Airports And Face Coverings: What's The Current Protocol?

Face coverings have been a controversial topic since the COVID-19 pandemic, with mandates being enforced and lifted across the world. In the aviation industry, face coverings were required in airports and onboard aircraft to curb the spread of the virus. However, as of April 2022, a federal judge in Florida ruled against the national mask mandate for travellers, leaving airports and airlines with the option to set their own rules. This has resulted in a mix of face-covering policies across different airports and countries. While some airports in the US, such as Reagan National and Dulles International, previously required face coverings, others like Tulsa International Airport have lifted the mandate. Similarly, in the UK, face coverings were mandated in airports and onboard flights but this requirement has also been lifted as of July 2022, with the UK Government now recommending face coverings in crowded areas.

Face coverings required at UK airports and onboard aircraft

From 19 July 2022, passengers in the UK are required to wear face masks at airports and onboard aircraft, in line with government guidance and international requirements. This includes both international and domestic flights, with face masks mandated by the devolved governments in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales. In England, while not mandated, the government recommends that people wear face coverings in crowded areas, including public transport.

This requirement is also in line with the recommendations of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), which advises the use of masks for air travel. Given the nature of airports and aircraft, social distancing is not always possible, and international travel often involves additional layers of protection, such as pre-departure COVID testing and restrictions on arrivals from high-risk countries.

The need for face masks in air travel will be reviewed as the health situation evolves, and the requirement will be adjusted according to local conditions at the destination. Exemptions will remain in place for children and individuals with underlying health conditions. While the requirement for face masks in England may be incorporated into Conditions of Carriage and/or airport bylaws, passengers will generally be expected to comply for the safety of their fellow travellers and staff. Non-compliance may result in denial of boarding.

Face coverings mandated at Reagan National, Dulles International Airports

In May 2020, in accordance with Virginia Governor Ralph Northam's mandate, face coverings were required for all passengers and visitors at Reagan National and Dulles International Airports. The mandate was issued to help reduce the transmission of COVID-19.

According to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA), everyone should wear face coverings inside the airports and on airport-provided transportation. However, children under the age of 10 and people with medical conditions that prevent them from wearing a face covering are exempt from this requirement.

While going through TSA security screening, travellers wearing face coverings may be asked to adjust them during the document verification process. Additionally, travellers may temporarily remove their masks when stationary and at least six feet away from others while engaging in activities such as eating and drinking.

Most air carriers operating at these airports are also requiring their customers to wear face coverings throughout their journey, including at check-in, during boarding, and while on the aircraft.

Cloth masks, disposable masks, hand sanitiser, and disinfecting wipes are available for purchase at newsstands throughout both airports.

The health and safety of customers and workers are the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority's top priority. In addition to the face-covering requirement, other measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic include increased cleaning and sanitisation, social distancing floor decals, eliminated shuttle buses, socially distant seating, and educational messaging about healthy travel.

Face coverings required in Columbus Airports

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, face coverings are now required in Columbus airports, including John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) and Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK). This mandate was decided to align with the local and state authorities' response to the rise in COVID-19 cases.

Requirements for Face Coverings

Passengers, visitors, and employees are required to wear face coverings inside the Columbus airports and on airport-provided transportation, such as shuttle buses. Face coverings are also mandatory for airport employees, including those working in positions where physical distancing is not possible.

Exemptions and Accommodations

Individuals who are unable to wear a face covering for medical reasons or young children who cannot tolerate facial coverings are generally exempt from the requirement. However, it is important to check the specific guidelines of the airport and local regulations, as some airports may require a medical certificate signed by a healthcare professional for those claiming a medical exemption.

Enforcement and Availability of Face Coverings

Those who are not wearing face coverings and do not declare an exemption may be denied services or asked to leave the premises. A limited supply of complimentary masks is available for those who need them, and masks can also be purchased at news and gift shops within the airport.

Additional Health and Safety Measures

In addition to wearing face coverings, visitors to Columbus airports are asked to follow other health and safety guidelines, including:

• Not travelling if experiencing a cough or fever
• Maintaining a distance of six feet from others
• Covering the mouth when sneezing or coughing
• Practicing frequent hand washing

These measures are in place to protect the health and safety of all travellers and staff and to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Face coverings required at all Sky Harbor Airport facilities

In June 2024, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport announced that face coverings would be required for anyone entering airport facilities, including terminals, the Rental Car Center, Sky Train, and airport buses. This decision was made to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus and was in line with requirements from major airlines, the TSA, rideshare companies, and other airports across the country. The mandate took effect on June 1, 2020, and was also implemented by other airports such as Seattle, Denver, LAX, New York's JFK, and Boston Logan.

The airport advised travelers to give themselves ample time when coming to the airport, maintain physical distancing, frequently wash their hands, and use a mobile boarding pass whenever possible. They also encouraged travelers, employees, and visitors to bring their own masks, although some airport retailers sold face coverings as well.

There were exemptions to the face-covering requirement, including children two years of age or younger, children 12 years or younger without parental supervision of face-covering use, individuals with physical or hearing impairments that affect the use or communication with face coverings, those consuming food or beverages, and individuals with documented medical conditions that prevent the wearing of face coverings. Face coverings could also be temporarily removed for identification verification and photography for Aviation Credentialing/Security Badging.

The airport implemented rigorous cleaning and sanitizing protocols, with a focus on high-touch areas, to further ensure the health and safety of customers and employees. They also installed physical distance markers, plexiglass barriers, and provided hand sanitizer dispensers throughout the airport.

Face coverings no longer required for MBTA, airport travellers

Face Coverings No Longer Required for MBTA and Airport Travellers

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), and the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) have lifted the face-covering mandate for MBTA vehicles, MBTA properties, and Massport facilities, including airports, the Conley Terminal, and the Logan Express service. This decision follows a U.S. District Court judge's ruling that voided the national mask mandate for airplanes and other public transportation.

While the mandate has been lifted, the authorities still encourage individuals to wear face coverings if they prefer to do so. The MBTA, for instance, continues to maintain its robust cleaning programs for passenger vehicles and stations and regularly upgrades vehicles' air filtration systems.

The Commonwealth's decision to lift the mandate is in line with the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) updated guidance. However, it is important to note that certain requirements, such as those for onboard international flights, may still apply. Passengers are advised to check with their airline and destination regarding specific requirements.

Previously, in May 2020, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam's mandate required protective face coverings to be worn in indoor public spaces, including at Reagan National and Dulles International Airports. Similarly, in July 2020, the State of Ohio, Franklin County, and the City of Columbus mandated face coverings for passengers at John Glenn Columbus International Airport and Rickenbacker International Airport. These mandates were implemented to align with local and state authorities' responses to the rise in COVID-19 cases.

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