Airports And Masks: Are They Still Mandatory?

As of January 2023, most airlines have dropped their mask mandates, leaving it up to passengers to decide whether or not to wear a mask. However, individual airlines and countries may have their own policies, and masking remains a requirement on some international flights. For example, as of 2023, Iberia and Vueling, two Spanish airlines, still require masks on board. Similarly, Cathay Pacific, the flagship carrier of Hong Kong, mandates masks be worn at all times inflight except when passengers are eating or drinking. China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines, two of the largest airlines in the world, also continue to enforce mask mandates onboard. Thus, while mask requirements have been relaxed in many places, it is important to check the regulations for your specific airline and destination before travelling.

Mask mandates at airports and on planes are unlikely to make a comeback, according to experts

Mask Mandates at Airports and on Planes: What to Know

The Current State of Mask Mandates

As of April 2022, a federal judge in the US struck down the federal transportation mask mandate, leaving airlines and airports to decide on their mask policies. This led to a shift towards a mask-optional policy by major airlines and airports. Similarly, in Europe, a recommendation by the European Union advised countries to remove the mask mandate on airplanes and in airports, with individual airlines making their own policies. However, masking remains mandatory on some international flights and varies depending on the destination country.

Expert Opinions on the Comeback of Mask Mandates

Despite an uptick in COVID-19 hospitalizations, experts suggest that mask mandates on planes are unlikely to return. Dr. Saskia Popescu, an epidemiologist, attributes this to several reasons: the pandemic is no longer in an emergent state, cases are not as high as before, and public sentiment towards mask mandates has changed. Dr. Leana Wen, a public health professor, also believes it is "extremely unlikely" for federal mask requirements to return due to the availability of vaccines and treatments that reduce hospitalization and death risks.

Recommendations for Travelers

While mask mandates may not be reinstated, health authorities like the CDC continue to recommend mask-wearing during travel, especially for those at higher risk of becoming seriously ill. The CDC emphasizes that masking is a critical tool to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases and protect oneself and others. Additionally, the CDC suggests that individuals who prioritize avoiding infection should consider wearing well-fitting masks, such as N95 or equivalent, in airports, on flights, and in crowded indoor settings.

The Future of Masking

Although the future is uncertain, the current consensus among experts and authorities suggests that mask mandates at airports and on planes are not likely to be reimposed. However, individuals are still encouraged to make personal choices regarding mask-wearing, especially when in close contact with others or when their immune system is compromised.

The CDC recommends wearing masks in crowded areas with poor ventilation, like airports and airplanes

While the U.S. federal government has lifted the mask mandate on public transportation, including airlines, the CDC continues to recommend wearing masks in crowded areas with poor ventilation, such as airports and airplanes. This is especially important for individuals who are at increased risk for severe illness or have a weakened immune system.

In addition to wearing a mask, travellers can take other precautions to reduce their risk of infection. This includes choosing a high-quality mask or respirator, reducing touchpoints at the airport, washing or sanitizing hands frequently, and maintaining distance from others whenever possible.

The risk of infection can vary depending on the destination and the ventilation of the airport and airplane. Spending long periods in crowded and poorly ventilated areas, such as during travel, increases the chance of exposure to respiratory diseases. Additionally, being indoors in inadequate ventilation increases the risk of infection compared to being outdoors.

By wearing masks in crowded areas with poor ventilation, such as airports and airplanes, travellers can help protect themselves and others from respiratory infections, including COVID-19.

Individual airlines in Europe make their own policies, and masking remains a requirement on some international flights

While masking rules in Europe have been relaxed, individual airlines continue to make their own policies, and masking remains a requirement on some international flights.

Iberia

Iberia is one of the few airlines in Europe that still requires masks for passengers. This Spanish airline mandates that all travellers over the age of six wear a mask on board their flights. Iberia flies to destinations in Europe, North America, and South America and carries over 20 million passengers per year.

Vueling

Vueling, another Spanish airline, requires masks on all flights originating in or flying to Spain and Portugal. Masks are mandatory for passengers aged six and up.

Air France

Air France recommends masks for passengers aged six and older, and they may be required depending on the departure or destination country.

British Airways

British Airways no longer requires masks except when flying to or from a destination where masking is mandatory. On these routes, British Airways mandates masking onboard. They provide a convenient chart indicating whether masks are required in-flight and in the terminal for each country they fly to.

Lufthansa

While Lufthansa no longer requires masks, the German carrier advises passengers to check the regulations at the airports on their journey, as mask-wearing may still be mandatory at some airports and on selected flights.

TAP Air Portugal

Masks are no longer required on TAP Air Portugal flights unless mandated by the origin or destination country.

Finnair

Finnair has made masks optional unless required by the origin or destination country.

SAS

The Scandinavian airline SAS no longer requires masks on board except for flights to and from China.

Other Airlines

Even airlines that do not have a mask mandate may require passengers to wear a mask if their country of origin or final destination requires it. For example, Delta Air Lines makes masks optional for international travel except where masks are required by applicable governments. Therefore, it is essential to check the requirements for your specific airline and route before travelling.

Some airlines that fly in South America still mandate masks

While most airlines ended their mask mandates in early 2022, some airlines that fly in South America still require passengers to wear masks on flights.

Iberia, a Spanish airline that flies to destinations in Europe, North America and South America, still requires all passengers over the age of six to wear a mask on board.

Vueling, another Spanish airline, also requires masks on all flights to and from Spain and Portugal for passengers aged six and over.

Copa Airlines, one of the most popular airlines in Latin America, still requires all passengers over the age of two to wear masks on board.

In 2023, several airlines around the world continued to require masks on flights

In 2023, some airlines continued to implement enhanced health and safety measures, such as thorough cleaning and disinfection of aircraft, providing passengers with health and sanitation kits, and encouraging social distancing during boarding and deplaning. Additionally, many airlines resumed full meal services and reopened airport lounges with safety protocols in place.

While mask mandates on flights were relaxed in some regions, wearing a mask, especially a high-filtration mask like an N95 or KN95, remained a reliable way to decrease the chances of catching COVID-19 or other respiratory infections while travelling. Experts recommended wearing masks in crowded spaces like airports and planes, as they could help protect against various viruses, including influenza and RSV.

Frequently asked questions