Travel Advisory: Masks Still Required At Phl Airport

As of 2025, masks are required at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) for both travellers and staff. This mandate was implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and has been in place since 2020, with some changes over time.

Masks are required inside all PHL airport terminals

The Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) requires all individuals to wear masks covering their mouth and nose while inside the airport terminals. This rule does not apply when individuals are eating or drinking, or when they are alone in offices. The airport provides free cloth masks at information desks for passengers who may need them.

The airport utilises digital screens, printed signage, and floor decals to encourage travellers to abide by the face-covering rules. PHL security personnel and staff are responsible for enforcing these rules. Additionally, the airport has implemented social distancing measures, such as decals on floors and reminders at bathroom entrances, moving walkways, kiosk lines, and escalators.

The mask mandate at PHL is in accordance with Philadelphia's indoor mask requirements and the City of Philadelphia's Department of Health mandate, which requires masks in all public indoor settings. This mandate is expected to remain in place for the duration of the coronavirus outbreak.

Masks are not required on planes

As of April 2022, masks are no longer required on domestic flights to and from Philadelphia International Airport, also known as PHL Airport. This is because a federal judge struck down federal requirements for travellers to wear masks on public transit, leaving it up to local authorities to decide on transit masking rules.

While masks are not required on planes, they are still mandatory inside PHL's airport terminals. This is in accordance with Philadelphia's indoor mask mandate, which requires masks to be worn in all indoor public spaces in the city. The airport has free masks available for anyone who needs them.

Philadelphia's indoor mask mandate was reinstated on April 18, 2022, in response to rising COVID-19 case counts. The mandate applies to all public indoor settings in the city, including planes, trains, buses, taxis, and ride-share vehicles. However, masks are not required in outdoor settings on airport property or when individuals are eating or drinking.

It is recommended to keep a face mask handy when travelling, as requirements can change rapidly. While masks may not be required on board domestic flights, they may still be required based on local ordinances or when travelling to and from certain international locations due to country-specific requirements.

Masks are not required in outdoor settings on airport property

As of April 2022, masks are required inside all airport terminals at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). This is in accordance with Philadelphia's indoor mask mandate. However, it's important to note that these requirements can change rapidly as local and federal COVID-19 guidelines evolve.

Previously, in June 2021, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) amended its face mask mandate, stating that fully vaccinated individuals did not need to wear masks in outdoor settings on airport property. This included outside drop-off areas and parking garages. However, as soon as individuals entered the airport or boarded a plane, they were required to wear face masks unless they were eating or drinking.

While the specific mandates may change over time, it's clear that Philadelphia International Airport has taken measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. These measures have included requiring masks in indoor settings and encouraging social distancing through signage and floor decals.

So, to clarify, masks are not required in outdoor settings on airport property at PHL. However, it's always a good idea to keep a face mask handy, as requirements can change, and different airlines may have their own policies.

Masks are not required when eating or drinking

As of April 2022, masks are required inside all airport terminals at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). This is in accordance with Philadelphia's indoor mask mandate. However, masks are not required when eating or drinking.

The City of Philadelphia reinstated indoor masking on April 18, 2022, in response to rising COVID-19 case counts. This mandate applies to all public indoor spaces in the city, including airport terminals. While the federal government no longer requires masks on planes and in airports, local regulations must still be followed.

PHL's decision to require masks was announced on April 18, 2022, after a federal judge struck down federal requirements for masks in transportation settings. The airport's policy is based on a May 2020 emergency regulation that mandates masks at the airport and is in line with the city's Department of Health mandate.

While masks are generally required inside PHL's terminals, there are a few exceptions. Masks are not required when individuals are eating or drinking or when they are alone in offices. Free masks are available at PHL information desks for those who need them.

Free masks are available at PHL information desks

As of April 22, 2022, face masks are encouraged but no longer mandated inside Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). However, guests and staff may choose to continue wearing masks, and free masks are available at PHL information desks for anyone who needs one.

While masks are not required inside the airport, they may still be required at your destination, so it is a good idea to keep a face mask handy. Free cloth masks are available at the PHL information desks for passengers who have forgotten theirs.

Until April 18, 2022, masks were required inside PHL terminals due to a city mandate. This was in response to rising COVID-19 case counts. The federal judge's decision to strike down federal requirements for masks in transit settings left it up to local authorities to decide on masking rules.

Previously, a federal mandate enforced by the TSA required masks to be worn inside airports and on planes across the country until September 13, 2021. However, fully vaccinated individuals were not required to wear masks in outdoor settings on airport property, including outside drop-off areas and parking garages.

As of June 11, 2021, the City of Philadelphia no longer required fully vaccinated people to wear masks in most indoor settings and outdoors. However, masks were still required in certain indoor settings, such as planes, trains, buses, taxis, and ride-share vehicles.

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