AIR TRAVEL
Several air carriers welcomed the move to drop mask mandates on April 18.
The airlines have issued the following statements about their 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.
‘While we are glad this means many of us get to see your smiling faces, we understand some might have mixed feelings. Please remember to be kind to one another and that wearing a mask while traveling is still an option.’
American Airlines
‘Face masks will no longer be required for our customers and team members at U.S. airports and on domestic flights.
‘Please note face masks may still be required based on local ordinances, or when traveling to/from certain international locations based on country requirements.’
Delta Air Lines
‘Effective immediately, masks are optional for all airport employees, crew members and customers inside U.S. airports and onboard aircraft.’
‘We are relieved to see the U.S. mask mandate lift to facilitate global travel as COVID-19 has transitioned to an ordinary seasonal virus. Thank you for your support in complying with the federal mask mandate and keeping each other, and our customers, safe during the pandemic.’
United Airlines
‘Effective immediately, masks are no longer required at United on domestic flights, select international flights (dependent upon the arrival country’s mask requirements) or at U.S. airports.
‘While this means that our employees are no longer required to wear a mask – and no longer have to enforce a mask requirement for most of the flying public – they will be able to wear masks if they choose to do so, as the CDC continues to strongly recommend wearing a mask on public transit.’
JetBlue
‘Mask wearing will now be optional on JetBlue. While no longer required, customers and crew members are welcome to continue wearing masks in our terminals and on board our aircraft.’
Frontier Airlines
‘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.’
Southwest Airlines
‘Southwest employees and customers will be able to choose whether they would like to wear a mask, and we encourage individuals to make the best decision to support their personal wellbeing.’
AIRPORT TERMINALS
TSA no longer requires face masks on public transportation and in transportation hubs.
Several major airports – including Denver, Seattle-Tacoma, Raleigh-Durham, Miami, Portland and all three DC area airports – have confirmed that they will no longer be enforcing mask requirements.
Most airports seem to be following the new ruling, however, San Francisco has said it ‘will continue to comply with the current TSA security directive on masks until we hear otherwise from TSA.’
Chicago’s O’Hare airport also said Tuesday it was keeping its mask mandates in place, citing an Illinois executive order requiring face coverings.
‘The safety and security of passengers and employees is the highest priority for the Chicago Department of Aviation. The CDA will continue to follow, observe and enforce all guidance by federal, state and local health and security authorities.’
It is unclear if NYC’s two airports are continuing to impose the rule, although travelers on social media have suggested that the rule is no longer in place.
Passengers should check the local requirements at their departure and arrival airports before traveling as requirements may vary.
TRAIN TRAVEL
The US has dropped mask mandates for all trains nationwide.
In wake of the ruling, national train line Amtrak relaxed mask restrictions effective immediately.
Amtrak said in a statement that ‘masks are welcome and remain an important preventive measure against COVID-19. Anyone needing or choosing to wear one is encouraged to do so.’
RIDE SHARES
Uber has made face masks optional for drivers and riders across the US.
The ride hailing app said in a statement Tuesday morning: ‘As of April 19, 2022, riders and drivers are not required to wear masks when using Uber.
‘However, the CDC still recommends wearing a mask if you have certain personal risk factors and/or high transmission levels in your area.
‘Remember: many people still feel safer wearing a mask because of personal or family health situations, so please be respectful of their preferences. And if you ever feel uncomfortable, you can always cancel the trip.’
Uber is the first ride share company to rescind its mask mandate.
Lyft also rescinded its mask policy, saying: ‘We know that everyone has different comfort levels, and anyone who wants to continue wearing a mask is encouraged to do so. As always, drivers or riders can decline to accept or cancel any ride they don’t wish to take.’
BUSES
Megabus announced Tuesday that masks will no longer be required for drivers or passengers across the US.
‘The CDC still recommends wearing a mask while on public transit and we encourage customers to make the choice that makes sense for them.
‘Please be mindful that masks may still be required while traveling through the bus stations we serve. We are extremely thankful for everything our employees and customers did to keep each other safe over the course of the pandemic.
Nationwide bus carrier Greyhound has also rescinded its mask mandate, saying: ‘Face masks on all our buses and facilities is optional.
Greyhound will require masks on cross border trips until Canada and Mexico remove their requirements. They will also be required if mandated by local municipalities.
Local transit authorities in several major cities, including DC, have already lifted restrictions.
However, some cities, such as NYC, have opted to keep their mask mandates in place, following CDC guidance and local ordinances.
Travelers should check with their local bus system before boarding without a face covering.