Lufthansa Latest Airline to Update Face Covering Rules

Lufthansa Group is the latest airline to tighten their face covering policies, originally started in May 2020. Starting in September, flyers who claim they cannot wear a mask for medical reasons must provide a medical certificate filled out by a doctor, and a negative COVID-19 test taken no later than 48 hours before the flight.

As the debate about face masks aboard airlines continue, Lufthansa Group is increasing their mandate for all flyers aboard their brands. Starting Sept. 1, 2020, all flyers must either wear a face mask, or provide a set of certificates proving they cannot wear one for a verified medical condition.

Face Mask Waiver Requires Health Certificate, Negative Test

According to the airline, the new requirements are put in place to ensure the safety of all flyers. Although waivers were allowed before, the airline says the new policy offers another layer of protection for everyone boarding aircraft.

“The airlines in the Lufthansa Group already introduced compulsory masks on board their flights at the beginning of May, making them one of the first airlines worldwide to do so,” the airline said in a press release. “Exceptions to this rule were previously only possible with a medical certificate. The new rules on the compulsory wearing of masks now ensure even better protection for all passengers.”

The program is designed to ensure face mask compliance, but the carrier does offer an exception route. The two-part process requires passengers to provide a simple form, which must be filled out by a physician, along with a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken at least 48 hours before the flight’s departure time. Those who refuse to wear a mask without providing these forms will be refused boarding.

More Airlines Change Face Covering Policies to Keep Passengers Safe

The changes instituted by Lufthansa are the latest by a major airline, with the collective safety of all passengers in mind. Earlier in August 2020, both Alaska Airlines and JetBlue enhanced their policies to require all passengers to wear a face covering. Aboard Alaska, those who refuse to comply could have their entire itinerary cancelled.

Other airlines are offering passengers who say they can’t wear a mask the opportunity to get a waiver. Delta Air Lines offers the “Clearance-to-Fly” program, where passengers can submit to a pre-flight exam to determine if they truly cannot wear a face covering due to a pre-existing condition.