John Glenn Airport's Mask Mandate: What You Need To Know

John Glenn Columbus International Airport is located 6 miles (9.7 km) east of downtown Columbus, Ohio. The airport was formerly known as Port Columbus International Airport and was renamed in honour of astronaut and four-term U.S. senator John Glenn. Face masks were previously required inside the airport and on shuttle buses in response to rising coronavirus cases. However, as of April 2022, a federal judge's ruling has made masks optional at the airport and on Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) buses. While masks are no longer mandated, some individuals may still choose to wear them, especially in crowded spaces, to reduce the risk of getting sick. It is recommended to check with specific airlines as they may have their own mask requirements. Additionally, the airport advises passengers to arrive at least 90 minutes before domestic flights and two hours before international flights.

John Glenn Columbus International Airport's mask mandate

As of April 19, 2022, masks are no longer required at John Glenn Columbus International Airport, following a federal judge's ruling that struck down the US mask mandate for planes and public transportation. The ruling came after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) extended the mandate to May 3, 2022, to study the emerging BA.2 omicron subvariant of COVID-19.

The Columbus Regional Airport Authority had previously announced that face coverings would be required at John Glenn Columbus International Airport and Rickenbacker International Airport in response to rising coronavirus cases and in alignment with state, county, and city mandates. Passengers were also required to wear masks on airport shuttle buses.

Now, while masks are optional at John Glenn Columbus International Airport, the CDC still encourages their use. It is recommended that passengers check with their specific airline to see if they still require masks onboard. Some airlines, including United, American, Southwest, Delta, Alaska, and Allegiant, have dropped their face mask requirements.

John Glenn Columbus International Airport, located 6 miles east of downtown Columbus, Ohio, is a primarily passenger airport. It offers 148 non-stop flights to 31 airports daily and has one terminal with three concourses and 29 usable gates. The airport was formerly known as Port Columbus International Airport and was renamed in 2016 to honour astronaut and four-term US senator John Glenn.

Coronavirus cases and mandates

As of April 19, 2022, masks are no longer required at John Glenn Columbus International Airport or on Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) buses after a federal judge struck down a mandate requiring masks on public transportation nationwide. The mandate had been extended to May 3 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to allow more time to study the emerging BA.2 omicron subvariant of COVID-19. However, the federal judge in Florida voided the US mask mandate, stating that it exceeded the CDC's authority.

The Columbus Regional Airport Authority had previously announced that face coverings were required at the airport and on airport shuttle buses in response to rising coronavirus cases and in alignment with state, county, and city mandates. Anyone not wearing a face covering who did not declare an exemption could be denied service or asked to leave the airport.

While masks are now optional at the airport, the CDC still encourages their use. It is recommended that passengers check with their specific airlines to see if they still require masks onboard. Following the ruling, many airlines, including United, American, Southwest, Delta, Alaska, and Allegiant, immediately dropped their face mask requirements.

The airport, located 6 miles east of downtown Columbus, Ohio, primarily serves passenger flights, providing 148 non-stop flights to 31 airports daily. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many routes were canceled or reduced, but demand for air travel grew again in mid-2021 as restrictions lifted. In spring 2023, the airport prepared for a record travel summer, matching pre-pandemic traffic levels. In late 2024, construction began on a new terminal building, which is slated for completion in 2029.

The airport's shuttle buses

John Glenn Columbus International Airport is located 6 miles (9.7 km) east of downtown Columbus, Ohio. It is a primarily passenger airport, providing 148 non-stop flights to 31 airports daily. The airport is managed by the Columbus Regional Airport Authority, which also manages Rickenbacker International Airport and Bolton Field.

In response to rising coronavirus cases, the Columbus Regional Airport Authority had previously announced that face coverings would be required at John Glenn Columbus International Airport and on airport shuttle buses. However, after a federal judge struck down the mandate requiring masks on public transportation, masks are now optional at the airport and on its shuttle buses. While masks are no longer mandatory, the CDC still encourages their use.

Passengers are advised to check with their specific airline to see if masks are still required onboard their flights. Following the ruling, several airlines, including United, American, Southwest, Delta, Alaska, and Allegiant, immediately dropped their face mask requirements.

It is recommended that passengers arrive at least 90 minutes before departure for domestic travel and two hours before departure for international travel.

The airport's history

John Glenn Columbus International Airport, formerly known as Port Columbus International Airport, is located 6 miles (9.7 km) east of downtown Columbus, Ohio. The airport was renamed in honour of astronaut and four-term U.S. senator John Glenn in 2016.

During World War II, the U.S. Navy took over most of the facility and established Naval Air Station Columbus in 1942. NAS Columbus closed and the facility was returned to civilian control in 1946. During the war, the government also established a government-owned aviation factory on the airport grounds, known as Air Force Factory 85, which produced several aircraft, including the F-100 Super Sabre and the RA-5 Vigilante.

In 1958, a new $12 million terminal building opened, and jet airline flights began in 1964. The airport underwent a $70 million renovation in 1979, which upgraded its capacity to 250 flights per day and added what is now known as Concourse B. In 1989, a second, $15.5 million, seven-gate south concourse (now Concourse A) was dedicated.

The airport was the home base of Skybus Airlines, which operated from 2007 to 2008 and touted itself as the cheapest airline in the United States. In 2021, Startup Breeze Airways selected Columbus as one of its launch destinations, and the airline added additional routes from the airport in 2023. In the same year, the airport prepared for a record travel summer, matching pre-COVID-19 pandemic traffic levels.

As of 2024, the airport has one terminal with three concourses and 29 usable gates. A new terminal building is currently under construction and is slated for completion in 2029.

The airport's security and screening process

As of April 2022, wearing a face mask at John Glenn Columbus International Airport is optional, although it is still encouraged by the CDC. Prior to this, the airport enforced a mask mandate in response to rising coronavirus cases, aligning with state, county, and city mandates.

The security and screening process at airports is an extensive and thorough procedure, designed to ensure the safety of passengers and staff. The process involves multiple stages, each with specific protocols, to identify and mitigate potential threats.

One of the key steps is the screening of passengers and their belongings. This typically involves passing through metal detectors or advanced imaging technology scanners. For those who cannot or prefer not to use these methods, hand searches are offered, conducted by an officer of the passenger's chosen gender. This search can be performed in private, with the passenger accompanied by a witness of their choice.

Passengers with medical conditions or devices, such as pacemakers or cochlear implants, are advised to inform security officers beforehand, as they may be exempt from certain screening procedures. However, alternative screening methods, such as visual inspections or X-rays, may be employed in these cases.

Another critical aspect of the security process is the prevention of prohibited items from being brought on board. This includes items that may pose a security threat or those that could cause inconvenience or harm if misused. Passengers are advised to familiarise themselves with the list of prohibited items to streamline the screening process.

Additionally, passengers are encouraged to report any suspicious activities or unattended bags and packages. This proactive approach empowers travellers to play a vital role in maintaining the security of the airport and their fellow passengers.

The screening process may also involve the inspection of electronic devices, and passengers are advised to arrive early to accommodate this. Furthermore, certain locks on checked baggage may need to be cut open for inspection, although some "master" keys are available to TSA officers to open specific locks without damage.

Overall, the security and screening process at airports, including John Glenn Columbus International Airport, is a comprehensive and dynamic system, adapting to evolving threats to ensure the safety of all individuals passing through.

Frequently asked questions