Airports In New York: Masks Still Required?

As of April 2022, masks were still required in New York airports, including John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport, due to local health guidance. This was despite a federal judge in Florida voiding the national mask mandate for airplanes and public transportation. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey stated that they would continue to follow the guidance of local public health authorities regarding mask mandates. However, the mask mandate has since been lifted for Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. As of January 2025, New York City still has a blanket public transit mask mandate in place, which includes airports.

Masks are required in New York airports due to local health guidance

As a result, masks are still required at LaGuardia Airport and JFK International Airport, two of the busiest airports in the country by passenger volume. The New York Subway system and the PATH Train into and out of New Jersey will also continue to require masks. These requirements are in place to protect public health and slow the spread of COVID-19.

The mask mandate in New York airports is in contrast to the policies of many major U.S. airlines, which have removed their own face mask mandates following the federal judge's ruling. Additionally, Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, another major metro-New York hub, has lifted its mask mandate following additional public health guidance from the state.

The varying rules across different airports and modes of transportation can cause confusion for travellers, who may need to adjust their mask-wearing habits depending on their specific itinerary. It is important for travellers to stay updated on the latest guidance and requirements for their specific destinations and modes of transportation.

Until New York's rules change, travellers in the state may experience multiple mask rule changes during a single trip, depending on their airport and destination. For example, a passenger flying out of JFK or LaGuardia may need to wear a mask inside the airport but can remove it once they have boarded their flight.

Masks are required on New York public transit

As of April 2022, masks are required on New York public transit. This includes the New York Subway system, the PATH Train into and out of New Jersey, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority system (subway and commuter rail trains, and buses). Masks are also required in taxis, Ubers, and Lyfts.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which governs all airports, bridges, tunnels, bus terminals, and trains in the New York metro area, has stated that it will continue to follow the guidance of local health authorities regarding mask mandates. As a result, masks are still required at some New York airports, including John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA). These airports are two of the most popular US airports by passenger volume.

The mask mandate also applies to other New York facilities, including the Port Authority Bus Terminal, New York Stewart International Airport, and the World Trade Center Oculus Transportation Hub.

The requirement to wear masks on public transit in New York is due to the presence of COVID-19 variants causing an increase in cases and hospitalizations in the state. This mandate will remain in effect until further notice.

It's important to note that these rules can change quickly, and it is always a good idea to carry a few spare masks when travelling.

Masks are not required on flights to/from New York

As of April 2022, masks are no longer required on flights to or from New York. This change came about after a federal judge in Florida struck down the federal mask mandate for planes and public transit. The White House initially stated that it would appeal the ruling if the CDC decided that there was a public health basis for trying to reinstate the mandate. However, the CDC chose not to pursue this course of action, and the White House announced that it would no longer enforce the mandate while it is under review.

This ruling has resulted in a patchwork of mask rules and regulations across the country, with some states and cities continuing to enforce mask mandates in certain settings. For example, in New York, masks are still required in some transportation hubs, including John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA). These airports are governed by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which has stated that it will continue to follow the guidance of local public health authorities regarding mask mandates.

The situation is similar in other forms of transportation in New York City. Masks are required on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority system, which includes subway and commuter rail trains, and buses. They are also required in taxis, Ubers, and Lyfts. However, masks are no longer required on Uber and Lyft rides outside of New York City, and some other forms of transportation, such as the Amtrak rail system, have also lifted their mask mandates.

The lifting of the federal mask mandate has caused confusion for travellers, who now need to navigate a complex web of varying local and state regulations. For example, someone taking mass transit to the airport in New York City may experience multiple mask rule changes during their journey, depending on their destination and the airport they are flying from. This situation is further complicated by the fact that individual businesses can still choose to require masks, and international travel may be subject to different rules and regulations.

Overall, while masks are not required on flights to or from New York, the situation regarding mask mandates remains complex and evolving. Travellers are advised to stay up-to-date with the latest guidance and be prepared to wear a mask in certain settings.

Masks are required in New York taxis, Ubers, and Lyfts

As of April 2022, masks are required in New York taxis, Ubers, and Lyfts. This is due to local New York state rules, which override Uber's policy of allowing passengers to ride without a mask. New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that masks are still required on public transit and in certain other settings in the state. This includes state-regulated healthcare settings, adult care facilities, correctional facilities, domestic violence shelters, and all forms of public transport.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which governs airports, bridges, tunnels, bus terminals, and trains in the New York metro area, has also stated that it will continue to follow the guidance of local health authorities regarding mask mandates. As a result, masks are still required at some of the busiest airports in the region, including John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport.

The situation regarding masks on public transportation in New York is subject to change, and it is recommended to check for the latest updates before travelling. However, as of January 2025, masks are still required on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority system, which includes subway and commuter rail trains, and buses, as well as in taxis, Ubers, and Lyfts.

These requirements are in place due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with New York state officials citing the presence of COVID-19 variants and increasing cases and hospitalizations as reasons for maintaining the mask mandate in certain settings. The mask mandate in New York taxis, Ubers, and Lyfts is therefore a public health measure intended to curb the spread of COVID-19 and protect the safety of both riders and drivers.

It is important to note that while masks may no longer be mandated in some places, individuals may still choose to wear them for personal or health reasons. Additionally, businesses, including ride-sharing companies, may have their own policies and guidelines regarding masks, which may change over time as the pandemic situation evolves.

Masks are required in some New York transportation hubs

As of April 2022, masks are still required in some transportation hubs in New York, including airports, despite a federal judge in Florida overturning the federal mask mandate for planes and public transit. The White House has said it will not enforce the mandate while it is under review.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which governs all airports, bridges, tunnels, bus terminals, and trains in the New York metro area, has stated that the mask mandate remains in effect for some New York facilities due to local health guidance. This includes John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport, two of the busiest airports in the country by passenger volume. The Port Authority has said it will continue to follow the guidance of New York and New Jersey public health authorities regarding mask mandates.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has also announced that masks are still required on public transit, in airports, and in certain other settings in the state. This includes buses and bus stations, trains and train stations, subways and subway stations, and airports. The governor's announcement comes in response to the increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in the state due to two variants.

In New York City, masks are required on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority system, which includes subway and commuter rail trains, and buses, as well as taxis, Ubers, and Lyfts. Masks are also required in some of the city's major transportation hubs, including the Port Authority Bus Terminal and the World Trade Center Oculus Transportation Hub.

These mask requirements may change, so it is important to stay updated with the latest guidance from local health authorities and transportation providers.

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