Masks At Buffalo Airport: What You Need To Know

As of April 2022, masks are required at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport in Buffalo, New York State. This mandate was briefly lifted by the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA), but was soon reinstated following an announcement from New York Governor Kathy Hochul. The mandate applies to all public transportation entities within the State of New York, including airports, buses, trains, and paratransit services. While masks may not be required during flights, they are still mandatory within the airport and on other forms of public transportation in the state.

Masks required on public transport in New York State

As of April 2022, masks are required on public transport in New York State. This includes airports, buses, trains, subways, and paratransit services. The mandate was briefly lifted by the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) in April 2022, but it was quickly reversed following an announcement from New York Governor Kathy Hochul. The governor clarified that masks are still required on public transit and in airports in New York State, aligning with the CDC's recommendation to wear masks in indoor public transportation settings.

This means that if you are travelling through Buffalo Niagara International Airport or using public transportation in Western New York, you will need to wear a mask. The NFTA has apologised for any confusion caused by the changing guidelines and emphasised that the mandate is in place to ensure the safety of travellers and riders. While the mask mandate has been lifted for some flights arriving at and departing from the airport, masks are still required inside the airport and on other forms of public transportation, such as buses and trains.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented measures to ensure a healthy and secure environment for all during the holiday season. They recommend that travellers arrive at the airport two hours before their scheduled flight to allow for security screening. It is important for travellers to be aware of what items are permitted in carry-on and checked bags to reduce touchpoints and maintain a smooth screening process.

Additionally, TSA officers will be taking precautions such as wearing masks and gloves, changing gloves between pat-downs and bag searches, and using fresh swabs for each passenger when testing for explosive materials. These measures are in place to ensure the safety and health of all individuals during the ongoing pandemic.

It is important to note that these guidelines may change, and travellers are advised to stay updated with the latest announcements from the relevant authorities, such as the New York State Department of Health and the CDC. By following these guidelines and staying informed, travellers can help ensure a safe and smooth experience for everyone.

Masks not required on flights

As of April 2022, masks are not required on flights arriving at and departing from Buffalo Niagara International Airport. This follows a ruling by U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle, who struck down the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's travel mask mandate, stating that the CDC failed to justify its decision and did not follow proper rule-making procedures.

Following this ruling, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said it would not enforce its Security Directives and Emergency Amendment, requiring mask use on public transportation and in transportation hubs. This led to many airlines, both international and domestic, ending their mask mandates for passengers on flights.

Major U.S. airlines, including American, Delta, United, Southwest, and JetBlue, have all made masks optional on their domestic flights. However, masks may still be required on certain international flights, depending on the arrival country's mask requirements and local ordinances. For example, Philadelphia has reinstated an indoor mask mandate, and masks are required in the terminals at Philadelphia International Airport.

While masks are no longer required on flights, travellers should be aware that they may still be required to wear masks in airports and on buses and trains, depending on the location. For instance, at the time of the ruling in April 2022, masks were still required at Buffalo Niagara International Airport and on other forms of transportation in Western New York.

It is important to check the latest requirements and guidelines before travelling, as mask policies can change.

Buffalo Niagara International Airport is cashless

As of April 20, 2022, masks are required at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport and on other forms of transportation like buses and trains in Western New York. This is due to COVID-19 regulations in the state of New York.

The Buffalo Niagara International Airport is a cash-free facility. Food vending machines are the exception, as they accept cash both before and after security.

The airport, located in Cheektowaga, New York, serves Buffalo, New York, and Niagara Falls, New York, in the United States, as well as the southern Golden Horseshoe region of Ontario, Canada. It is the third-busiest airport in New York State and the busiest in the Buffalo-Niagara Falls metropolitan area. The airport offers up to 100 nonstop flights per day, serving 31 airport destinations and beyond.

The original airport, known as Buffalo Municipal Airport, opened in 1926 on former farmland. It featured a small terminal building, one hangar, and four cinder runways. The airport has since undergone numerous expansions and renovations, with the most recent major renovation and expansion taking place between 2019 and 2021 as part of the airport's 2013 master plan.

The Buffalo Niagara International Airport plays a crucial role in the development of business and tourism in the Buffalo Niagara region. Its proximity to Toronto and other nearby airports in Canada makes it a popular choice for Canadians travelling to US destinations.

TSA officers wear masks, gloves and face shields

As of April 2022, masks are required at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport in Buffalo, New York State. This mandate applies to all public transportation entities within the State of New York, including airports, buses, trains, and paratransit services.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at checkpoints must wear face masks, gloves, and eye protection when close contact is necessary. Face shields can be worn in addition to face masks, but they are not considered a suitable substitute. TSA officers are also required to change or clean their gloves between each interaction with passengers, including pat-downs, ID checks, and bag inspections.

TSA officers have been at the frontlines of the pandemic, ensuring the health and security of the workforce and airline passengers. Unfortunately, some TSA officers have contracted and, in some cases, died from COVID-19. The safety measures outlined above are crucial in protecting TSA officers and the traveling public.

In addition to wearing personal protective equipment, TSA officers also implement social distancing in checkpoint queues and provide passengers with hand sanitiser and disinfectant wipes. These measures help create a safe environment for all individuals passing through the airport.

Masks required at security checkpoints

As of April 2022, masks are required at security checkpoints at Buffalo Niagara International Airport. This is following a reversal of the decision to end the mask mandate by the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA). The NFTA's decision came after an announcement from New York Governor Kathy Hochul that masks are still required on public transit, in airports, and in certain other settings in New York State.

The NFTA released an updated statement apologizing for the confusion and stating that masks will be required at the airport and on other forms of transportation like buses and trains in Western New York. The statement also said that the NFTA will continue to follow the CDC's recommendation that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings and that everyone should respect those who choose to wear a face covering for their personal safety.

Travelers should be aware that the mask mandate at Buffalo Airport has been subject to change and updates. In April 2022, there was a brief period where the mask mandate was lifted for many flights arriving at and departing from the airport, although masks were still required in the airport itself. This mandate was quickly reversed, and masks became mandatory again for all travelers passing through the airport.

It is important to note that the mask mandate may be updated or changed again in the future. Travelers are advised to stay informed about the latest guidelines and recommendations before traveling to ensure they are complying with the current requirements.

When traveling through Buffalo Airport, passengers should follow the airport's guidelines and the instructions of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at the security checkpoints. This includes wearing a mask as prescribed by the federal mask mandate when in the airport and at the security screening checkpoints.

Frequently asked questions