Under the airlines’ Etihad Wellness programme, premium passengers will receive a snood style facemask for use throughout their journey and beyond.

(Traditionally, a snood is a hair accessory used by women to hold their long hair in place)

The soft reusable snood offered by the airline is treated with ‘MicrobeBARRIER’ fabric treatment, a broad spectrum antimicrobial treatment, laboratory tested and proven to reduce the presence of germs in fabrics, the company said in a release.

With this long-lasting protective layer, the snoods are washable and reusable, making them environment friendly, according to the airlines.

Travellers can choose to wear the snood around their neck like a scarf and when in close proximity to others, pull it up over their mouth and nose to protect themselves and those around them.

Made out of lightweight, breathable and stretchy jersey fabric, the snood is expected to be an ideal travel accessory because it can be easily slipped on and off as needed.