Salt Lake Airport: Masks Still Required?

As of April 2022, masks are no longer required at Salt Lake City International Airport. This follows a ruling from a federal judge in Florida, who deemed the federal mask mandate on public transportation to be unlawful. The airport still encourages mask-wearing and provides access to masks for travelers who request them. However, none of the major commercial airlines require passengers to wear masks on domestic flights.

Salt Lake City International Airport's mask mandate

As of April 2022, masks are no longer required at Salt Lake City International Airport. This follows a ruling from U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle, who stated that the federal mask mandate on public transportation is "unlawful".

Prior to this, in April 2021, the airport had confirmed that it would require mask-wearing beyond April 10, 2021, when Utah's mask mandate was set to end. At the time, the airport stated that it would continue to follow the CDC's guidelines, which required masks to be worn by all travellers into, within, or out of the U.S. The airport also noted that only ticketed passengers, employees, and those doing business at the airport were allowed to enter the facilities without masks.

Following the ruling in April 2022, the airport announced that masks are now optional, and signage about mandatory mask-wearing has been removed. The airport still encourages mask-wearing and provides access to masks for travellers who request them.

It is important to note that while masks may not be required at the airport or on flights within the United States, passengers travelling to select international destinations may still be required to wear masks, depending on the specific requirements of their destination.

Masks are now optional for travellers

As of April 2022, masks are no longer required at Salt Lake City International Airport. This follows a ruling from a federal judge in Florida, who deemed the federal mask mandate on public transportation to be "unlawful".

While Salt Lake City International Airport still encourages mask-wearing, it is now optional for travellers, and signage about mandatory mask-wearing has been removed. The airport will continue to provide masks to those who request them. None of the major commercial airlines currently require passengers to wear masks on domestic flights within the United States, although passengers travelling to select international destinations may still be required to wear a mask.

Prior to this ruling, masks were required at Salt Lake City International Airport, in line with federal requirements. Only ticketed passengers, employees, and those doing business at the airport were allowed to enter the facilities without a mask. The airport had initially planned to follow the CDC's guidelines, which required masks to be worn by all travellers into, within, or out of the U.S.

While masks are now optional for travellers at Salt Lake City International Airport, it is important to note that individual airlines may have their own policies regarding mask-wearing. Passengers are advised to check with their airline for the latest updates on travel requirements. Additionally, local regulations and guidelines for mask-wearing in public spaces should still be followed when travelling to and from the airport.

Signage about mandatory masks has been removed

As of April 2022, Salt Lake International Airport has dropped its mask mandate. This follows a ruling from a federal judge in Florida that the federal mask mandate on public transportation is "unlawful". The airport still encourages mask-wearing and provides access to masks for travellers who request them. However, signage and notices about mandatory mask-wearing near the terminals have been removed.

The airport's decision came after the TSA announced it would no longer enforce the mask mandate on public transportation and at transportation hubs. Major airlines, including Delta, United, Southwest, and Alaska Airlines, have also made masks optional for travellers. While masks are no longer required at Salt Lake International Airport, it is important to note that individual airlines may have their own policies regarding mask-wearing. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for updates about travel requirements.

Prior to this ruling, Salt Lake International Airport had been requiring masks for travellers in response to federal requirements. Only ticketed passengers, employees, and those conducting business at the airport were allowed to enter the facilities without masks. The airport had also limited entry to the airport during the pandemic, but as of July 2021, it was open to the public, with the requirement that masks be worn.

While masks are no longer mandatory at Salt Lake International Airport, it is worth noting that the CDC continues to recommend mask-wearing as a way to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The airport is following this recommendation and encouraging travellers to wear masks, even though they are not required. This approach balances the need for public health and safety with individual freedom and choice.

Masks are still provided for travellers who request them

As of April 2022, masks are no longer required at Salt Lake City International Airport. However, the airport still encourages mask-wearing and provides masks for travellers who request them. This is in line with the CDC's guidelines, which suggest that passengers continue to wear masks when travelling.

The airport's decision to make masks optional comes after a ruling from U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle, who stated that the federal mask mandate on public transportation is "unlawful." This ruling caused a shift in policies, with major airlines such as Delta, United, Southwest, and Alaska Airlines also announcing that masks are now optional for travellers.

While masks are no longer mandatory, it is worth noting that the airport still encourages their use. This is evident through their continued provision of masks for travellers who request them. The airport's spokesperson, Nancy Volmer, has emphasised their commitment to the safety and comfort of all individuals by stating that "nonticketed individuals are welcome back, as well as those who are meeting passengers."

The shift in mask policies at Salt Lake City International Airport is a reflection of the changing landscape of COVID-19 regulations and the efforts to balance public health and personal freedom. While some travellers express relief and excitement about the change, it is essential to be mindful of personal preferences and comfort levels regarding mask-wearing.

For travellers who feel more comfortable or prefer to continue wearing masks, the airport's provision of masks upon request ensures that they can still take precautionary measures. This accommodation allows travellers to make choices that align with their health and safety preferences, contributing to a more inclusive and considerate travel environment.

The U.S. District Judge ruled the mandate unlawful

On Monday, April 18, 2022, U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle ruled that the federal mask mandate on planes, trains, buses, and other modes of public transportation was "unlawful." The ruling came as a response to the Biden administration's national mask mandate on public transportation, which was initially set to expire on April 18 but was extended to May 3 to allow officials to study the BA.2 subvariant of COVID-19.

Judge Mizelle, appointed to the U.S. District Court by former President Donald Trump, stated that the mandate exceeded the CDC's statutory authority, improperly invoked the good cause exception to notice and comment rulemaking, and failed to adequately explain its decisions. She ordered that the "Court declares unlawful and vacates the Mask Mandate, remanding it to the CDC for further proceedings consistent with this order."

The ruling was met with mixed reactions. Some travelers expressed relief and excitement, feeling that wearing masks at airports had become unnecessary and burdensome, especially since other mandates had been lifted. However, the Biden administration, the Department of Justice, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) disagreed with the ruling. They stated their intention to appeal the decision, believing that the mandate was a valid exercise of the authority given to the CDC to protect public health.

Following the ruling, Salt Lake City International Airport, along with several other airports and airlines, made masks optional for passengers and employees. The airport in Salt Lake City removed signage and notices about mandatory mask-wearing near the terminals, and major commercial airlines no longer required masks on flights within the United States. However, passengers traveling to select international destinations were still required to wear masks, as per the regulations of their destinations.

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