Masks In Canadian Airports: What's The Current Mandate?

As of September 2022, masks are no longer mandatory in Canadian airports or on planes. However, masks are still strongly recommended, and it is advised that travellers carry one with them. This change in policy comes after the removal of all COVID-19 border restrictions, including mandatory vaccination, testing, and quarantine requirements for international travellers.

Masks are mandatory in some Canadian airports, such as Vancouver International Airport

The airport, identified by its three-letter code YVR, is federally regulated and follows the directives of the Government of Canada. In addition to masks, proof of vaccination was required for all air travel as of March 2022. However, as of October 2022, proof of vaccination is no longer required for domestic flights within Canada.

Vancouver International Airport has implemented several measures to enhance safety and reduce the spread of COVID-19. These include mandatory face coverings in all public areas of the terminal, temperature screening, allowing only travellers with valid tickets and employees to enter, increased cleaning of high-touch areas, additional hand sanitizing stations, Plexiglas at counters, physical distancing markers, and a dedicated team for assistance and enforcement.

While masks are no longer mandatory on planes and in airports as of September 30, 2022, federal officials continue to strongly recommend wearing masks in crowded spaces, including airports and planes. The Public Health Agency of Canada emphasizes that wearing a mask is an effective means of personal protection, and individuals are encouraged to make informed decisions regarding their health and safety.

Masks are mandatory on planes in Canada

As of April 2020, the Canadian government has made non-medical masks mandatory for all air travellers entering, exiting, or transferring within Canadian airports. This includes wearing masks at airport screening checkpoints, during boarding and disembarking, and for the duration of the flight. Masks are also mandatory onboard flights.

Requirements for Masks

Based on the guidance released by the Government of Canada, travellers are required to wear a removable non-medical mask or face covering that fits snugly but comfortably and covers the mouth, nose, and chin to prevent the inadvertent spread of COVID-19.

Exemptions

Children under two years of age and those with underlying medical conditions may be exempt from wearing masks.

Other Safety Measures

Airlines have set policies and adopted safety measures to ensure the safety of passengers while at the airport and onboard the plane. Some airlines provide hygiene kits for travellers, which include a travel face mask, antibacterial wipes, sanitizing gel, and gloves. Additionally, some airlines have implemented pre-flight COVID-19 testing to screen out potentially infected travellers before they board flights.

Keeping Safe at the Airport

It is recommended to maintain social distancing, wash or sanitize hands frequently, wear a mask at all times, and avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth while at the airport. It is also advisable to bring your own hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes to keep your hands and surroundings clean.

Keeping Safe During the Flight

It is recommended to keep your mask on for the duration of the flight, including while eating and drinking. If you need to use the bathroom, keep your mask on. Additionally, try to stay in your seat as much as possible to minimize contact with others.

Latest Updates

As of September 2022, the Canadian government removed the requirement for masks on planes and trains. However, masks are still strongly recommended, especially in crowded environments such as planes. The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to advise people to wear masks to protect themselves and others.

Non-medical masks are required in Canadian airports and on flights

As of April 2020, non-medical masks have been mandatory for all air travellers in Canada. This includes at Canadian airport screening checkpoints, when travellers cannot physically distance from others, and when directed to do so by a public health official.

The Canadian government defines a non-medical mask as one that "should fit snugly but comfortably against the side of your face, be secured with ties or ear loops and cover your mouth and nose."

The requirement to wear a mask in Canadian airports and on flights has been in place since April 2020, and it is still in effect as of February 2022. Masks are also mandatory on public transport in some parts of Canada, such as in Vancouver as of March 2022.

It is recommended that you wear a mask throughout your entire journey when travelling by air, from entering the airport for departure to leaving the destination airport. This includes while boarding, during the flight, and upon deplaning.

Who is exempt from wearing a mask?

Children under two years of age and those with underlying medical conditions may be exempt from wearing a mask.

Other safety measures

In addition to wearing a mask, there are other safety measures you can take to protect yourself and others when travelling by air. This includes:

• Washing or sanitising your hands frequently
• Maintaining physical distance from others
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Bringing your own hand sanitiser
• Sanitising your seat, tray table, and other surfaces before you sit down
• Using contactless payment methods
• Following social distancing measures

Face masks must be worn at security checkpoints and when boarding

Masks are no longer mandatory in Canadian airports as of September 2022, when the federal government removed all COVID-19 border restrictions, including the requirement for masks on planes and trains. However, masks are still strongly recommended, particularly in crowded environments such as airports and planes.

When choosing a face mask, it is recommended to use one made from cotton fabric with a high thread count, as these are the most effective during air travel and in public places. The mask should have at least three layers of fabric, cover the nose and mouth, and be properly secured to the head. It is also important to ensure that the mask is comfortable and breathable, especially if it will be worn for a long period.

It is worth noting that children under two years of age and individuals with underlying medical conditions may be exempt from wearing masks. However, for those who need to claim an exemption, it is advisable to bring a doctor's note to validate the claim.

Airlines have different ways of enforcing the use of face masks

As of April 2020, the Canadian government has made non-medical masks mandatory for all air travellers. This means that passengers on all flights departing or arriving at Canadian airports must wear a face covering, or they "will not be allowed to continue on their journey".

American Airlines takes a similar stance, requiring all customers over the age of two to wear face coverings from the time they enter their departure airport until they exit their arrival airport. Customers who refuse to comply may be barred from future travel for the duration of the face-covering requirement. Delta Air Lines has also taken a hardline stance, stating that those who refuse to wear a mask may be banned from flying with them in the future.

Other airlines enforcing the use of face masks include Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. These airlines require passengers to wear face masks throughout their journey, with some offering disposable masks to customers who forget to bring their own. Failure to comply with these mask policies may result in travellers being banned from future flights or refused travel altogether.

Frequently asked questions