After a federal judge struck down President Joe Biden’s public transportation mask mandate on Apr. 18, multiple airlines are making masks optional on their flights.
Six airlines announced on Apr. 18 that masking will now be optional: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines.
“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,” United Airlines announced in a statement.
“While we are glad this means many of us get to see your smiling faces, we understand some might have mixed feelings,” Alaska Airlines posted on their website. “Please remember to be kind to one another and that wearing a mask while traveling is still an option.”
Some airlines maintain that, while the majority of flights will be mask-optional, select flights may still enforce a mask policy. “Please note face masks may still be required based on local ordinances, or when traveling to/from certain international locations based on country requirements,” American Airlines said in a statement.
Passenger railroad service Amtrak also made an Apr. 18 announcement stating that masks would be optional for passengers and employees. “While Amtrak passengers and employees are no longer required to wear masks while on board trains or in stations, masks are welcome and remain an important preventive measure against COVID-19,” Amtrak said in a statement. “Anyone needing or choosing to wear one is encouraged to do so.”
