Lufthansa Group is to ban the use of cloth or “everyday” masks inflight, in favour of selected mask types which reach certain standards.

From February 1 passengers will be required to wear “either a surgical mask or an FFP2 mask or mask with the KN95/N95 standard” during boarding, the flight and when leaving the aircraft.

A requirement for travellers to wear masks on Lufthansa Group flights has been in place since May 2020, and the group said that it was “taking up the resolution passed by the federal and state governments in Germany on January 19”, to ensure that “uniform rules apply along the entire travel chain”.

Customers will be informed of the changes by email, and the group will also post notifications on its websites and social media channels.

Travellers with medical reasons why they cannot wear a mask need to present a medical certificate (issued on a form provided by Lufthansa), along with a negative Covid-19 test result not older than 48 hours prior to the scheduled start of their journey.

The group ended by reassuring customers that:

“In principle, infection on board is very unlikely. All Lufthansa Group aircraft are equipped with the highest quality air filters, which ensure air quality similar to that in an operating theatre. In addition, the air circulates vertically instead of being dispersed throughout the cabin.”

In other news, Lufthansa has released more details on its forthcoming buy-on-board food and drink service for economy short and medium-haul passengers, which will be introduced over the course of the summer 2021 timetable.

Lufthansa unveils buy-on-board offering

lufthansagroup.com