Several Major US Airlines Drop Mask Mandate Following Court Ruling

On Monday, major US airlines removed their mask requirements after a federal judge threw out the Biden administration’s transportation mask mandate, lifting the restrictions against the Coronavirus in nearly two years.

The White House said that the CDC’s public transportation mask order was no longer in effect after U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle found unconstitutional travel mask mandates. While the verdict is being examined, TSA will not implement the law on public transportation and transportation hubs.

So far, the following airlines have implemented their own rules and requirements for wearing a mask:

• Delta Airlines has stated that employees and customers  “may continue wearing masks if they choose.”
• United Airlines stated that “Masks are no longer required on domestic flights, select international flights (dependent upon the arrival country’s requirements) or at U.S. airports.”
• Alaska Airlines said, “guests and employees can wear a mask while traveling in the U.S. and at work.”
• JetBlue said, “mask-wearing will now be optional,” so customers and employees can choose on their own. Additionally, the airlines said those traveling internationally “should always have a mask with them if they continue to be required at their destination.”
• American Airlines announced that “Face masks will no longer be required for our customers and team members at U.S. airports and on domestic flights,” but noted that masks may still be required based on local ordinances and may differ internationally.
• Southwest said employees and customers “will be able to choose whether they would like to wear a mask on flights,” adding, “We encourage individuals to make the best decision to support their wellbeing.” The company noted that they would still support those wanting to wear a mask “by offering additional layers of protection,” including its cabin air ventilation systems with HEPA air filtration.
• Frontier announced that “Masks are now optional on domestic flights; however, certain airports or countries may still require masks, so check the policy at your destination before departure, and we’ll see you in the sky.”