With effect from May 4, all SWISS passengers will be asked to bring their own mouth-nose face covering to wear on board all flights. The airline also advises use of a face covering at the airport before or after flights, whenever sufficient social distancing cannot be adequately observed. Despite adjustments to procedures, social distancing is not always possible, and this measure provides an additional layer of protection against SARS CoV2 transmission for everyone.
SWISS is guide in this by the official positions adopted in numerous European countries where mouth-nose face coverings are now mandatory in public.
The recommended covering is a simple disposable mask (surgical mask), although any other type of covering such as reusable homemade fabric masks are also acceptable. SWISS will inform passengers of the new recommendation by SMS or email, and also via its company websites.
The recommendation will initially apply until Aug. 31.
The current rule whereby every second seat in Economy Class is kept vacant will no longer apply as sufficient protection is afforded by mouth-nose face coverings. The likelihood of infection by the coronavirus while travelling by air remains low: there are no known cases of infection on board SWISS flights since the outbreak of the pandemic. All SWISS aircraft are equipped with high-performance air filters to guarantee air quality of the same standard as in an operating theater and ensure vertical air circulation instead diffusion in the cabin.
