KLM to make face masks compulsory for all passengers from 11 May 2020
May 4, 2020, 10:08 am
#1
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum; A3 Gold
Posts: 28,724
KLM to make face masks compulsory for all passengers from 11 May 2020
Originally Posted by KLM
Compulsory face masks on board
Since the Covid-19 outbreak began, KLM has introduced many measures around screening and hygiene to protect customers and KLM staff, on board and at airports. KLM's policy is based on national (RIVM) and international (WHO, IATA) guidelines, and complies with international law and regulations. In situations where social distancing cannot be guaranteed, the wearing of face masks will be recommended or made compulsory. Some destinations already require face masks to be worn on board flights.
Starting 11 May, and simultaneous with the restoration of the KLM network, masks will be compulsory on board and during boarding. Passengers are responsible for providing their own face masks.
In view of the changing nature of regulations and legislation, until further notice, face masks will remain compulsory until 31 August 2020.
Further details will be published in the course of this week on KLM.com and in passengers' pre-travel and check-in information.
Since the Covid-19 outbreak began, KLM has introduced many measures around screening and hygiene to protect customers and KLM staff, on board and at airports. KLM's policy is based on national (RIVM) and international (WHO, IATA) guidelines, and complies with international law and regulations. In situations where social distancing cannot be guaranteed, the wearing of face masks will be recommended or made compulsory. Some destinations already require face masks to be worn on board flights.
Starting 11 May, and simultaneous with the restoration of the KLM network, masks will be compulsory on board and during boarding. Passengers are responsible for providing their own face masks.
In view of the changing nature of regulations and legislation, until further notice, face masks will remain compulsory until 31 August 2020.
Further details will be published in the course of this week on KLM.com and in passengers' pre-travel and check-in information.
Last edited by irishguy28; May 4, 2020 at 10:13 am
May 5, 2020, 3:40 am
#6
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: mostly not far from AMS, otherwise NUE
Programs: FB Silver, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,381
They only say “masks”: https://news.klm.com/klm-starts-grad...sory-on-board/
May 5, 2020, 5:58 am
#7
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 4,281
Well according to Dutch news, anything that covers the face (mouth and nose - not your eyes of course) is ok - so basically any cloth or eye-masks cum mouth/nose cover.
https://nos.nl/artikel/2332767-klm-s...-ook-goed.html
Cheers!
https://nos.nl/artikel/2332767-klm-s...-ook-goed.html
Cheers!
May 6, 2020, 3:00 am
#9
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 128
Just a quick look at the average loadfactors and the yearly profit makes it quite clear flying half empty planes isn't economical and therefore not a long time solution.
It's either "full" planes or no planes.
May 8, 2020, 11:38 am
#10
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: VIE
Programs: SAS EBS / *A Silver, Hilton Diamond, Radisson VIP, IHG Platinum Ambassador
Posts: 3,770
That's true, but making flying even more miserable doesn't sound like a very good strategy to fill those planes. I would understand it if it was an actual safety measure backed by science, but in all honesty we all know it's just a gimmick.
For me personally, this means no flying (with KLM at least) until the end of summer, even though I had many travel plans and I was willing (even craving) to go ahead with them. And since KLM is one of few airlines that still runs a reasonable network, I was planning to fly with them. I don't have a medical condition (hence no exception for me), but I struggle to breath in the mask and will get dizzy after couple of minutes. I simply can't wear it for 3 hours.
The way I see it, many in travel industry believe the way to revive leisure travel is to introduce meassures that will boost people's confidence to travel. I don't think this is gonna work. People who are afraid of the virus will not opt to travel just because other passengers wear masks. And on the other hand, people who don't share this fear and would be happy to go on a holiday will be put off by the misserable experience, having to cope with all this nonsense.
With business travel not recovering anytime soon, I don't see how this could work.
For me personally, this means no flying (with KLM at least) until the end of summer, even though I had many travel plans and I was willing (even craving) to go ahead with them. And since KLM is one of few airlines that still runs a reasonable network, I was planning to fly with them. I don't have a medical condition (hence no exception for me), but I struggle to breath in the mask and will get dizzy after couple of minutes. I simply can't wear it for 3 hours.
The way I see it, many in travel industry believe the way to revive leisure travel is to introduce meassures that will boost people's confidence to travel. I don't think this is gonna work. People who are afraid of the virus will not opt to travel just because other passengers wear masks. And on the other hand, people who don't share this fear and would be happy to go on a holiday will be put off by the misserable experience, having to cope with all this nonsense.
With business travel not recovering anytime soon, I don't see how this could work.
May 9, 2020, 12:06 pm
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 14,352
You are absolutely right: the craven and anxious will cower at home regardless, while those of us who are chomping at the bit will be annoyed or put off if airlines insist on treating us like lepers or carriers of the bubonic plague.
Johan
May 9, 2020, 3:41 pm
#13
Join Date: Oct 2006
Programs: AS, FB, MB, MR, HH
Posts: 347
The pdf they link to doesn't outline what the procedure is for those who can't wear a mask. In fact the pdf has this juicy choice quote:
Seriously want kind of BS is this? The airline is actually limiting people's ability to breath normally, the world gone mad.
I have difficulty breathing when I wear a mask. Should I still wear one?
Yes, even then you will have to wear a mask. Make sure you use a comfortable model, if possible with an outlet valve to make it easier for you to breath.
Yes, even then you will have to wear a mask. Make sure you use a comfortable model, if possible with an outlet valve to make it easier for you to breath.
May 9, 2020, 5:22 pm
#14
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: VIE
Programs: SAS EBS / *A Silver, Hilton Diamond, Radisson VIP, IHG Platinum Ambassador
Posts: 3,770
That quote convinced me that the goal of this measure is to prove us wrong for claiming that airlines can't make the onboard experience any more miserable. "Let's ban breathing, that will teach them!"
On a positive note, I'm sure Ryanair will soon introduce some kind of pay-per-breath scheme and as always, legacy carries will follow.
Seriously, I would love to understand where does this come from. Is it unions, or does management actually believe this is agood sane commercial decision?
On a positive note, I'm sure Ryanair will soon introduce some kind of pay-per-breath scheme and as always, legacy carries will follow.
Seriously, I would love to understand where does this come from. Is it unions, or does management actually believe this is a
May 10, 2020, 12:17 am
#15
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: mostly not far from AMS, otherwise NUE
Programs: FB Silver, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,381
My hunch is that this comes from the same place the face mask requirements in public transport (and, in some places, in shops) come from - a (perhaps irrational) desire of the people to just “do something” by wearing a mask, no matter whether it actually helps or even makes things worse.