DOT will distribute almost 100 million face masks across the transportation sector
The U.S. Department of Transportation will distribute around 100 million cloth face masks to travelers and employees across the aviation, transit and passenger rail industries. The agency announced the move in a press release on Friday.
DOT's campaign comes as amid growing calls across the transportation sector for the department to institute a universal federal policy that would require passengers to wear masks while traveling. The department has resisted those calls so far, preferring to allow individual companies and operators to institute their own policies.
Sign up for the free daily TPG newsletter for more aviation news.
The DOT said that distributing cloth masks will help make travelers feel safer, and will encourage people to resume travel this summer.
"This Administration is committed to protecting our people and reopening the economy; distributing these facial coverings will help boost public confidence as we begin to resume our normal lives," DOT secretary Elaine L. Chao said in a statement.
Related: Airlines are increasingly requiring health checks before flying. Alaska is the latest.
Demand for travel has reached historic lows as a result of restrictive stay-at-home orders across the country, coupled with a public that fears contracting the deadly COVID-19 virus. The stay-at-home orders are beginning to lift, but travel numbers have been slow to recover.
While distributing 100 million masks may sound like a huge effort, the DOT said in its own announcement that the program is meant to be limited.
"Passengers are still responsible for having their own facial covering per existing guidance from airlines, airports, transit agencies, and passenger rail authorities. The cloth facial coverings announced today are intended to be supplemental. Availability at these locations is not guaranteed," the press release said.
Read more: Comparing premium transcon flights in the age of coronavirus
In the absence of a federal rule or a comprehensive mask distribution program, airlines and other travel companies have taken it upon themselves to provide PPE to their customers, and attempt as much as possible to enforce their own public health policies.
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app