Uk Airports: Masks, Are They Still Compulsory?

The UK's rules on mask-wearing have changed over time, and different transport operators have their own policies. While masks are no longer mandatory in many settings in England, some airlines and airports still require passengers to wear face coverings. This is often dependent on the destination country's rules, with some countries such as Italy and Germany requiring the use of FFP2 masks. Heathrow Airport, for example, continues to recommend mask-wearing in its terminals. Ultimately, passengers are advised to check with their travel providers and stay updated with the rules of their specific airline and destination.

Face masks in UK airports are no longer mandatory but are still recommended

Heathrow Airport, for example, is no longer demanding that people wear masks in its terminals, but it still recommends doing so. Gatwick Airport, on the other hand, is telling passengers that it is compulsory to wear a face covering while travelling through the airport.

Many of the UK's major airlines have also eased their mask rules, but several carriers continue to make face coverings compulsory on certain routes. EasyJet, for instance, has relaxed its rules so that masks are not mandatory on flights where neither the departure point nor the destination demands them. However, masks are still required on flights to and from Germany, Egypt, Jordan, Kosovo, Montenegro, Morocco, North Macedonia, Portugal, Spain, and Tunisia.

Similarly, British Airways does not require passengers to wear a face mask unless the destination they are flying to or from demands it. Masks are also mandatory on flights to and from countries that require them on public transport, such as Cyprus and Portugal.

Other airlines, such as Jet2 and Tui, have removed the requirement for face masks in UK airports and onboard flights to the UK, but they continue to recommend their use. Ryanair has also relaxed its mask policy on most routes, but masks are still mandatory on flights to and from countries that require them on public transport.

While face masks in UK airports are no longer mandatory, it is important to note that individual airlines and airports may have their own requirements. It is recommended to check the latest guidance from your travel provider before travelling.

Airlines have differing rules on face masks

Ryanair has also relaxed its mask policy, making masks optional on all routes except those where the country requires masks on public transport. This means that 15 countries on Ryanair's schedule still require masks.

Virgin Atlantic has a similar policy, with masks being optional on flights to or from the USA, Pakistan, Barbados, St Lucia, Antigua, Grenada, The Bahamas, Jamaica, St Vincent & The Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago, and Tel Aviv. Masks are still required for those 12 and over on flights to and from Delhi, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, Lagos, Mumbai, and Shanghai.

TUI only requires masks on flights where the destination has a mandate in place. They recommend that passengers check the rules for their specific destination before travelling.

Wizz Air has a similar policy, stating that masks are only compulsory when travelling to or from a country where masks are mandated by local law.

Some airlines, such as Emirates, still require all passengers to wear masks. Emirates will provide "hygiene kits" with masks, gloves, antibacterial wipes, and hand sanitiser to passengers.

The type of mask required varies by airline and destination

In the UK, the type of mask required also varies by airline and destination. For example, British Airways asks customers to wear a face mask at all times in the airport and on board. They also request that passengers bring more than one mask if the flight is longer than four hours. Meanwhile, Ryanair, which resumed most of its flights on July 1, 2020, is asking passengers to wear face masks as mandatory. Following controversial images of a packed flight from Belfast to Heathrow, Aer Lingus has now confirmed that all passengers are required to cover their mouth and nose. Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) takes a firm stance, stating that those over the age of six must wear face masks that cover both mouth and nose from boarding to disembarkation. Their website states that "scarves or similar items are not accepted".

The type of mask required also varies by destination. For example, in the US, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) states that you can wear a face mask during the screening process, but an officer may ask you to adjust it when you pass through. London Heathrow says: "All passengers aged six and older are required to wear face coverings at all times within our terminal buildings." Generally, it seems that as long as you are wearing the mask upon check-in, boarding and during the flight, this is acceptable. During flights, some airlines may allow you to remove the mask if there is sufficient space between each seated passenger, while others permit you to remove your mask only to eat and drink.

Exemptions are in place for children and those with medical conditions

If you are exempt from wearing a mask due to a medical condition, you may need to submit a copy of your exemption certificate or get in touch with the airline before you travel. For instance, passengers flying with Brittany Ferries must submit a copy of their exemption certificate to the company before sailing. Meanwhile, Virgin Atlantic and Wizz Air require those who are exempt from wearing a mask to contact their Special Assistance team at least 48 hours before travelling.

It is worth noting that some airlines, such as Allegiant Air, Emirates, and Etihad, provide passengers with personal health kits that include masks, gloves, antibacterial wipes, and hand sanitiser.

Some airlines provide masks, but it's recommended to bring your own

As of May 2022, the wearing of face masks in airports and on European flights is "no longer recommended", according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). However, the ECDC still advises travellers that face masks remain "one of the best protections" against COVID-19. Vulnerable passengers have been advised to continue wearing masks, and people are expected to observe social distancing in indoor areas.

While the UK no longer requires face masks on flights, individual airlines have their own rules. Some airlines, such as British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and easyJet, only require masks on flights where the destination has a mandate in place. Other airlines, like Ryanair, require masks on flights where the country asks you to wear masks on public transport. Meanwhile, some airlines, such as Emirates and Air Canada, have required all passengers to wear masks.

Some airlines provide masks for passengers, but it is recommended that you bring your own. For example, Allegiant Air provides a personal health kit that includes a single-use mask, while Emirates hand out "hygiene kits" with masks, gloves, antibacterial wipes, and hand sanitiser. However, other airlines, like Ryanair and EasyJet, ask passengers to bring their own masks. Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) also requires passengers to bring their own masks, and has strict policies on the type of mask that can be worn, stating that "scarves or similar items are not accepted".

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