Airports And Masks: What's The Current Mandate?

As of February 2023, masks are no longer required in most US airports and on board aircraft. However, some airports, such as Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York City, still have mask mandates in place. The CDC still recommends that travellers wear masks throughout their journey, and some airlines, such as Delta, continue to make masks optional for employees and customers. Outside of the US, mask mandates vary depending on the country and airline. For example, Air France and Lufthansa still require masks for all passengers, while Jet2 and Norwegian flights have made masks optional.

US airports and airlines that still require masks

As of April 2022, masks are no longer required in US airports or on board aircraft. However, the CDC still recommends that travellers wear masks throughout their journey, and some airports and airlines have kept their mask mandates in place.

US airports that still require masks

Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York City are two major exceptions to the rule that masks are no longer required in US airports. This is because the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which governs these airports, has said that the mask mandate remains in effect due to local health regulations.

US airlines that still require masks

Some airlines, such as Air France and Lufthansa, will continue to require masks for all passengers on board flights due to local regulations. Masks are also required on other Lufthansa group carriers, including Austrian and Brussels Airlines. However, it is important to note that most major US airlines, including United, Delta, and American, have removed their own face mask mandates.

International flights and foreign airports that still require masks

As of February 2023, masks are no longer mandated in US airports or on board aircraft. However, some international flights and foreign airports still require masks. While the CDC recommends that travellers wear masks, it is important to check the specific requirements of your airline and the airports you will be travelling through before your flight.

Some airlines that still require masks include Iberia, Air France, Lufthansa, and Cathay Pacific. Lufthansa requires an approved negative Covid-19 PCR test result (no older than 48 hours) and a doctor's signature on their medical certificate form for an exemption. Air France and Lufthansa will continue to require masks for all passengers due to local regulations. Similarly, masks are required on other Lufthansa group carriers, including Austrian and Brussels Airlines. Masks are also required on some international flights, such as those to France and Germany. Cathay Pacific, a Hong Kong-based airline, requires masks to be worn at all times inflight, except when eating or drinking.

For flights to and from the US, the rules are stringent, and all passengers aged two and over are required to wear masks for the duration of the flight. If you are travelling to, from, or within Italy, Austria, and Germany, an FFP2 certified mask is required, and cloth masks are not allowed.

Some foreign airports that still require masks include John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York City. These airports are governed by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which has kept the mask mandate in place due to local health regulations.

Exemptions from wearing masks in airports and on flights

As of February 2023, masks are no longer required in US airports or on board aircraft. However, some airports, such as Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York City, still have mask mandates in place. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which governs JFK and LaGuardia airports, has stated that the mask mandate remains in effect at these airports due to local health guidance.

Some airlines, such as Delta, have updated their policies to make masks optional for employees and customers inside US airports and on domestic flights. However, masks may still be required on international flights, depending on the arrival country's regulations. For example, Air France, Lufthansa, and EgyptAir still require masks for all passengers on board due to local regulations.

It is important to note that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has made provisions for individuals who cannot safely wear a mask. Travelers under the age of 2, those with disabilities that prevent them from wearing a mask, and those for whom wearing a mask poses a risk to workplace health, safety, or job duties are exempt from the face mask requirement.

While mask mandates have been lifted in most places, it is still recommended to wear a mask in crowded or tight spaces with poor ventilation, such as on aeroplanes when the ventilation system is off. Ultimately, the decision to wear a mask depends on personal preference and an individual's level of comfort and safety.

The CDC's recommendations on wearing masks in airports and on flights

As of April 2022, masks are no longer required in most US airports and on many US airlines. This is because a federal judge in Florida struck down the US airline mask mandate, and the White House said it would no longer enforce it. However, the CDC still recommends that travellers wear masks throughout their journey, and some airlines and airports are still enforcing the use of masks.

The CDC recommends that all people—passengers and workers alike—properly wear a well-fitting mask or respirator in indoor public transportation settings and transportation hubs. This includes airports, stations, airplanes, trains, buses, and other forms of public transportation. Wearing a mask in these settings will provide protection for the individual and the community, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated locations.

The CDC's recommendation is based on the currently available data, including an understanding of domestic and global epidemiology, circulating variants, and their impact on disease severity and vaccine effectiveness. The CDC also encourages operators of public transportation and transportation hubs to support mask-wearing by all people, including employees.

It is important to note that some airlines and airports may still have their own mask mandates in place. For example, as of April 2022, masks are still required at John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport in New York City. Additionally, some international flights may require masks depending on the arrival country's requirements. Therefore, it is recommended to check the specific requirements of your airline and the airports you will be travelling through before your flight.

The impact of the Florida federal judge ruling on US mask mandates

On April 18, 2022, a federal judge in Florida struck down the US airline mask mandate, which had been in place for over two years. This ruling was made as COVID-19 cases were in decline, and many people had already stopped wearing masks. The White House stated that it would no longer enforce the mandate.

Following this ruling, most US airlines and airports dropped their mask mandates. Major airlines, including United, Delta, American, and Southwest, immediately removed their mask requirements. However, some airlines, such as Air France and Lufthansa, continue to require masks for all passengers on board due to local regulations. Similarly, while masks are no longer required in most US airports, some airports, such as Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA), have kept their mask mandates in place due to local health regulations.

The Florida judge's ruling had a significant impact on public health measures and policies across the US. It curtailed the ability of public health authorities to respond to the pandemic, especially as the number of new COVID-19 cases was rising again in the country. Public health experts expressed concern that the ruling would set a precedent that undermines the authority of public health agencies and hampers their ability to address health emergencies.

The Biden administration initially announced its intention to appeal the ruling, but only if the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) decided that extending the mandate was necessary. However, as of February 2023, masks are no longer required in US airports or on board aircraft. The CDC still recommends that travelers wear masks throughout their journey, especially in crowded or tight spaces with poor ventilation.

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