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The VARIETY File

The VARIETY File

The VARIETY File

Many U.S. Airlines Have Made Masks Optional During Flights

By Erica Banas // Rock Music Reporter

Following the overturning of the airplane mask mandate from the Biden administration, a number of United States-based airlines have issued statements saying masks are now optional while flying on their planes.

Scroll below to see which airlines have made masks optional and read their statements on the matter.

  • Alaska Airlines

    Alaska Airlines shared in a statement, “…our guests and employees have the option to wear a mask while traveling in the U.S. and at work…Safety is always our highest priority, so while we love to see your smiling faces in the airport and on board, we respect your decision to keep using this added layer of protection. Above all, we hope you’ll treat each other with kindness and respect throughout the travel journey and beyond. ”

    The airline also noted, “Guests must continue to wear masks on flights both to and from Canada. Masks must still be worn in airports within Belize, Canada, Costa Rica and Mexico.

  • American Airlines

    American Airlines shared, “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. Please note face masks may still be required based on local ordinances, or when traveling to/from certain international locations based on country requirements. In keeping with our commitment to creating a welcoming environment for everyone who travels with us, customers and team members may choose to continue to wear masks at their own discretion.”

  • Delta Airlines

    Delta Airlines said, in part, “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. Delta employees and customers may continue wearing masks if they so choose. Wearing a well-fitting mask –  such as a KN95 – protects the wearer, even if others around them are not wearing masks, according to our Chief Health Officer Dr. Henry Ting.”

    Delta added, “Local mask mandates in other countries may still be in effect. Additional updates will be provided as new information becomes available.”

  • JetBlue

    JetBlue said in a statement, “In line with Monday’s federal court ruling and the Transportation Security Administration’s guidance, mask wearing will now be optional on JetBlue. While no longer required, customers and crewmembers are welcome to continue wearing masks in our terminals and on board our aircraft. Regardless of the U.S. rule change, customers and crewmembers who are traveling internationally should always have a mask with them in case they continue to be required at their destination.” 

  • Southwest Airlines

    Southwest Airlines said, “…effective immediately, masks are no longer required onboard Southwest Airlines, or in most airports but certain cities, states, and countries may still require masks. We encourage individuals to make the best decision to support their personal wellbeing and to check local airport mask policies when traveling. Additionally, Southwest will continue supporting the comfort of those who travel with us by offering additional layers of protection, including sophisticated cabin air ventilation systems onboard our aircraft which incorporate HEPA air filtration that removes at least 99.97% of airborne particles.”

  • United Airlines

    United Airlines shared in a whimsical tweet, “Masks are no longer required on domestic flights, select international flights (dependent upon the arrival country’s requirements) or at U.S. airports. More comfortable keeping yours on? Go right ahead… the choice is yours (you look dino-mite either way)!”

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