Traveler's Guide: Masks At Austin Airport

As of April 2022, masks are no longer required at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport following a federal judge's ruling that struck down the Biden administration's requirement that travellers wear masks on public transportation. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) waived all mask mandates on public transit, and the airport stated that it would continue to encourage travellers to wear masks in accordance with public health advice issued by Austin Public Health.

Masks are no longer required at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

As of April 2022, masks are no longer required at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. This follows a federal judge's ruling that the Biden administration's requirement for travellers to wear masks on public transportation was unlawful. The CDC had extended the mandate until May 3, but the ruling means that the TSA will no longer enforce the mandate.

Airport and airline policies

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport will continue to encourage travellers to wear masks in accordance with public health advice from Austin Public Health. The airport has also stated that it is awaiting further guidance from the federal government.

Some major airlines, including Southwest, American, Delta, and United, have also dropped their mask requirements. However, passengers are advised to check with individual airlines about their policies, as some cities, states, and countries may still require masks in their airports.

The TSA will not enforce the mask mandate

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will not enforce the mask mandate. This means that masks are no longer required at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, following a federal judge's ruling that struck down the Biden administration's requirement that travellers wear masks on public transportation.

The TSA had initially extended the face mask requirement for individuals across all transportation networks throughout the United States, including airports, until March 18, 2022. This mandate was issued at the suggestion of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, on April 18, 2022, U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle deemed the mandate "unlawful", stating that the CDC had exceeded its administrative authority. In response, the TSA waived all mask mandates on public transit.

While masks are no longer required at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, the CDC still recommends that individuals mask up on public transportation to protect themselves. Ultimately, the decision to wear a mask while travelling through the airport is now a matter of personal choice and discretion.

The CDC still recommends that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings

The TSA initially said it would continue to enforce the mandate until further notice from the CDC and federal government. However, the White House later confirmed that the TSA will not enforce the mandate for now. The TSA provided the following statement:

> The agencies are reviewing the decision and assessing potential next steps. In the meantime, today’s court decision means CDC’s public transportation masking order is not in effect at this time. Therefore, TSA will not enforce its Security Directives and Emergency Amendment requiring mask use on public transportation and transportation hubs at this time. CDC recommends that people continue to wear masks in indoor public transportation settings.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport initially said it would continue to encourage travelers to wear masks "in accordance with public health advice issued by Austin Public Health" and that people should contact individual airlines to ask about policies while flying. However, the airport later stated on Twitter that masks are no longer mandatory in the building, although they are still encouraging passengers to wear one.

Austin Public Health encourages travellers to wear masks

In April 2022, a federal judge struck down the Biden administration's requirement that travellers wear masks on public transportation. This included planes and airports.

Following this ruling, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) stated that it would continue to encourage travellers to wear masks "in accordance with public health advice issued by Austin Public Health". The airport also said that people should contact individual airlines to ask about policies while flying.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) initially said that it would continue to enforce the mask mandate until it received further guidance from the CDC and federal government. However, the White House later confirmed that the TSA would not enforce the mask mandate, meaning travellers would not be required to wear masks on flights.

Despite the ruling, Austin Public Health continues to encourage travellers to wear masks when using public transportation.

Some airlines are still requiring masks on their aircraft

As of April 2022, masks are no longer required at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport following a federal judge's ruling that struck down the Biden administration's mandate. However, the airport initially stated that it would continue to encourage travellers to wear masks in accordance with public health advice issued by Austin Public Health.

Southwest, American, Delta, and United, the airport's busiest airlines, initially announced that masks would be optional for travellers on their aircraft. However, it is unclear whether these airlines are still requiring masks, as this information is not available beyond April 2022. It is always best to check with the airline before travelling.

Frequently asked questions