities. Airports in some other cities, such as Charlotte, recommend face masks be worn in the terminals although most airlines now require passengers wear masks from the curb to – and onto – the planes.
Don’t have a mask? Airports will have them for you.
The Federal Government is in the process of distributing more than 86 million masks to airports. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) now has a stash of 4.7 million masks for distribution. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) has 2.5 million masks ready to hand out.
Floor decals marking six-foot lengths to encourage social distancing? Check.
Harrisburg International Airport (MDT), not far from Hershey, PA, reminds travelers to stay 6 feet or 72 KISSES chocolates away from other passengers.
To continue to ensure your safety at @FlyHIA we have been installing social distancing stickers within different parts of the airport. Just remember to make sure to stay 72 @Hersheys KISSES Chocolates away from other passengers 😉 #AltogetherAgainpic.twitter.com/GbER94whHc
— Harrisburg International Airport (@FlyHIA) June 9, 2020
Oodles of hand sanitizing stations? Check. Some airports have added hundreds of sanitizer dispensers and, like Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), now note the dispenser locations on maps and apps.
Plexiglass barriers at check-in counters, security checkpoints and gates? Check.
Step stools to make it easy for kids (and short people) to wash their hands in airport bathrooms? Check. More than 200 airports (and counting) now have Step ‘n Wash devices in the restrooms.
Shops and vending machines selling personal protective equipment? Check.
Many airport shops now stock PPE supplies and PPE vending machines are installed at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas and at Denver International Airport. Hudson just announced plans to roll out PPE vending machines at 27 major airports in North America.
Branded plans and promises
Like the airlines, airports are also rolling out branded plans to underscore their commitment to cleanliness and passenger safety.
The Houston Airport’s “FlySafeHouston” program includes adding facial comparison technology at 15 gates by October and UV disinfecting cuffs for escalators, among other measures.
At Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport it’s the “MSY Travel Ready” plan. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has a Travel Safely at LAX plan. Jacksonville International Airport has its JAX Airport Cares program. And at Miami International Airport, it’s #MIACares.”
In many cases airport COVID-19 response plans highlight new technology and bonus efforts being made.
For example, the “Traveler Confidence Plan” at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport notes that the main escalators have “newly installed UV-C handrail sterilization modules” and that the airport has new high-capacity floor cleaners.
The #ReadySetROC initiative at the Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) in New York promises that enhanced cleaning includes a regular misting of anti-bacterial cleaner/solution on seating and surfaces.
At McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, which installed the country’s first vending machine filled with personal protective equipment (PPE), the campaign is dubbed “LAS All In,” and includes Vegas-themed slogans such as “Don’t roll the dice: Stay 6 ft apart!” and “We’re doubling down on cleaning and sanitizing.”
For the safety of all travelers and employees we ask that only ticketed passengers enter the airport. When shuttling family and friends, your best bet is to say your hellos and goodbyes at the curb. #AllinLASpic.twitter.com/ahRXJPRA1T
This summer travelers will also encounter some new protocols at most every airport security checkpoint in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Transportation Security Administration’s updated security procedures now allow travelers to carry up to 12 ounces of hand sanitizer in carry-on bags, but require those containers to be screened separately. Passengers may also wear their face masks during the TSA screening process but should be ready to lower or adjust the mask for an identity check.
To avoid having TSA officers touch passengers’ paper boarding passes or mobile devices, TSA will ask all passengers to scan their own boarding pass and hold it up for a TSA officer to do a visual check.
And TSA now asks that any food packed in carry-on bags to removed and scanned separately. So to avoid having your food contaminated in a bin or on the belt, be sure to pack it inside a clear plastic bag.
With new @TSA security screening procedures coming in mid-June, food will need to be removed from carry-ons. We highly recommend placing food in a clear bag before putting it in a bin since bins are a common use item and should be treated as such. pic.twitter.com/q9pcEc16Ro
Most every airline now requires passengers to wear face coverings in airports and on airplanes.
But now the failure to do so may result in denied boarding or a ban on future travel.
On Monday, the airline trade group Airlines for America (A4A) announced that for the duration of the COVID-19 health crisis its member airlines, including Alaska, American, Delta, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Southwest and United, are stepping up enforcement of face coverings.
The airlines will also now impose “substantial consequences for those who do not comply with the rules.”
Each carrier will be determining its own set of consequences for passengers who do not comply. But those policies may now include being banned from flying on the airline.
United Airlines says in a statement that starting June 18 and for at least the next 60 days, “any passenger that does not comply when onboard a United flight will be placed on an internal travel restriction list. Customers on this list will lose their travel privileges on United for a duration of time to be determined pending a comprehensive incident review.”
United has been requiring passengers to wear masks on board aircraft since May 4 and most passengers have been complying.
But not all. So the new rule “is an unmistakable signal that we’re prepared to take serious steps, if necessary, to protect our customers and crew,” said United’s Chief Customer Officer, Toby Enqvist in the airline’s statement.
United says flight attendants will “proactively inform” customers not wearing face mask of the rules and offer masks, if needed.
Then:
“If the customer continues to be non-compliant, flight attendants will do their best to de-escalate the situation, again inform the customer of United’s policy, and provide the passenger with an In-Flight Mask policy reminder card.”
“ If a customer continues to not comply, the flight attendant will file a report of the incident, which will initiate a formal review process.”
“Any final decision or actions regarding a customer’s future flight benefits will not occur onboard but instead take place after the flight has reached its destination and the security team has investigated the incident.“
American Airlines says its updated policies will go into effect June 16. Customers who do not comply with the requirement to wear face coverings at the gate will be denied boarding.
“American may also deny future travel for customers who refuse to wear a face covering,” the airline said in a statement.
Other airlines will likely spell out the consequences for not complying with the face mask requirement in the next day or two.
It is definitely a sign of the times. And the airport amenity of the week.
To help passengers and employees comply with the face mask covering requirement at Denver International (DEN), the airport now has two vending machines that sell face masks as well as sanitizing wipes.
The vending machines are stocked with:
Two-pack disposable mask with one gel sanitizer packet and two single-use alcohol towelettes: $6/package
Two-pack KN95 mask with one gel sanitizer packet and two single-use alcohol towelettes: $12/package
Travelers will find the vending machines at the North end of Level 6 near the restrooms on the west side and on the South end of Level 5 around the corner from Boulder Beer Tap House on the west side.
Several DEN airport shops are now selling face masks and other hygiene items as well.
DEN isn’t the first airport in the United States to install a vending machine stocked with masks and sanitizing items.
Very few people are flying right now, but airlines and airports are still in the news.
Masks – on the plane and in the airports
The list of airlines requiring crew members and passengers to wear masks, and the number of airports requiring anyone passing through to cover their mouth and nose keeps growing.
Starting May 4, all customers must wear a face covering while traveling, including in flight, as well as during check-in, boarding and deplaning. Learn more at https://t.co/Yfzwl0sJULpic.twitter.com/kRrZj6K958
Many of these airlines are also requiring that passengers wear masks during check-in, boarding and deplaning. And because an increasing number of airports are and soon will be requiring anyone in their terminals to wear masks, it’s a fair bet that wearing masks in airports is already the ‘new normal.’
Facial coverings must be worn inside the Airport at #SFO. 😷 Wear a facial covering ↔️ Give 6 feet of space between others when possible 🧼 Wash hands frequently 🚫 Essential travel only pic.twitter.com/kWhc0EBbEX
— San Francisco International Airport (SFO) ✈️ (@flySFO) April 29, 2020
— Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (@AUStinAirport) April 30, 2020
On May 6, starting at 5 p.m. CST, 23 airports across North America will be hosting the JetStream Music Festival, an online celebration of local music.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, located in the “Live Music Capital of the World” will be the official host airport, but the 23 participating airports will each stream the festival on their respective Facebook Live pages and each will feature a local musician from their city. Viewers will be able to tip the performers during each set.
Participating airports include:
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) – host
Albuquerque International Airport (ABQ)
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL)
Evansville Regional Airport (EVV)
Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT)
Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
John Wayne Airport (SNA)
Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE)
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE)
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
Portland International Airport (PDX)
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV)
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
Yeager Airport (CRW)
Airports lighting up
Tonight the iconic LAX pylons will be lit gold to celebrate our gold-star employees at Los Angeles World Airports. We thank all of our employees who are working on site and safer at home to keep essential travel and cargo moving. #GoldStandardAirports#Gratitudepic.twitter.com/ZKpXxbhRzz
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Dulles International Airport, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and many other airports are lighting up their terminals in different colors to show their support for health care workers, first responders, front line workers, hospitality workers and airport and airline employees who are helping people get where they need to go.
No easy job to color this big white place. Super job by our Electricians to help us salute the world's health care professionals! #ManagerMikepic.twitter.com/xE9JEBGSSy
