Boston Airport Mask Rules: What You Need To Know

As of April 2022, masks are no longer required at Boston Logan International Airport. This decision was made by Massachusetts officials following a federal judge's ruling that voided the national mandate for masks on public transportation. The Transportation Secretary and CEO Jamey Tesler stated that while these face-covering requirements are being lifted, we remind travellers that masks are welcome if people choose to wear them. It is important to note that masks may still be required on international flights, so passengers are advised to check with their airline before travelling.

Masks are no longer required on MBTA vehicles or properties

As of April 19, 2022, masks are no longer required on MBTA vehicles or properties. This decision was made following a U.S. District Court judge's ruling on the previous day, which voided the national mask mandate on airplanes and other public transportation.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), the MBTA, and the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) jointly announced the updates to masking requirements. The mandate has been lifted for all MBTA customers on MBTA vehicles and properties, including stations and facilities. However, masks will still be required for riders using The RIDE paratransit services and some Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs).

MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak stated that individuals who feel more comfortable wearing a mask should continue to do so. He also assured the public that the MBTA remains committed to safety and will continue adhering to CDC and Massachusetts' public health guidance. The MBTA will continue to implement regular cleaning and sanitization measures, as well as upgrade air filtration systems.

While masks are no longer mandatory on MBTA vehicles and properties, the CDC still recommends that individuals wear masks in indoor public transportation settings. It is important to stay informed about the latest guidelines and recommendations from official sources, such as the CDC and local health authorities.

Face coverings are still welcome at Boston Airport

As of April 19, 2022, face coverings are no longer required at Boston Logan International Airport. This decision was made by Massachusetts officials following a federal judge's ruling that voided the national mandate for masks on public transportation.

However, it is important to note that the decision to wear a mask remains a personal choice. Face coverings are still welcome at Boston Airport, and travellers are reminded that they are free to wear masks if they choose to do so. This reminder is in line with the airport's commitment to safety and adherence to public health guidance.

The change in policy applies to all areas within the airport, including the security checkpoints in each terminal (A, B, C, and E). It is worth noting that TSA PreCheck and CLEAR expedited security screening services are available in these terminals as well.

While masks are no longer mandatory at Boston Airport, it is recommended that passengers travelling internationally remain aware of the entry requirements at their destination. Some international flights and destinations may still have specific requirements for mask-wearing, so passengers are encouraged to check with their airline and destination for any relevant updates.

Additionally, Boston Airport continues to implement robust cleaning programmes and regularly upgrades its air filtration systems to ensure the safety and well-being of travellers.

The original mandate was extended by the CDC

The original mandate requiring masks in Boston's Logan International Airport was extended by the CDC. The mandate was initially set to expire on Monday, but the CDC extended it for two additional weeks, until May 3, 2022. The CDC extended the mandate to study the latest COVID-19 subvariant and curb the spread of the virus, which travels through the air.

The CDC's extension of the original mandate was short-lived, however, as a day later, on April 18, 2022, a U.S. District Court judge voided the national mask mandate on airplanes and other public transportation. The ruling stated that the CDC had exceeded its authority, and the mandate was deemed unlawful.

Following this ruling, Massachusetts officials announced that masks would no longer be required on the MBTA or at Logan International Airport. This decision was made to align with federal guidance and maintain consistency regarding face coverings. While masks were no longer mandatory, officials emphasised that individuals could continue wearing them if they preferred.

The CDC's original mandate, extended to May 3, was thus superseded by the court ruling, which resulted in the removal of the mask mandate at Logan International Airport and other transportation hubs in Boston.

The mandate was dropped after a federal judge voided it

On April 18, 2022, U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle in Tampa, Florida, voided the national mandate requiring people to wear masks on airplanes, buses, and other public transportation. The mandate was dropped as Judge Mizelle ruled that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had overstepped its authority by extending the mandate through May 3. The CDC had extended the mandate to study the latest COVID-19 subvariant, BA.2 omicron, which was responsible for the majority of cases in the U.S. at the time.

The CDC's mask mandate, which was announced in January 2021, was the target of months of lobbying from airlines and travel industry officials who sought to kill it. They argued that modern planes have effective air filters that make the transmission of the virus during a flight highly unlikely. The mandate was also opposed by Republicans in Congress.

The voiding of the mandate resulted in a confusing travel environment, with some companies immediately dropping their mask requirements while others waited for further clarification. Major U.S. airlines, including United, American, Southwest, Delta, and Alaska, announced that masks would be optional on domestic flights and in airports. However, they noted that certain requirements might still apply onboard international flights.

Following the federal ruling, transportation officials in Massachusetts announced that masks would no longer be required on the MBTA and in airports. This included Boston's Logan Airport, where signs regarding masks were taken down. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), MBTA, and the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) lifted the mandate for MBTA vehicles, MBTA properties, Conley Terminal, and the Logan Express service. However, masks were still required on the RIDE paratransit service and some Regional Transit Authorities.

While the mandate has been lifted, travelers are reminded that they are welcome to wear masks if they choose to do so.

International flights may still require masks

As of April 19, 2022, masks are no longer required at Boston Logan International Airport, following a federal judge's ruling that voided the national mask mandate for public transportation. This ruling was made a day after a US District Court judge in Florida struck down the CDC's order, deeming it unlawful as the CDC had exceeded its authority.

While masks are no longer mandatory, travellers are welcome to continue wearing them if they choose to. Major airlines, including JetBlue, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines, have made masks optional for employees and passengers on domestic flights.

However, for those travelling on international flights, it is important to note that masks may still be required. Massport CEO Lisa Wieland advised:

> There may still be certain requirements onboard international flights, so we would encourage those passengers to check with their airline and destination.

Similarly, JetBlue noted that customers and crew travelling internationally should still carry a mask in case it is required at their destination. Therefore, if you are travelling through Boston Airport on an international flight, it is recommended that you check the requirements for your specific airline and destination to ensure you are prepared.

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