Roberta Aguirre
As of a federal court ruling in Florida in 2023, the Transportation and Security Administration (TSA) said it could no longer enforce the mask mandate on public transportation and transportation hubs, including airports. This means that many airlines across the United States have dropped their mask mandates, and passengers are no longer required to wear masks in airports or on flights. However, it's worth noting that some regional authorities have kept mask mandates in place, and when travelling internationally, it is likely that masks will be required in airports and on flights. The CDC continues to recommend that individuals aged two and older wear masks in these settings, and it is considered a good gesture to fellow passengers.
When will airports not require masks?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | The US |
| Date | After 26 September 2024 |
| Reason | A federal court ruling in Florida |
| Applicable to | All major US airlines |
| Exceptions | Some regional authorities, such as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in New York City, have kept the mandate in place |
| International flights | Masks may still be required on international flights and in foreign airports, depending on the destination country |
| Children | Children under the age of 2 are usually exempt from wearing masks |
| Medical exemption | Passengers with a medical exemption must arrive at the airport early and pass a "Clearance-to-Fly" test |
| CDC recommendation | The CDC continues to recommend that individuals aged 2 and older wear a well-fitted mask on public transportation and in transportation hubs |
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What You'll Learn
Federal court ruling in Florida
On April 18, 2022, US District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump, struck down the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) mandate for travelers on planes, trains, taxis, buses, and other forms of public transportation. The 59-page ruling stated that the mandate, introduced by the Biden administration in January 2021, exceeded the CDC's powers.
In the hours after the ruling, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki was unable to confirm whether the federal mask mandate for travelers remained in place. However, after deliberation, administration lawyers determined that the mandate was no longer in effect, and the government could not enforce it. The CDC also emphasized that it was not enforcing the ruling.
As a result, several major US airlines, some public transit authorities, and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft, announced that masks were no longer required for passengers. However, it is important to note that while the federal government will no longer enforce the mandate for airlines and mass transit, some regional authorities have chosen to maintain their mask requirements, including the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in New York City.
The ruling by Judge Mizelle was influenced by a lawsuit filed by a little-known nonprofit organization, two Florida women with anxiety who claimed they were unable to travel while wearing masks, and Leslie Manookian, a former Wall Street analyst and founder of an anti-Covid-regulation nonprofit. This confluence of factors contributed to the demise of the federal transportation mask mandate, which is currently being appealed by the Biden administration.
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TSA no longer enforcing mask mandate
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is no longer enforcing its Security Directives and Emergency Amendment, which required mask use on public transportation and transportation hubs. This includes airports, commercial aircraft, over-the-road buses, and commuter bus and rail systems.
The TSA's decision came after a federal court ruling in Florida, which saw US District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle strike down the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) mask mandate for travellers. The mandate, introduced in January 2021, was deemed to exceed the CDC's powers.
As a result, several major US airlines have dropped their mask mandates. However, passengers may still need to pack a mask when flying internationally, as many airports and countries still require masks to be worn in their terminals and on public transportation. For example, some regional authorities in the United States, such as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in New York City, continue to require masks on their buses, subways, and commuter rails.
It is recommended that passengers review the requirements and safety measures of the specific airline and country they are travelling to before their flight.
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International travel and connecting flights
As of September 2024, major US airlines have dropped their mask mandates following a federal court ruling in Florida. The ruling means that masks are no longer required in airports and on flights within the US. However, if you are travelling internationally, it is still a good idea to bring a mask as many countries and airlines around the world still require passengers to wear masks in airports and on planes.
If you need to catch a connecting flight outside of the US, you will likely need to wear a mask on board the plane. Be sure to check with your airline for its mask policies before travelling. Many countries, especially in Europe and Asia, require masks on public transport, including taxis, trains and buses. Failure to do so could result in a fine.
Some countries have additional requirements for air travellers. In China, for example, masks are required on planes, and gloves are recommended. Your body temperature will be measured when you enter the airport and again before boarding the plane. South African Airways requires that children over 5 and adults must have a negative PCR test taken 72 hours prior to departure for all international flights, and must complete a "Traveler Health Questionnaire" on arrival.
International travel testing requirements have been a significant deterrent to international travel. While several countries have dropped pre-travel testing requirements for fully vaccinated travellers, there is no published end date for the requirement to obtain a negative COVID-19 test to fly to the US from abroad. This requirement will remain in place until it is rescinded or when health officials declare the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency.
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Regional authorities keeping mandates in place
While federal law no longer requires passengers to wear face masks on domestic flights, some regional authorities are keeping mandates in place. For instance, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in New York City continues to require masks on its buses, subways, and commuter rails. Denver International Airport (DEN) also requires all visitors and passengers to wear face coverings while at the airport, in accordance with Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock's public health order.
Some airlines are also keeping mask mandates in place, depending on the destination country. For example, British Airways mandates masks on flights traveling to or from a destination where masking is still mandatory. Iberia, the Spanish carrier, still requires masks onboard, and LATAM requires masks on domestic flights within Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador. Singapore Airlines requires masks when traveling to or from destinations that require face masks. Emirates also mandates masks when traveling from or transiting through Dubai International, where the mask rules of the destination apply.
It is important to note that while the federal government may not enforce the mask mandate for airlines and mass transit, individual airlines and regional authorities may have their own policies in place. Therefore, it is recommended to check the specific requirements of your airline and destination before traveling.
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CDC still recommends masking in airports
As of April 2024, the CDC still recommends masking in airports, on airplanes, and other forms of public transportation. However, following a federal court ruling in Florida, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said it could no longer enforce the mandate, leaving the decision to require masks up to individual airlines.
As a result, major US airlines, including Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air, have made masks optional for passengers and crew. However, passengers banned from flying due to non-compliance with previous mask mandates remain restricted. Additionally, some regional authorities, such as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in New York City, continue to require masks on their buses, subways, and commuter rails.
When traveling internationally, it is essential to check the local requirements of your destination country and the policies of the specific airline you are flying with. Many countries, particularly in Europe and Asia, still require masks on public transportation and in airports. Even if not mandated, some people may feel more comfortable continuing to wear masks, especially in crowded spaces like airports.
It is recommended to stay updated with the latest travel advisories and guidelines, as the situation remains fluid, and health and safety measures may be adjusted as needed. The CDC, for instance, has previously extended the federal transportation face mask requirement in response to an increase in COVID-19 cases.
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Frequently asked questions
Following a federal court ruling in Florida, the Transportation and Security Administration (TSA) said it could no longer enforce the mask mandate on public transportation and transportation hubs. This means that masks are no longer required in airports, but it's still a good idea to pack one if traveling internationally as many airports around the world still require that passengers wear a face mask while in their terminals.
Federal law no longer requires passengers to wear face masks on domestic flights, so it is up to the individual to decide. However, if you need to catch a connecting flight outside the United States, it's likely you'll need to wear a mask on board the airplane. Check with your airline for its mask policies before traveling.
This depends on the country. Many countries, particularly in Europe and Asia, require that passengers wear masks in taxis and on board buses and trains. Failure to do so could result in a fine. Check the U.S. State Department’s detailed COVID-19 travel information and country-specific advisories, which are regularly updated and include information about mask policies.
