Factbox: US Airlines Waives Mask Requirements for Passengers and Employees

April 18 (Reuters) – The Biden administration will no longer enforce the U.S. mask mandate on public transportation, after a federal judge in Florida ruled the directive illegal, nullifying a key enforcement effort. the White House to reduce the spread of COVID-19. read more

Airlines welcomed the move on Monday saying they would no longer require masks:

ALASKA AIRLINES (ALK.N)

“Face masks have been like boarding passes for almost two years: you couldn’t fly without one. But, as of today, masks are optional at airports and on board planes, effective immediately.”

“While we’re glad this means many of us get to see your smiling faces, we understand some may have mixed feelings. Please remember to be kind to one another and wearing a mask while traveling is still an option.”

AMERICAN AIRLINES (AAL.O)

“Face masks will no longer be required for our customers and team members at US airports and on domestic flights.

“Please note that face masks may still be required depending on local ordinances, or when traveling to/from certain international locations depending on country requirements.”

DELTA AIRLINES (DAL.N)

“Effective immediately, masks are optional for all airport employees, crew members and customers inside US airports and on board aircraft.”

“We are relieved to see the US mask mandate lifted to facilitate global travel as COVID-19 has transitioned into a common seasonal virus. The pandemic.”

UNITED AIRLINES (UAL.O)

“Effective immediately, masks are no longer required on United on domestic flights, select international flights (depending on the arrival country’s mask requirements), or at US airports.

“While this means our employees are no longer required to wear a mask, and no longer have to enforce a mask requirement for the majority of the flying public, they will be able to wear masks if they choose, as the CDC continues to strongly recommend.” wear a mask on public transport”.

JETBLUE (JBLU.O) “The use of face coverings will now be optional at JetBlue. While it is no longer required, customers and crew members can continue to wear face coverings in our terminals and on board our aircraft.”

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES (LUV.N) “Southwest employees and customers will be able to choose whether they would like to wear a mask, and we encourage people to make the best choice to support their personal well-being.”

AIRLINES FOR AMERICA (INDUSTRY TRADE GROUP)

“The high level of immunity and widespread accessibility to vaccines in the US, coupled with hospital-grade cabin air on aircraft, provide a strong science-based foundation for passengers to travel with confidence as that restrictions are lifted on our nation’s airlines.

“We look forward to welcoming millions of travelers back to the skies this summer to reunite with loved ones, attend conferences or take a vacation.”

Compiled by Rajesh Kumar Singh in Chicago, David Shepardson and Costas Pitas in Los Angeles; Edited by Heather Timmons, Stephen Coates, and Bernard Orr

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