Charlotte Airport Mask Mandate: What You Need To Know

As of June 2020, masks were required at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, with travellers mandated to bring their own or be provided with one at the front entrance. However, in April 2022, a Florida judge struck down the CDC's mask mandate for public transportation, leading to Charlotte Douglas International Airport also no longer requiring masks. Despite this, the CDC still recommends that travellers wear masks while waiting to board flights or trains, especially those at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19, such as the elderly or those with underlying health conditions.

Where to get a mask at Charlotte Airport

As North Carolina's mask mandate takes effect, masks are required at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. If you find yourself at the airport without a mask, you can get one at the TSA checkpoints and visitor information centres. The airport provides free masks to passengers who do not have one.

In the age of coronavirus, crowded airports pose a challenge to social distancing. Photos posted on social media showed a packed food court and cramped terminals, with limited social distancing and inconsistent mask-wearing. In response, Charlotte Douglas International Airport officials released a statement saying that all visitors, travellers, and personnel would be required to wear masks, with some exceptions.

While the airport police will not be involved in enforcing the mask mandate, as it is not a criminal offence, airport staff will approach those not wearing masks, inform them of the governor's order, and offer masks.

So, if you're travelling through Charlotte Douglas International Airport and need a mask, head to the TSA checkpoints or visitor information centres, where you can get one for free.

Mask requirements on planes departing Charlotte Airport

As of June 2020, masks were required at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, in line with North Carolina's mask mandate. This came after scrutiny of the airport due to photos on social media showing crowded terminals and common areas with little social distancing and some people not wearing masks.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport officials stated that all visitors, travellers, and personnel would be required to wear a mask, with some exceptions. The airport provided masks for those without one at TSA checkpoints and visitor information centres.

In April 2022, a Florida judge struck down the CDC's mask requirement for public transportation, after which Charlotte Douglas International Airport no longer mandated masks. However, the CDC still recommends that travellers wear masks while waiting to board flights, especially those at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19, such as people who are not up to date on vaccines, older adults, and those with underlying health conditions.

As of June 2020, masks were required on planes departing Charlotte Airport, and it is likely that this mandate continued through to April 2022 when the CDC's requirement was struck down. However, it is important to note that individual airlines may have their own mask policies, especially for international flights, so it is always recommended to check with your airline before travelling.

Additionally, as of June 2020, masks with vents or neck gaiters were not allowed at the airport, and travellers would be provided with a new mask if needed. Therefore, it is advisable to carry a suitable mask with you to avoid any issues.

When travelling through Charlotte Airport, it is also important to follow other COVID-19 safety measures, such as maintaining social distancing, practising good hand hygiene, and following any instructions provided by airport staff or your airline.

Mask exemptions at Charlotte Airport

As per the North Carolina mask mandate, masks are required at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. However, the airport has come under scrutiny as photos circulating on social media show packed terminals and common areas with little social distancing and not everyone wearing masks.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport officials have stated that all visitors, travellers, and personnel will be required to wear a mask, with some exceptions. The airport is providing masks for those without one at TSA checkpoints and visitor information centres.

Mask Exemptions

While the airport has not specified any exemptions, the TSA has stated that travellers over the age of 2 must comply with the mandate, but there are exemptions for those with certain disabilities.

Airlines such as American Airlines and Southwest Airlines have removed medical exemptions to their mandatory mask policies. However, children under the age of two are exempt from wearing masks on these airlines.

Legal Considerations

The Air Carrier Access Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in air travel. However, carriers can refuse transportation if carrying an individual would be harmful to the safety of the flight. Specifically, §382.19-21 states that carriers can limit access if a passenger has a communicable disease, medical condition, or disability, if certain conditions are met:

• An individualized assessment must be made, based on reasonable judgment and current medical knowledge, to ascertain the nature, duration, and severity of the risk, the probability that potential harm will occur, and whether reasonable modifications can mitigate the risk.
• If the passenger is deemed to pose a direct threat, the least restrictive response must be selected to protect the health and safety of others. For example, refusing transportation may not be necessary if the risk can be mitigated through other means.

Additionally, §382.23 states that airlines can request a medical certificate if there is reasonable doubt that an individual can complete the flight safely without requiring extraordinary medical assistance.

Practical Considerations

The practicalities of enforcing mask mandates at airports are still being worked out. It is unclear which agency would be responsible if a passenger without a mask becomes combative, such as the airport police, TSA, or DHS.

Some commenters have suggested that TSA should not allow anyone without a mask to pass the security checkpoint, or that police should be posted at airport entrances to ensure compliance.

While Charlotte Douglas International Airport requires masks for all individuals, there may be exemptions for certain cases, particularly for those with disabilities. The specific exemptions and enforcement procedures are still being refined, and it is important to stay updated with the latest guidelines and regulations.

Social distancing at Charlotte Airport

Social Distancing at Charlotte Douglas International Airport

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is the 11th busiest airport in the United States in terms of passenger traffic, serving over 50 million passengers in 2019. As a busy hub, the airport has faced challenges in ensuring social distancing, particularly in crowded areas such as the food court and terminals.

Photos and passenger accounts have highlighted concerns about a lack of social distancing at the airport, with some travellers expressing hesitation about returning. While signs encouraging social distancing are posted throughout the airport, the large number of passengers passing through can make maintaining distance difficult.

To promote social distancing, the airport could consider implementing measures such as:

• Rearranging seating areas and queue management to provide more space between individuals.
• Providing clear markings or indicators to help passengers maintain an appropriate distance from one another.
• Encouraging the use of mobile check-in and digital boarding passes to reduce crowding at counters.
• Using distance markers at security checkpoints and baggage claim areas to space out passengers.
• Offering remote or virtual assistance options to reduce the need for close contact.

By combining these strategies with proper masking and other safety protocols, the airport can strive to create a safer environment for travellers, addressing concerns about social distancing and reducing the potential spread of COVID-19.

Other COVID-19 precautions at Charlotte Airport

Charlotte Douglas International Airport has implemented several measures to ensure the safety of its travellers and employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Firstly, the airport has mandated the use of masks for all visitors, travellers, and personnel, with masks provided at TSA checkpoints and visitor information centres for those without one. Social distancing is encouraged, with floor stickers placed at 6-foot intervals to guide travellers. In addition, travellers are advised to arrive at the airport early, accounting for potential delays caused by procedure changes and staff reductions aimed at reducing exposure to the virus.

The airport has also increased the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting, particularly in shuttle buses, terminals, security checkpoints, and other high-touch areas, including handrails, people movers, restrooms, seating, and armrests. Over 30 hand sanitising stations are available inside the terminal, and electrostatic spray surface cleaning is used where appropriate. Passengers are encouraged to use hand sanitiser frequently and wash their hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, especially after security screenings and before and after eating or drinking.

Furthermore, the airport has adjusted its parking lots so that most travellers can walk directly to the terminal, reducing the need for shuttle buses. When using shuttle buses, passengers are advised to leave a seat between themselves and others, and if the bus seems crowded, they are encouraged to wait for the next one, which will arrive soon due to increased bus frequencies.

Other precautions include staggered shifts for employees, plastic chains inside buses to create a barrier between drivers and passengers, and encouraging cashless transactions for concessions. Employees are also instructed to stay home if they are feeling unwell, and digital messaging boards and public address systems are used to remind travellers and staff of safety protocols.

Frequently asked questions