Slc Airport Mask Mandate: What You Need To Know

The Salt Lake City International Airport previously required masks to be worn by all passengers, employees, and visitors entering the airport. However, as of April 2022, masks are no longer mandatory at the airport following a ruling from a federal judge in Florida, who declared the federal mask mandate on public transportation unlawful. While some passengers welcome the change, others express concerns about the potential health risks, especially in enclosed spaces. The airport continues to provide masks to those who request them and recommends following the CDC guidelines.

Masks are required on all US flights and at all airports

As of April 2022, masks are no longer required on U.S. flights and other modes of transportation, after a Florida judge ruled that COVID-19 mask mandates were unlawful. This ruling applies to all domestic flights and transit within the U.S., and it means that U.S. airlines no longer require masks for the first time since the Biden administration implemented the rules in February 2021. However, masks may still be required on international flights and at certain airports.

Prior to this ruling, masks were mandated at all U.S. airports and on aircraft by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The TSA directive was part of President Biden's order to promote protective health measures in the travel sector, and it supported an emergency order by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC had brought in rules in February 2021 that required masks on airplanes, trains, taxis, and transit hubs. Anyone over the age of 2 who refused to comply with the mandate would not be permitted in secure areas of airports, and TSA employees could fine or cite those who refused to wear masks.

The CDC had extended the mandate several times, with the latest extension being until May 3, 2022, to allow more time to assess the impact of rising COVID-19 cases. However, the Florida judge's ruling in April 2022 effectively ended the enforcement of the CDC's masking rules on U.S. flights and transit.

While masks are no longer required on domestic U.S. flights, they are still mandatory when travelling to and from Canada. The Canadian COVID-19 rules dictate that passengers must wear masks when arriving or departing Canada by plane.

A man was kicked off a Delta flight for refusing to wear a mask

Masks are required at the Salt Lake City International Airport. The airport's website states:

> Reminder: Face masks are required upon entering SLC International Airport today and after 4/10. Only ticketed passengers, employees, and those doing business at the airport are allowed to enter the facilities. We are working to keep everyone safe and appreciate your cooperation."

In November 2020, a man was kicked off a Delta Air Lines flight from Salt Lake City to San Francisco for refusing to wear a mask. 44-year-old Joshua Colby Council was arrested by the Salt Lake City Police Department and charged with disorderly conduct after refusing to wear a mask while boarding and sitting on the flight. According to a probable cause statement, Council bypassed the gate agent and began to walk down the jetway ramp without a mask. The agent followed him and requested that he put on a face covering due to COVID-19 policies, but Council refused and proceeded to board the aircraft.

The flight crew, including the captain, attempted to persuade Council to wear a mask, but he refused and became argumentative. Delta management ultimately decided that Council was "no longer welcome aboard the aircraft" and needed to be escorted off the plane. Police were called to assist, and all passengers had to disembark before Council finally agreed to leave the plane once it was empty. The incident caused a 45-minute delay for the flight.

In a statement to the media, Delta Air Lines apologized to customers for the delay and reiterated the importance of safety for its people and customers. Council is now banned from flying on Delta Air Lines due to his non-compliance with the mask mandate.

The mask mandate at SLC International Airport was lifted in 2025

As of 2024, masks are no longer required at Salt Lake City International Airport. This is due to a ruling from U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle in Tampa, Florida, who deemed the federal mask mandate on public transportation "unlawful" and exceeding the authority of U.S. health officials.

Prior to this ruling, masks had been a contentious issue at the airport, with some passengers refusing to wear them, resulting in delays and even removals from flights. The airport had signs posted throughout, requesting flyers to wear masks. The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) had also maintained a mask mandate for its buses and trains, even after the statewide mandate ended.

However, as of 2024, travellers like Sara France expressed relief at the end of the mandate, stating, "It was starting to feel silly wearing a mask at the airport when all other mandates had been lifted." France, a photographer who travelled consistently during the pandemic, welcomed the choice to make decisions regarding masks based on personal comfort and preference.

Despite the federal mandate being overturned, the Salt Lake City Airport still suggested that passengers continue to wear masks as recommended by the CDC. The airport continued to provide masks to those requesting them.

In 2025, the mask mandate at SLC International Airport was lifted, bringing an end to the debate and allowing travellers to make their own decisions about mask-wearing.

The Utah Transit Authority initially said its mask mandate was still in effect

Initially, the Utah Transit Authority maintained that its mask mandate would remain in place, even as the statewide mandate in Utah was lifted. This decision was in line with their commitment to following the CDC's guidelines, which recommended the continued use of face masks by all travelers and transportation employees. The Authority's tweet communicated this decision, emphasizing the priority placed on the safety of riders and employees.

However, the Utah Transit Authority's initial stance shifted just a day later. On Tuesday, they announced that the mask mandate was lifted, aligning with the changes in federal enforcement. This shift in policy meant that masks were no longer required for travelers using their services, including buses and trains.

The decision to lift the mask mandate was influenced by the ruling of U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle in Tampa, who argued that the mandate exceeded the authority of U.S. health officials. This ruling had a ripple effect across the country, impacting travel policies and sparking discussions about the continued need for masks in various settings.

While the Utah Transit Authority ultimately chose to lift its mandate, not everyone was comfortable with the idea. Some individuals expressed their concerns, stating that it was too soon to eliminate the mandate, especially considering the ongoing pandemic and the presence of individuals with lingering coughs and other health concerns.

The Utah Transit Authority's initial statement about maintaining the mask mandate reflected the complex and evolving nature of pandemic-related policies. While they intended to uphold the mandate to ensure the safety of their riders and employees, the subsequent shift in federal enforcement prompted a reevaluation and adjustment of their policies. This situation highlights the dynamic and challenging decision-making process that authorities faced during the pandemic.

SLC Airport has a mobile app for iOS and Android

As of April 2021, masks are required at SLC International Airport in Salt Lake City. This is in line with a TSA directive that mandates masks be worn over the mouth and nose at all US airports and on aircraft.

SLC International Airport has a mobile app for iOS and Android. The app provides information on how to navigate the airport, including directions to points of interest such as shops and restaurants. It also allows users to view security checkpoint wait times, track arrivals and departures in real-time, receive travel alerts, and find parking and shuttle information. Additionally, there is a separate app for iOS called the SLC Airport Shuttle Tracker, which allows users to track the shuttle bus in real-time, see bus stop estimates, and set reminders for bus arrivals.

The SLC Airport app includes the latest news and updates about the airport, and users can also get answers to their travel questions. However, some users have reported issues with the app, such as difficulty finding their current location and problems with the map function. There are also complaints about the lack of a tram system at the airport, which has made it exhausting for passengers to walk long distances, especially for those arriving on international flights.

Despite some negative reviews, the SLC Airport app can be a helpful tool for passengers looking to navigate the airport, find specific locations, and stay up-to-date with the latest travel information.

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