Masks At Bradley Airport: What's The Mandate?

As of April 2022, masks are no longer required at Bradley International Airport in Connecticut. This follows a court ruling that overturned the federal requirement to wear masks on public transportation. The Connecticut Airport Authority, which manages Bradley Airport, said it would no longer enforce a mask mandate at its airports, but individual airlines may still enforce their own rules. Previously, masks were required at the airport and passengers without masks could be denied entry or boarding.

Masks are no longer required at Bradley Airport

As of April 18, 2022, masks are no longer required at Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut. The Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA), which manages the airport, announced that it would no longer enforce a mask mandate following a court ruling that overturned the federal requirement. This decision came after a Florida judge reversed the federal mask mandate for all public transportation, stating that the CDC failed to justify its decision to uphold the mandate.

The CAA's announcement stated:

> "Following the recent court ruling and changes to the enforcement of the TSA Security Directives and Emergency Amendment requiring masks across the transportation industry, effective immediately, the CAA will no longer enforce a mask mandate at our airports. We will continue to coordinate closely with our regulatory partners regarding any additional changes."

Prior to this ruling, masks were required at Bradley Airport due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The airport had implemented various safety measures, including increased cleaning and sanitization efforts, social distancing signage, and hand sanitizer stations. The TSA had also allowed larger hand sanitizer containers in carry-on bags and introduced new procedures for safe screening.

While masks are no longer mandated at Bradley Airport, some passengers and airlines may still choose to wear or require them. It is recommended to check with individual airlines, as their policies may vary. Additionally, international flights may have different mask requirements depending on the destination country's policies.

This change at Bradley Airport reflects the evolving nature of COVID-19 guidelines and the ongoing adjustments made by transportation authorities to balance public health and personal freedom.

Major US airlines still require masks

As of April 2022, masks are no longer required at Bradley International Airport, following a federal judge's ruling that overturned the national public transportation mask mandate. The Connecticut Airport Authority, which manages Bradley Airport, has said it will no longer enforce a mask mandate.

However, major US airlines initially had varying responses to the ruling, with some still requiring masks onboard their aircraft. Here is a breakdown of the mask policies of some major US airlines:

JetBlue

JetBlue was the first US airline to implement a mandatory mask policy for its passengers during check-in, boarding, in flight, and when deplaning. After the federal ruling, JetBlue made masks optional, but passengers were advised to carry them when travelling outside the US or to destinations that require masks.

American Airlines

American Airlines also made masks optional for its customers and team members at US airports and on domestic flights. The airline reminded travellers that masks might still be required based on local ordinances or international destinations that mandate masking on planes.

Delta

Delta informed its customers that the mask mandate would no longer be enforced, but encouraged passengers and employees to continue wearing masks if they chose to do so. Delta also asked for patience and understanding as the change was communicated and implemented.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines made masks optional onboard its aircraft and in most airports, but specified that certain cities, states, and countries may still require masks. The airline encouraged individuals to make decisions based on their personal well-being and to check local airport policies.

United Airlines

United Airlines made masks optional on domestic flights, select international flights (depending on the arrival country's requirements), and at US airports. The airline emphasised that employees and passengers could continue wearing masks if they preferred to do so, following CDC recommendations.

While the above information represents the initial responses of these airlines to the federal ruling, it is important to note that mask policies may have evolved since then. Therefore, it is always advisable to check the latest updates and guidelines provided by the specific airlines and airports before travelling.

The Connecticut Airport Authority's stance on masks

The Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA), which manages Bradley International Airport, initially required masks to be worn at all times in the airport. However, following a federal court ruling in April 2022, the CAA announced that it would no longer enforce a mask mandate at its airports, including Bradley International Airport.

Prior to the ruling, the CAA, in alignment with federal regulations, mandated masks for all individuals within the airport. This was in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the goal of ensuring the safety of travellers and staff. The CAA's original mandate stated that:

> "U.S. Federal Agencies and BDL require face covering to be worn. Federal law requires wearing a mask at all times at the airport and passengers without a mask may be denied entry, boarding, or continued transport. Failure to comply may result in removal and denial of re-entry, individuals may be subject to penalties."

The CAA also implemented several other safety measures, including increased cleaning and sanitization, the introduction of physical distancing signage, the installation of plastic shields at high-traffic areas, and the availability of hand sanitizer stations throughout the airport.

However, on April 18, 2022, a federal judge in Florida struck down the national mask mandate for public transportation, stating that the CDC had overstepped its authority. In response to this ruling, the CAA released a statement saying:

> "Following the recent court ruling and changes to the enforcement of the TSA Security Directives and Emergency Amendment requiring masks across the transportation industry, effective immediately, the CAA will no longer enforce a mask mandate at our airports. We will continue to coordinate closely with our regulatory partners regarding any additional changes."

As a result, travellers at Bradley International Airport were no longer required to wear masks if they chose not to. However, individual airlines and airports could still enforce their own mask requirements, and the CAA recommended staying in close contact with them regarding any changes.

The TSA's role in enforcing masks

As of April 2022, masks are no longer required at Bradley International Airport, following a federal judge's ruling that struck down the national public transportation mask mandate. This ruling stated that the CDC's mandate exceeded the authority of U.S. health officials.

Previously, the TSA played a significant role in enforcing mask mandates at airports, including Bradley International Airport. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) had extended the face mask requirement several times since its initial announcement in January 2021. The TSA required individuals to wear masks across all transportation networks in the United States, including at airports and on commercial aircraft.

The TSA's enforcement of the mask mandate was crucial in ensuring compliance and reducing the spread of COVID-19. However, the ruling by the federal judge created confusion and concerns about consistency in airports and on planes. While some travelers welcomed the end of the mandate, health experts continued to recommend wearing masks in crowded places like airports to reduce the risk of contracting respiratory infections.

The TSA's response to the ruling was to stop enforcing the mask mandate on public transportation and transportation hubs, including airports. They also rescinded the new Security Directives that were scheduled to take effect. The TSA's decision was based on the court's judgment and the CDC's recommendation that people continue to wear masks in indoor public transportation settings.

The CDC's mask mandate extension

The Connecticut Airport Authority, which includes Bradley International Airport, initially followed the CDC's extension. However, following a federal judge's ruling that the mandate exceeded the authority of U.S. health officials, the airport authority announced it would no longer enforce a mask mandate.

The ruling caused confusion, as individual carriers could still choose to enforce the mandate. Some passengers welcomed the end of the mandate, while others felt it was too soon, considering the rise in COVID-19 positivity rates in certain areas.

The CDC continues to recommend wearing masks in indoor public transportation settings. The CDC's guidelines also advise wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces, when sick, if at higher risk for infection, or when there are high levels of illness in the community.

To ensure proper protection, the CDC and medical professionals recommend N95 respirators, which are regulated in the United States and designed to filter out at least 95% of small and large airborne particles. N95 masks should have a tight fit, with two straps that go around the head and an adjustable wire nose bridge.

Frequently asked questions