Masks are required to fly

Masks are required to fly

Policy and guidelines

• Federal law "This indicates a link to an external site that may not follow the same accessibility or privacy policies as Alaska Airlines. By selecting a partner link you agree to share your data with these sites." requires guests to wear a mask over their nose and mouth at all times during travel, including throughout the flight, during boarding and deplaning, and while traveling through an airport.
• Refusing to wear a mask is a violation of federal law and may result in denial of boarding, removal from the aircraft, and/or penalties under federal law.
• The FAA has also implemented stricter legal enforcement and fines against guests who refuse to comply with crew instructions. In addition, we reserve the right to refuse transportation in the future to guests who refuse to comply with mask requirements.
• While guests are allowed to temporarily remove their masks when briefly drinking or eating or when taking medication, masks must otherwise be worn at all times, including between sips of beverages or bites of food.
• If wearing oxygen masks is needed because of loss of cabin pressure or other event affecting aircraft ventilation, masks should be removed to accommodate oxygen masks.
• Information about medical accommodations may be found in our accessible services section.

Acceptable masks

The following are required to meet CDC requirements. "This indicates a link to an external site that may not follow the same accessibility or privacy policies as Alaska Airlines. By selecting a partner link you agree to share your data with these sites."

• A properly worn mask completely covers your nose and mouth.
• Cloth masks should be made with two or more layers of a breathable fabric that is tightly woven (i.e., fabrics that do not let light pass through when held up to a light source).
• If gaiters are worn, they should have two layers of fabric or be folded to make two layers.
• Masks should be secured to the head with ties, ear loops, or elastic bands that go behind the head.
• A mask should fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face.
• Masks should be a solid piece of material without slits, exhalation valves, or punctures.

Additionally, the following are acceptable as long as your mask meets the requirements above.

• Masks can be either manufactured or homemade.
• Masks can be reusable or disposable.
• Masks can have inner filter pockets.
• Clear masks or cloth masks with a clear plastic panel may be used to facilitate communication with people who are hearing impaired or others who need to see a speaker’s mouth to understand speech.
• Medical masks and N-95 respirators are acceptable.

Unacceptable masks

The following DO NOT meet CDC requirements. "This indicates a link to an external site that may not follow the same accessibility or privacy policies as Alaska Airlines. By selecting a partner link you agree to share your data with these sites."

• Masks worn in a way that does not cover both the mouth and nose.
• Face coverings that do not cover a guest’s nose and mouth
• Scarves, ski masks, balaclavas, or bandannas.
• Shirt or sweater collars (e.g., turtleneck collars) pulled up over the mouth and nose.
• Masks made from loosely woven fabric or that are knitted, i.e., fabrics that let light pass through.
• Masks made from materials that are hard to breathe through (such as vinyl, plastic or leather).
• Masks containing slits, exhalation valves, or punctures.
• Masks that do not fit properly (large gaps, too loose or too tight).
• Face shields or goggles (face shields or goggles may be worn to supplement a mask that meets above required attributes).