Face mask instead of Social Distancing while Traveling? We checked out the newest guidelines introduced by the Lufthansa Group
Starting Monday, 4 May 2020, face mask covering mouth and nose are mandatory when boarding any flight operated by the Lufthansa Group. Passengers are required to wear the face covering during the entire duration of the flight. For now, this new rule is said to remain in effect until August 31, 2020.
At the same time, Lufthansa discontinues the practice of keeping the neighbouring seat free in Economy and Premium Economy Class, as wearing the mouth-nose cover is considered to provide adequate health protection for the passengers. Due to the current low occupancy rate, seats will be nevertheless assigned as widely as possible throughout the cabin.
In addition, Lufthansa also recommends that passengers wear N95 masks since it works better than a cloth mask throughout the entire journey, including before and after the flight in the airport, whenever the required minimum distance cannot be guaranteed without restriction. Despite numerous adjustments to service procedures, it is not always possible to maintain the required distance on a flight. Therefore, this measure serves as additional protection for all passengers. All flight attendants on Lufthansa Group flights in direct contact with customers will also wear a corresponding mask.
The Lufthansa Group is thus complying with the official regulations of numerous European countries in which the wearing of a mouth and nose cover is now mandatory in public places.
All passengers are requested to bring their own mouth and nose cover. A reusable fabric mask is recommended, but all other types of coverings such as simple disposable masks or scarves are also permitted. The airlines will inform their passengers in advance by SMS or e-mail and on their websites about the new regulation.
In principle, infection on board remains very unlikely, a statement of the Lufthansa Group states. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, no concrete cases of transmission on Lufthansa Group flights have become known, as per Lufthansa. According to the airline, Lufthansa Group aircrafts are equipped with the highest quality air filters, which guarantee air quality similar to that in an operating theatre. In addition, the air circulates vertically instead of being distributed throughout the cabin.
Click here for all protective measures implemented by Lufthansa at a glance ->
You may find further information on face coverings and other hygiene measures at the website of the Robert Koch Institute.
All photos: Courtesy Lufthansa Group
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