Airports And Masks: What's The Current Us Mandate?

As of April 2022, federal law no longer requires passengers to wear masks in US airports and on domestic flights. This decision was made by a federal judge in Florida, who ruled that the CDC's mask mandate was 'unlawful'. However, the CDC still recommends that individuals wear masks in crowded or tight spaces, such as airport jetways, and when passing through destinations with high levels of respiratory illnesses. Ultimately, the decision to wear a mask in US airports is now a matter of personal choice.

Mask mandates have been dropped in most US airports and airlines

On April 18, 2022, a federal judge in Florida struck down the U.S. airline mask mandate, which had been in place for over two years. This decision was made by U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle, who stated that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) failed to properly justify its mask order and did not follow the correct federal procedures when implementing it.

Following this ruling, major U.S. airlines, including American Airlines, Delta, United Airlines, Southwest, JetBlue, and Alaska Airlines, announced that masks would be optional for passengers and crew on domestic flights and in U.S. airports. However, it is important to note that some individual cities or states may still have mask mandates in place for their airports, and these mandates should be respected by travellers. For example, as of February 2023, masks are still required at Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport in New York due to current public health guidance.

While masks are no longer required on most U.S. airlines and in many airports, the CDC continues to recommend that individuals wear masks in indoor public transportation settings. This recommendation is supported by the White House, with spokesperson Jen Psaki stating that "public health decisions shouldn't be made by the courts. They should be made by public health experts."

Additionally, some airlines, such as Delta, continue to require masks on certain international flights, depending on the arrival country's requirements. Therefore, it is essential for travellers to stay informed about the specific requirements of their departure and arrival airports, as well as any layover locations.

The shift from mandatory to optional mask policies on U.S. airlines and in airports reflects a broader trend of mask mandates being lifted in various sectors, signalling a move towards personal choice and individual responsibility in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The CDC still recommends wearing masks in indoor public transportation settings

As of April 2022, federal law no longer requires passengers to wear masks in airports or on domestic flights in the US, and it is now up to individuals to decide whether to mask up. However, the CDC still recommends wearing masks in indoor public transportation settings.

The CDC's recommendations are based on the fact that travellers are always at a higher risk of catching COVID-19, as they move quickly through multiple places. The CDC's surveillance system, which collects samples from international travellers arriving at major US airports, found a 32.9% positivity rate for pooled samples in the first week of January 2023. The most common variant found in these travellers was JN.1, which is either more transmissible or better at evading immune systems than other variants.

The CDC recommends wearing a high-quality mask like an N95 when in crowded or tight spaces, such as on an airport jetway to board a plane, or when passing through a destination with high levels of respiratory illnesses. Masks add an extra layer of protection against contracting COVID-19 during air travel, and outbreaks on planes can still occur when some passengers are infected.

While it is no longer mandatory to wear a mask in US airports or on domestic flights, some people may still feel more comfortable doing so. Additionally, certain cities, states, and countries may still have their own mask requirements in place, so it is important to check local guidelines before travelling.

Some airlines still require masks on international flights

As of February 2023, masks are no longer required in airports or on board aircraft in the US. However, the CDC continues to recommend that travellers wear masks throughout their journey. While most airlines have dropped their mask mandates, some airlines still require masks on international flights.

American Airlines

American Airlines has dropped its mask mandate for domestic flights and select international flights. The airline recommends that passengers check the requirements of their destination country, as masks may still be required on international flights.

Delta

Delta no longer requires masks on its international or domestic flights. However, the airline advises passengers to bring a mask for international travel, as some destinations may require them based on local laws and regulations.

United Airlines

United Airlines has made masks optional on its flights, including select international flights. The airline states that masks are only required if mandated by the arrival country.

Southwest

Southwest Airlines has made masks optional for its employees and passengers. However, the airline encourages individuals to check the mask policies of their local airport when travelling, as certain cities, states, and countries may still enforce mask mandates.

JetBlue

JetBlue has lifted its mask mandate for passengers and crew members on its flights within the US. However, the airline recommends that passengers check the requirements of their destination, as masks may still be required on international flights.

While the above airlines have made masks optional on most of their flights, they still emphasise that passengers are welcome to wear masks if they prefer. Additionally, it is important to note that mask policies can change, and travellers should always check the latest requirements before their journey.

• Aer Lingus
• Aeromexico
• Air Canada
• Air France
• Air New Zealand
• All Nippon Airways (ANA)
• All airlines in China
• British Airways
• Cathay Pacific
• Emirates
• Iberia
• Icelandair
• Lufthansa
• Malaysia Airlines
• Pakistan International Airlines
• Qantas
• Qatar Airways
• Royal Jordanian
• Singapore Airlines
• South African Airways
• Turkish Airlines

Masks are no longer mandatory on buses and trains

In the United States, masks are no longer mandatory on buses and trains. This change came into effect following a ruling by U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle in Florida on April 18, 2022, which stated that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had exceeded its authority by enforcing a mask mandate on mass transportation.

Major airlines, including Southwest, Delta Air Lines, American, and United, have made masks optional, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has also ceased enforcing the mask rule at airports. Additionally, ride-hailing services such as Uber have also dropped their mask mandates for drivers and passengers, while Lyft has yet to issue any changes.

While masks are no longer required, the CDC still recommends that travelers wear masks throughout their journey, especially in crowded or tight spaces with poor ventilation, such as airport jetways, airplanes with the ventilation system turned off, and seaports. Similarly, the CDC states that wearing a high-quality mask or respirator is most beneficial when using buses and trains.

It is important to note that some cities and states may still have mask requirements in place. For example, as of December 2023, Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York City still required masks due to current public health guidance. Therefore, it is advisable to check the local requirements before traveling.

Some airports still enforce mask mandates

As of early 2022, federal law no longer requires passengers to wear masks in airports or on domestic flights in the US. However, some airports and airlines still enforce mask mandates.

For instance, Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York City maintained their mask mandates, in accordance with New York public health guidance. Similarly, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has several measures in place to ensure the safety of its guests, including requiring face coverings to be worn by everyone inside terminal areas.

Furthermore, while most airlines have dropped their mask mandates, some still require masks on certain routes. For example, while Delta has made masks optional for its employees and passengers, it notes that masks may still be required on some international flights, depending on the country's regulations. Likewise, Southwest Airlines mentions that masks may still be required in specific cities, states, and countries, encouraging individuals to check local airport policies before travelling.

Therefore, while mask mandates have been largely relaxed in US airports and on domestic flights, it is important to check the specific requirements of your departure and arrival airports, as well as the policies of the airline you are travelling with, as these may vary.

Frequently asked questions