Sacramento Airport: Masks Still Required?

As of April 2022, masks are no longer required on planes, trains, and public transportation hubs following a federal judge's ruling in Florida. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to recommend wearing masks in indoor public transportation settings. In California, masks are recommended but not required in transportation hubs like airports. Sacramento International Airport (SMF) has also stopped requiring face masks for passengers and staff, leaving the decision to wear a mask to individual discretion.

Masks are not required at Sacramento International Airport

As of April 2022, masks are no longer required at Sacramento International Airport. This follows a federal judge's ruling that the CDC doesn't have the authority to enforce a public transportation mask mandate. The CDC has since said that it "continues recommending wearing a mask in public transit" and that it is “reviewing the decision”.

In line with the federal ruling, several major U.S. airlines, including Delta, JetBlue, United, American, and Alaska, have made masks optional for passengers and employees. However, passengers are still required to wear masks when flying to certain countries, such as Canada.

While masks are no longer mandatory at Sacramento International Airport, some travelers continue to wear them. Scott Johnston, a spokesperson for the airport, encourages people to "check with their airlines to make sure that their guidelines haven't changed".

Prior to the ruling, Sacramento International Airport had been following local, state, and federal guidance to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 during air travel. The airport will continue to update its guidance in accordance with local and state health proclamations.

Masks are still required on all airplanes into/out of the US

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Sacramento County Department of Airports will follow local and state guidance

The Sacramento County Department of Airports has expressed its commitment to adhering to local and state guidance regarding COVID-19 measures, including the requirement to wear masks. This commitment was emphasized by Cindy Nichol, the Sacramento County Department of Airports Director, who stated that the health and safety of customers and employees are of utmost importance.

In alignment with this commitment, the Sacramento International Airport initially maintained mask requirements in accordance with local and state guidance. The airport consistently followed the recommendations of health authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to protect the well-being of travelers and staff.

However, the landscape of mask mandates began to shift in April 2022. A federal judge in Florida struck down the federal travel mask mandate, which had been extended by the CDC in mid-April. This ruling led to a mixed response across different airports and transit systems. Some airports, such as San Francisco International Airport, decided to drop their mask mandates, while others, like Philadelphia International Airport, maintained masking requirements due to local mandates.

During this transitional period, the Sacramento International Airport also adapted its policies. A spokesperson for the airport, Scott Johnston, encouraged travelers to check with their airlines regarding specific guidelines. Ultimately, the Sacramento International Airport made masks optional for passengers and staff, aligning with the shift away from mandates and towards recommendations.

While the airport is no longer requiring masks, it is important to note that the Sacramento County Department of Airports remains committed to following local and state guidance. This commitment ensures that the airport's policies are responsive to the evolving nature of the pandemic and the recommendations of public health authorities. The department's proactive approach to health and safety plays a crucial role in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 and protecting the well-being of travelers and employees.

The TSA extended the mask mandate through September 13, 2021

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) extended the mask mandate through September 13, 2021, in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This decision was made in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and applied to various forms of transportation, including airplanes, airports, trains, commuter rail systems, and buses. The original federal mask mandate was in effect from February 1 to May 11, 2021, and the extension ensured that masks continued to be required in these settings until mid-September.

The TSA's extension of the mask mandate was implemented to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, particularly in public transportation settings. Darby LaJoye, a senior TSA official, emphasized that masks remained an essential tool in the fight against the pandemic, even as vaccination rates increased. The mandate applied to all travelers aged 2 and above, regardless of their vaccination status. Exemptions were made for certain individuals with qualifying disabilities and children under the age of 2.

The enforcement of the mask mandate fell on the TSA in public transit areas. Failure to comply with the mandate could result in legal fines and penalties, starting at $250 for first-time offenders and increasing to $1,500 for repeat offenses. The extension of the mandate was supported by flight attendants, airlines, and other industry stakeholders, who recognized the importance of mitigating the spread of COVID-19.

The Sacramento International Airport (SMF) adhered to the TSA's extended mask mandate, requiring all travelers to wear masks within the airport and on their flights. Cindy Nichol, the Sacramento County Department of Airports Director, emphasized the airport's commitment to the health and safety of customers and employees. The airport continued to follow local, state, and federal guidance to curb the spread of COVID-19 during air travel, updating its policies accordingly.

While the TSA's extension of the mask mandate through September 13, 2021, was a precautionary measure, it played a crucial role in protecting public health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. By requiring masks in airports and various modes of transportation, the TSA contributed to the broader efforts to control the spread of the virus and protect travelers and employees alike.

CDC recommends wearing masks in indoor public transportation settings

As of April 2022, masks are no longer mandatory on flights, trains, and buses in the US, following a federal court ruling that the CDC's mask mandate was 'unlawful'. However, the CDC still recommends wearing masks in indoor public transportation settings, and this recommendation continues to be in place at Sacramento International Airport (SMF).

The CDC recommends wearing masks on public conveyances such as airplanes, trains, or buses, as well as in transportation hubs like airports, train stations, or bus stations. This is because masks are an effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections, such as the flu.

While the CDC no longer requires masks in indoor public transportation settings, it is important to note that the CDC's recommendations are based on scientific evidence and are designed to protect public health. The CDC continues to monitor the pandemic situation and may update its recommendations as needed.

At Sacramento International Airport, masks are currently optional for passengers and employees. However, the airport continues to take the health and safety of its customers and employees seriously, and encourages anyone visiting the airport to wear a mask. It is important to check the latest guidelines and recommendations before travelling, as they can change frequently.

Additionally, it is worth noting that masks may still be required on certain forms of transportation or in specific locations. For example, masks may be required on cross-border trips or if mandated by local municipalities. Therefore, it is advisable to check the requirements of your specific mode of transportation and destination before travelling.

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