Airlines in the U.S. leaped into action on Monday immediately following news that the travel mask mandate in the U.S. has been struck down by a Florida judge, and the Biden administration has no plans to challenge the ruling.
Monday, 18APR, a federal judge in Florida issued a ruling that the CDC’s directive requiring masks on public transportation was unlawful and exceeded its legal mandate.
Mask wearing on airplanes, vessels and trains was a cornerstone of the Biden administration’s efforts to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
However, following the judge’s ruling, administration officials confirmed to media that the White House would not challenge the ruling, and furthermore, that the TSA would not be requiring masks in American airports.
The White House had been under increasing pressure to drop all pandemic-related restrictions around air travel. During the pandemic, as Open Jaw has reported, ‘air-rage’ incidents have soared, with the TSA, airlines, and aircrew unions indicating that mask-wearing triggered many of the altercations.
Almost immediately, all major U.S. carriers dropped their own masking rules for domestic flights and also for certain international flights.
“Be Kind”
Observers and social media had mixed feelings about the mask-free-for-all, with many saying they still intend to protect their health on flights with masks - and experts recommending it.
Airlines’ statements when lifting their mask mandates seemed to reflect the divide between the two camps.
“As of today, masks are optional in airports and onboard aircraft, effective immediately," said a statement from Alaska Airlines.
"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."
"Please note face masks may still be required based on local ordinances, or when traveling to/from certain international locations based on country requirements," added American Airlines’ statement.
Perhaps anticipating that even with the mandate dropped, contentious mask incidents were still a risk, United Airlines noted that its aircrew, “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."
Statements by Southwest Airlines and JetBlue echoed the optional nature of mask wearing for both pax and crew, with Southwest adding, “We encourage individuals to make the best decision to support their personal wellbeing."
