United mandates masks for flight attendants, unions want passengers included

All United Airlines flight attendants must wear a face covering or mask while on duty starting April 24, the airline said Thursday, in the first such rule by a major US carrier. The Association of Flight Attendants, whose members work for United Airlines and 19 other carriers, welcomed the move but urged Washington to require passengers to wear masks as well to protect against the spread of coronavirus on airplanes. In an April 23 letter, AFA president Sara Nelson asked the DoT and DHHS to mandate masks for crew, employees and passengers; require personal protective equipment; and end all leisure travel until the coronavirus pandemic is contained. United's move reflects airlines' evolving stance on masks for crew members. Initially flight attendants were only allowed to wear masks on international flights to coronavirus hotspots. <br/>