Confusing news out from the TSA: mask mandates are no longer in effect. In a federal court ruling on Mon. Apr. 18, Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle voided the mask mandate that required passengers to wear face coverings on airplanes, trains, buses and other public transportation, citing that the CDC “had exceeded its legal authority under the Public Health Services Act of 1944,” per the New York Times.
Despite the move coming as the country continues to loosen restrictions, the lifting of the mandate comes just one week after the CDC pushed back the rule until May––leaving passengers confused. The ruling left the enforcement of masks in the hands of individual airlines. Keep reading to see what the major carriers are saying about their own policies.
Alaska Airlines
"Face masks have been like boarding passes for nearly two years — you couldn’t fly without one. But, as of today, masks are optional in airports and onboard aircraft, effective immediately," shared Alaska Airlines.
American Airlines
In a statement on Monday, American Airlines stated "American Airlines has prioritized the health and safety of its team members and customers throughout the pandemic and has supported the federal government’s measures to slow the spread of COVID-19. In accordance with the Transportation Security Administration no longer enforcing the federal face mask mandate, face masks will no longer be required for our customers and team members at U.S. airports and on domestic flights."
Delta
Delta has shared "Effective immediately, masks are optional for all airport employees, crew members and customers inside U.S. airports and on board all aircraft domestically, as well as on most international flights."
Frontier Airlines
Frontier shared their policy via tweet, "To mask or not to mask, the choice is yours. Masks are now optional on domestic flights, however, certain airports or countries may still require masks, so check the policy at your destination prior to departure and we'll see you in the sky."
JetBlue Airways
"In line with Monday’s federal court ruling and the TSA’s guidance, mask wearing will now be optional on JetBlue within the U.S.," tweeted JetBlue.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest's new policy as of Monday is "Effective immediately, Southwest Employees and Customers will be able to choose whether they would like to wear a mask on flights, at domestic airports, and at some international locations."
Spirit Airlines
"Face coverings are now optional for Spirit Team Members & guests onboard our flights following the federal court ruling and TSA G=guidance," tweeted Spirit Airlines.
United Airlines
United Airlines tweeted "Masks are no longer required on domestic flights, select international flights (dependent upon the arrival country's requirements) or at U.S. airports. "
It’s important to note that while the enforcement of mask wearing is no longer in effect, all passengers can continue to wear their own face covering if they choose.
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