Logan Airport Mask Rules: What You Need To Know

As of April 19, 2022, masks are no longer required at Logan Airport in Boston, Massachusetts. The decision to lift the mask mandate was made by transportation officials following a U.S. District Court judge's ruling that voided the national mask mandate on airplanes and other public transportation. While masks are no longer mandatory, travelers are still welcome to wear them if they choose to. It is important to note that there may still be certain requirements for mask-wearing onboard international flights, so passengers are encouraged to check with their specific airline and destination.

Masks are no longer required at Logan Airport

In response to this ruling, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), the MBTA, and the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) have lifted the mask mandate at Logan Airport and other transportation hubs in the state. While masks are no longer compulsory, travellers are still welcome to wear them if they choose to do so.

The removal of the mandate applies to all passengers and employees of major airlines, including JetBlue, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines. These airlines have announced that masks will be optional on domestic flights. However, it is important to note that there may still be mask requirements onboard international flights, and passengers are encouraged to check with their specific airline and destination.

Logan Airport began taking down signs related to mask requirements, and the airport continues to prioritise safety by adhering to CDC and Massachusetts' public health guidance. The airport also maintains regular cleaning and upgrades to air filtration systems.

This change in policy is a result of the improving pandemic situation, with Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker highlighting the high vaccination rates in the state and the increased availability of COVID-19 treatments.

Masks are still welcome for those who wish to wear them

As of April 2022, masks are no longer required at Logan Airport. However, masks are still welcome for those who wish to wear them. This means that while there is no longer an official mandate or requirement for passengers to wear masks while travelling through Logan Airport, individuals are free to continue wearing masks if they choose to do so.

The decision to lift the mask mandate at Logan Airport was made by Massachusetts transportation officials, following a U.S. District Court judge's ruling that voided the national mask mandate on airplanes and other public transportation. In a statement, Transportation Secretary and CEO Jamey Tesler said, "The Commonwealth has followed federal guidance in terms of face coverings and to be consistent with that, we are lifting the face-covering mandate at the Commonwealth's transportation hubs and on most public transportation vehicles." He added, "While these face-covering requirements are being lifted, we remind travellers that masks are welcome if people choose to wear them."

Similarly, MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak emphasised that while masks are no longer required, individuals are free to continue wearing them if it makes them feel more comfortable. "Customers are no longer required to wear a mask on MBTA vehicles, or at stations or facilities if they choose not to; however, if people feel more comfortable wearing a facemask, then by all means continue to do so," Poftak said. He also assured travellers that the MBTA remains committed to safety and will continue to adhere to public health guidance, including regular cleaning and upgrades to air filtration systems.

It is important to note that while masks are no longer required at Logan Airport and on most public transportation in Massachusetts, there may still be certain requirements onboard international flights or in specific transit authorities. Passengers are encouraged to check with their airline and destination for any specific mask requirements that may be in place. Additionally, masks may still be required in certain settings such as healthcare facilities and congregate care facilities, as advised by the Department of Public Health.

The decision comes after a federal judge struck down the mandate

The decision to lift the mask mandate at Logan Airport came after a federal judge struck down the nationwide mandate for planes, airports, and other public transportation. U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle deemed the CDC mandate "unlawful", stating that it exceeded the CDC's authority and failed to follow standard rule-making procedures.

In response to the ruling, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that it would no longer enforce the mask mandate on public transportation and in transportation hubs. Major airlines, including JetBlue, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines, followed suit, making masks optional on domestic flights.

The ruling left the decision of whether to enforce a mask mandate to individual airlines and transit systems. While masks are no longer required, many authorities, including the TSA and Massachusetts transportation officials, have emphasized that masks are still welcome and encouraged for those who choose to wear them.

The White House is considering whether to appeal the ruling, and the Justice Department is reviewing possible legal action. Meanwhile, the MBTA has stated its commitment to adhering to CDC and Massachusetts public health guidelines, continuing its robust cleaning and air filtration system upgrade programs.

Major airlines have made masks optional for employees and passengers

As of April 19, 2022, masks are no longer required at Logan Airport, following a federal judge's ruling that the nationwide mask mandate was unlawful. The ruling stated that the mandate exceeded the statutory authority of the CDC and violated administrative law. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has also updated its guidance, and travelers using Massport facilities, including Logan Airport, are no longer required to wear face coverings.

Major airlines, including JetBlue, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines, have made masks optional for employees and passengers on domestic flights. However, customers and crew members traveling internationally should still carry a mask, as it may be required at their destination.

While masks are no longer mandatory, many people still choose to wear them. Massachusetts Transportation Secretary and CEO Jamey Tesler stated, "while these face-covering requirements are being lifted, we remind travelers that masks are welcome if people choose to wear them." Similarly, JetBlue noted in a travel alert, "while no longer required, customers and crew members are welcome to continue wearing masks in our terminals and on board our aircraft."

The CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings, and some local jurisdictions, such as New York City, still require masks on public transportation. It is important to stay informed about the specific requirements of your departure and arrival locations, as well as any international travel mandates.

There may still be mask requirements on international flights

As of April 19, 2022, masks are no longer required at Logan Airport, following a federal judge's decision to strike down the nationwide mask mandate. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), MBTA, and the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) have lifted the mandate for travellers using the Commonwealth's Massport facilities, including airports, Conley Terminal, and the Logan Express service.

While masks are no longer mandatory, travellers are still welcome to wear them if they choose to. Many major airlines, including JetBlue, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines, have made masks optional on domestic flights. However, it is important to note that there may still be mask requirements onboard international flights. Passengers travelling internationally are advised to check with their airline and destination to determine if masks are required.

Lisa Wieland, CEO of Massport, stated: "In line with the TSA's guidance, mask wearing will now be optional within our airport facilities and on Logan Express buses. There may still be certain requirements onboard international flights, so we would encourage those passengers to check with their airline and destination."

This decision comes after U.S. District Court Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle of Florida ruled that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mandate exceeded the CDC's authority and was unlawful. As a result, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will no longer enforce an order requiring masks on public transportation and in transportation hubs, leaving the decision to individual mass transit systems across the United States.

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