Knowing what to expect is one of the components that can make travel more comfortable for those who have to travel during the pandemic. Each airline within the U.S. has slightly different guidelines for travel. We hope that this blog post will help you make an informed decision about which airline to fly.

We have listed below the most updated airline policy information for major United States airlines, from airline social distancing restrictions to whether or not a face mask is required. 

Alaska Airlines COVID-19 Policies

Social distancing: There is no guaranteed social distancing on flights, though agents may reassign seats to group families together. 

Mask requirement: Passengers over 12 years old are required to wear masks (those who have trouble breathing, those who have disabilities that prevent them from wearing masks, and those who cannot remove a mask without assistance are the exceptions).  It may only be removed for eating or drinking. 

Cancellation policy: no change fees for flights booked before July 31, 2020

Other details: individual hand-sanitizer wipes will be offered to passengers, and guests will be boarding back to front.

American Airlines COVID-19 Policies

Social distancing: There is no guarantee of social distancing on flights. 

Mask requirement: All passengers except for young children and those with conditions are required to wear face masks. It may only be removed for eating or drinking. 

Cancellation policy: no change fees for flights booked before July 31, 2020

Other details: Hand sanitizers and snacks will only be available for longer flights.

Delta Airlines COVID-19 Policies

Social distancing: The middle seats are blocked, and there is a capacity cap for each cabin. First class is capped at 50%, Main Cabin, Delta Premium Select and Delta Comfort+ are capped at 60% capacity. Delta One cabins with two aisles are capped at 75% while Delta One cabins with one aisle are capped at 50%. 

Mask requirement: All passengers are required to wear a face mask except for those who cannot keep a face mask in place. 

Cancellation policy: Tickets purchased between March 1 and July 31, 2020 will not be charged a change fee for any changes up to a year from the date of purchase. 

Other details: All boarding will be done from back to front to reduce exposure. 

Frontier Airlines  COVID-19 Policies

Social distancing: There is no guarantee of social distancing on flights. 

Mask requirement: All passengers are required to wear a face mask over their nose and mouth while at the ticket counter, gate area and onboard the aircraft. 

Cancellation policy: Tickets are only refundable within 24 hours of booking (when the flight is 7 days from departure or more) and when the WORKS is purchased at initial booking. 

Other details: All passengers will be subject to a non-invasive temperature screening. 

Hawaiian Airlines  COVID-19 Policies

Social distancing: Middle seats are blocked from being booked, though adjustments may need to be made for weight and balance restrictions. 

Mask requirement: Face masks are required throughout the travel journey except when eating or drinking. 

Cancellation policy: There are no change fees for flights booked before July 31, 2020. 

Other details: Those flying into Hawaii will have to go through a mandatory 14-day self-isolation quarantine. Boarding will be done row by row from the back to the front of the airplane. First-class passengers will be able to board at any time. 

JetBue Airlines COVID-19 Policies

Social distancing: Middle seats are blocked for all large aircraft, and many of the aisle seats for smaller aircraft are also blocked. 

Mask requirement: All passengers must wear a face covering over mouth and nose from check-in to deplaning. Young children are an exception to this rule.

Cancellation policy: There are no change or cancellation fees for flights booked before September 8, 2020. 

Other details: Disinfectants are provided on request for customers on board, and back-to-front boarding is in process. 

Southwest  COVID-19 Policies

Social distancing: Middle seats are blocked out through September 30. Boarding takes place in groups of 10. 

Mask requirement: Face coverings are required for boarding. 

Cancellation policy: No cancel or change fees except if cancellation is less than 10 minutes before departure. 

Other details: Sanitizing wipes are available onboard upon request. 

Spirit Airlines COVID-19 Policies

Social distancing: There is no guarantee of social distancing on flights. 

Mask requirement: Face masks are required during travel; children who are under 2 years old and those who cannot keep a face covering on are an exception. 

Cancellation policy: There are no change or cancellation fees for flights booked before July 31, 2020. 

Other details: Self bag-tag and self bag-drop options are available at many Spirit kiosks. 

United Airlines COVID-19 Policies

Social distancing: United Airlines does not guarantee social distancing on the airplane, but you may change your regularly-scheduled flight at no cost if it is expected to be full.

Mark requirements: All passengers must wear face coverings at all time. Only children ages 2 and under are exempt.

Cancellation policy: There are no change or cancellation fees for flights booked before July 31, 2020.

Other details: Hand sanitizer wipes are offered to passengers on board, and deplaning in groups of five. Face masks are also available at no charge upon request.