Albany Airport Mask Mandate: What You Need To Know

As of May 2021, masks were required at Albany International Airport in New York. The federal mask mandate required everyone in the airport to wear a mask, including at TSA airport screening checkpoints and during flights. This was due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with the CDC recommending masks on all public transportation and in airports. The airport also implemented other safety measures, such as protective shields at ticket counters, sanitizing stations, and hand sanitizer dispensers.

Masks required on aircrafts

In 2020, the Albany County Airport Authority announced that passengers and visitors at Albany International Airport would be required to wear face masks or similar protection. This measure was taken to ensure the safety of the travelling public, as well as airport and airline employees, during the Coronavirus pandemic. The rule applied to the Million Air terminal, which handles private aviation traffic, in addition to the main airport.

In 2021, the federal mask mandate was still in effect at Albany International Airport, and travellers were required to wear masks while in the airport and on aircraft. This directive applied to all individuals within U.S. airports and while travelling on public transportation. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) prepared for the expected increase in summer travel from Albany International Airport, ensuring that the checkpoint experience would be safe and efficient for travellers.

In 2021, Governor Cuomo lifted the mask mandate in most public settings across New York State, with certain exclusions, including air travel and public transportation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that the risk of vaccinated individuals contracting COVID-19 was very low, but masks were still required on all public transportation, including planes and within airport terminals.

In addition to mask requirements, Albany International Airport implemented several other safety measures to protect travellers and staff. These included personal device sanitizing stations, high-efficiency air filtration, COVID-19 test kits, continuous sanitizing of escalators, and plexiglass shields at contact points. The airport also introduced General Electric's Wellness App, which allowed travellers to track when specific touch areas within the terminal had been sanitized.

Face coverings in the airport

As of May 2021, masks were required at Albany International Airport in New York State. This was due to a federal directive that applied to all individuals within US airports, as well as on public transport. The directive was issued by President Biden in January 2021 and was set to remain in effect until 13 September 2021.

The airport's CEO, Philip Calderone, said that masks were a proven way of preventing the spread of coronavirus. Calderone also stated that the airport was committed to maintaining its high level of response to the virus and enforcing the federal directive.

In addition to masks, the airport implemented several other safety measures, including personal device sanitising stations, high-efficiency air filtration, COVID-19 test kits, plexiglass shields at personal contact points, and continuous sanitising of escalators.

Travelers were advised to arrive at the airport two hours before their flight to allow for the new health and safety measures. At the TSA checkpoint, travelers were required to briefly remove their masks so that their faces could be matched to their IDs. They were also encouraged to place personal items, such as wallets, keys, and phones, in their carry-on bags rather than directly into bins to reduce touchpoints and potential cross-contamination.

The TSA provided masks to travelers who did not have their own.

Federal mask mandate

In April 2020, the Albany County Airport Authority announced that passengers and visitors at Albany International Airport would be required to wear face masks or similar protection. This measure was taken to ensure the safety of the travelling public, as well as airport and airline employees, during the Coronavirus pandemic. The mandate included the Million Air terminal, which handles private aviation traffic.

In May 2021, Albany International Airport officials reiterated that masks would still be required at the airport and while travelling on aircrafts, despite Governor Cuomo lifting the mask mandate in most public settings across New York State. This directive was in line with the federal mask mandate, which applied to all individuals within US airports, as well as on public transportation. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers were committed to enforcing this mandate and providing masks to travellers who did not have one.

The federal mask mandate, issued by President Biden, was in effect until September 13, 2021. During this time, Albany International Airport implemented several measures to ensure the safety of travellers and staff, including personal device sanitizing stations, high-efficiency air filtration, COVID-19 test kits, continuous sanitizing of high-touch surfaces, and plexiglass shields at contact points. The airport was also exploring the use of new technologies, such as paperless boarding passes and no-cash concession purchases, to reduce touchpoints and expedite passenger movement.

While the federal mask mandate has since expired, individual airports and airlines may continue to enforce their own mask requirements. It is important for travellers to stay updated on the latest guidelines and requirements of their specific airport and airline. As of May 2021, airlines such as JetBlue and Frontier Airlines had implemented their own mask mandates for passengers.

Coronavirus safety measures

The Albany International Airport has implemented several measures to ensure the safety of travellers and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. The airport has introduced a mandatory mask mandate for all individuals within the airport, including travellers and staff, which is in line with the federal directive for US airports. This measure was announced by airport officials and is in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

In addition to the mask mandate, the airport has also established a COVID-19 Task Force, which aims to provide clear and up-to-date information on the virus and implement best practices to prioritise the safety of travellers. This includes the use of personal device sanitising stations, high-efficiency air filtration, and COVID-19 test kits for travellers and employees. The airport has also introduced General Electric's Wellness App, which allows travellers to track the sanitisation of specific touch areas within the terminal.

The airport has also installed plexiglass shields at personal contact points, such as airline ticket counters, to protect both employees and customers. Continuous sanitisation of all "touch" surfaces, including escalators, is also being carried out, and hand sanitising dispensers have been placed throughout the terminal. These measures are in accordance with the social distancing guidelines that have been extended to cover passengers and visitors, as stated by the airport spokesman, Doug Myers.

Furthermore, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented additional procedures at the airport's security checkpoints. These include the use of acrylic barriers at travel document checking podiums to reduce cross-contamination, and travellers are requested to place their own IDs into the credential authentication technology scanner to reduce touchpoints. TSA officers will change their gloves between each pat-down, and fresh swabs are used for each passenger when testing for explosive materials. Routine cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces and security equipment are also conducted by security employees.

The airport is also exploring the use of biometric technologies to expedite passenger movement, paperless boarding passes, and no-cash concession purchases to further enhance safety and minimise contact.

TSA screening process

As of May 2021, masks are required at Albany International Airport. This directive was set to remain in effect until September 13, 2021.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening process involves a number of steps to ensure the safety of travellers. Here is an overview of the TSA screening process:

Before the checkpoint

Travellers are advised to arrive at the checkpoint two hours before their flight to account for increased security measures and the number of travellers. It is recommended that travellers familiarise themselves with the items that can and cannot be packed in carry-on luggage. This is to reduce the number of touchpoints during the pandemic.

At the checkpoint

All individuals are required to wear masks at TSA airport screening checkpoints. TSA officers will offer a mask to anyone who does not have one. Travellers will be asked to briefly remove their masks to verify their identity by matching their face to the photo on their ID. To reduce touchpoints, travellers are encouraged to place items such as wallets, keys, and phones into their carry-on bags to be screened, rather than placing them directly into bins.

During screening

TSA officers will wear masks and gloves during the screening process. They will change gloves between each pat-down, and travellers can request that officers change their gloves at any time. Officers will use fresh swabs when testing for explosive materials. Security employees routinely clean and disinfect surfaces and equipment at the checkpoints.

TSA PreCheck

Travellers can enrol in TSA PreCheck, an expedited screening program that allows travellers to keep their shoes, jackets, and belts on, and carry their electronics and liquid bags in their carry-on luggage. This reduces touchpoints and encourages social distancing by placing travellers in security lines with fewer people.

Frequently asked questions