Spokane Airport Mask Mandate: What You Need To Know

As of April 2022, masks are not required at Spokane International Airport. However, passengers are encouraged to check with their airline for any specific requirements, as some airlines such as Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air have implemented rules requiring guests to wear masks during flights. Additionally, the Spokane Regional Health District has encouraged the use of face masks when social distancing of six feet or more cannot be maintained.

Masks are not required at Spokane Airport

Masks are not required at Spokane International Airport. However, it is important to note that individual airlines operating from the airport may have their own rules regarding masks and passengers are encouraged to check with their airline for any specific requirements. For example, Alaska Airlines and its subsidiary Horizon Airlines, which operate from Spokane International Airport, have implemented a rule requiring guests to wear a face mask or covering during flights.

The airport's policy regarding masks is in contrast to some other airports in the region, such as Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Portland International Airport, which have mandated that all visitors, passengers, and airport workers wear face coverings in public areas. These requirements may also be in effect during TSA screening processes.

The varying policies across airports and airlines can be attributed to the different measures implemented by counties and states to fight the spread of the coronavirus. While some regions have mandated masks in public settings, others have only encouraged their use when social distancing cannot be maintained.

It is worth noting that while masks may not be required at Spokane International Airport, health officials often recommend wearing masks in indoor public transportation settings, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Passengers are advised to stay updated with the latest guidelines and recommendations from health authorities and airports to ensure compliance with the most current regulations.

Masks may be required on the flight

As of April 2022, masks are not required at Spokane International Airport. However, it is important to note that individual airlines may have their own rules and requirements regarding masks and it is recommended that passengers check with their specific airline before travelling. For example, Alaska Airlines and its subsidiary Horizon Airlines have implemented a rule requiring guests to wear a face mask or covering during flights.

Even if the airport of departure does not require masks, the airport of arrival may have different rules and regulations in place. For instance, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Portland International Airport have both mandated the use of face coverings for everyone at the airport, including travellers and employees. Therefore, passengers arriving at these airports from Spokane would need to comply with the mask requirements upon arrival.

It is worth noting that the Biden administration and public health officials still recommend the use of masks in indoor public transportation settings, even if they are not mandated. This is due to the ongoing efforts to prevent the spread of coronavirus and its variants, such as the BA.2 omicron subvariant.

To summarise, while masks may not be required at Spokane International Airport, it is important for travellers to check the specific requirements of their airline and the airports of arrival and departure, as these may vary. Staying informed about any updates to mask policies is essential for ensuring a smooth travel experience.

The SRHD encourages masks when social distancing is not possible

As of May 19, 2020, the Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) has not mandated that masks be worn in public settings at Spokane International Airport. However, the SRHD encourages travellers to wear masks when social distancing of six feet or more cannot be maintained. This means that, while masks are not required at the airport, individual airlines may have their own rules in place. For example, Alaska Airlines and its subsidiary Horizon Airlines have implemented a rule requiring guests to wear a face mask or covering during flights.

The SRHD's guidance is in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, which has resulted in varying policies and requirements for masks and social distancing across airports in the Inland Northwest and the United States. While domestic air travel has continued, many industries have experienced complete shutdowns. The SRHD's encouragement of mask-wearing when social distancing is not possible is a measure to help prevent the spread of coronavirus and protect the health and safety of travellers and employees at Spokane International Airport.

The SRHD's recommendation to wear masks when social distancing is not possible aligns with guidelines from other health organizations and transit authorities. Public Health – Seattle & King County, for instance, recommends that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings. Similarly, the CDC had recently extended the mask mandate for public transportation until May 3, 2022, to allow for further study of the BA.2 omicron subvariant of the coronavirus. However, a federal judge in Florida struck down this mandate, and the Biden administration announced that masks would be optional while the ruling is reviewed.

As a result, Spokane International Airport and other airports across the country have been left to decide their own policies regarding masks. While masks may not be required at Spokane International Airport, travellers are encouraged to check with their specific airline for any mask requirements or other COVID-19-related protocols. This is particularly important as arrival airports may have different rules and requirements in place, and passengers may need to adjust their behaviour accordingly when travelling between states or counties.

In summary, while masks are not mandated at Spokane International Airport, the SRHD encourages their use when social distancing is not possible to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. This guidance is in line with recommendations from other health organizations and reflects the dynamic nature of COVID-19 policies and protocols across the United States. Travellers are advised to stay informed about the latest requirements and guidelines to ensure safe and responsible travel.

Alaska Airlines requires masks for guests and employees

Masks are not required at Spokane International Airport. However, some airlines operating out of the airport, such as Alaska Airlines, have implemented rules requiring guests to wear masks during flights.

Alaska Airlines was one of the first airlines to implement a mask rule, with the policy being introduced at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline's vice president of safety, Max Tidwell, stated that:

> In light of COVID-19, we're in a new era of air travel and are continually updating our safety standards to better protect our guests and employees. For now, this includes wearing masks, which is another layer of protection that can reduce the spread of the virus.

The airline also implemented other safety and social distancing measures, such as enhanced cleaning on flights, the use of electrostatic sanitizing spray to disinfect aircraft interiors, and limiting the number of passengers on board.

Masks may be required at the arrival airport

Masks are not required at Spokane International Airport. However, as of May 2020, the airport has been "coordinating with the Spokane Regional Health District and our tenants" regarding coronavirus procedures. While the SRHD has not mandated that masks be worn in public settings, it has encouraged the use of face masks when social distancing of six feet or more cannot be maintained.

It is important to note that individual airlines operating at Spokane Airport may have their own mask policies. For example, Alaska Airlines and its subsidiary Horizon Airlines have implemented a rule requiring guests to wear a face mask or covering during flights. Therefore, passengers are advised to check with their airline for any specific requirements.

Additionally, the airport recommends that outbound travellers check the requirements of their destination state or country, as these may differ from those at Spokane Airport. For instance, as of May 2020, travellers arriving at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport were required to wear face coverings, regardless of the requirements at their departure airport.

While masks may not be mandatory at Spokane Airport, it is always a good idea to carry one with you when travelling, as requirements can change quickly and vary between different forms of transportation and locations.

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