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Yes, it's no longer mandatory to wear a face mask when on an airplane in the United States – but what about other travel situations? How about in the airport terminal, on a cruise, or on a train?
Just yesterday we reported that a federal judge in the state of Florida had overturned the U.S. government’s mask mandate for public transportation – which had been enforced across the nation throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
Therefore, with the mask mandate having now been thrown out by a U.S. judge – you are now officially no longer legally required to wear a face mask when on board an airplane in the United States.
However, with the news breaking less than 24 hours ago, it seems that there is some confusion as to what travel situations still require you to wear a face covering.
So, here at Travel Off Path, we have decided to put together this short article to try and answer some of the most frequently asked questions that people are wondering regarding the requirement to wear a face mask when traveling.
Do I Need To Wear A Mask In Airport Terminals?
No, there is no longer a legal requirement to wear a face mask when inside terminal buildings at airports throughout the United States.
Do I Need To Wear A Mask In Airport Lounges?
No, there is no longer a legal requirement to wear a face mask when inside an airport lounge that is located at a U.S. airport.
What If My Plane Is Flying To Europe or Canada?
There is no definitive answer to this question, however, if the country that you are traveling to has removed its mask mandate – then it is highly likely that the airline will not require you to wear a face mask.
We published an article just last week – which lists countries across the world that have removed mask mandates for travelers.
And, as you will see in the list, there are a number of popular European travel destinations for American travelers – including the likes of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Austria, and Croatia that no longer have mask mandates.
Therefore if you are traveling to the above nations – for example, with American Airlines – you will not be required to wear a face mask when on board your flight.
If flying to Canada, guests will have to wear a mask, likely once their flight has entered Canadian airspace, as the country still has a mandatory mask policy for flights, as well as in airport terminals.
We do recommend that you check with the airline that you are due to travel with to see if they have any requirements for passengers to wear a face mask.
Are There Any U.S. Airlines That Still Require You To Wear A Face Mask?
Following yesterday’s court decision to overturn the U.S. government’s mask mandate for domestic travel, five of the biggest airlines in the country have since released statements to say that they are now dropping their mask requirements for domestic flights.
Therefore, if you are traveling with the likes of United, Delta, Alaska, Southwest and American – you will no longer be required to wear a face mask on board their flights. Jetblue, Frontier and other U.S. airlines have since released their own statements today confirming the same.
We expect every U.S.-based airlines to make similar announcements within the next day or so.
For some international routes, however, there may still be a requirement for passengers to wear a face mask on board – so it is best to check with your airline to see whether there are any mask requirements relating to your destination country.
Do I Need To Wear A Mask On Board A Cruise Ship?
At this time there is no definitive answer to this question – with each cruise company having its own set of rules when it comes to requiring passengers to wear a face mask.
For instance, when on board a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, face masks are optional for guests that have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
However, if you are departing from a country that still has a legal requirement for you to wear a face mask in public places – for example, Singapore – then it is likely that the same rules will apply when on board your cruise ship.
Carnival also has its own set of rules when it comes to face masks – with passengers required to wear one during their cruise ship’s embarkation and debarkation.
We recommend checking with the cruise ship company that you are due to sail with to find out what their mask-wearing protocols are prior to traveling.
Do I Need To Wear A Mask When On A Train?
No, there is no longer a legal requirement to wear a face mask when traveling by train throughout the United States.
Do I Need To Wear A Mask When On A Bus?
No, there is no longer a legal requirement to wear a face mask when traveling on any public bus throughout the United States.
Do I Need To Wear A Mask When Traveling In An Uber?
No, there is no longer a legal requirement to wear a face mask when traveling by Uber or taxi in – and around – the United States.
What If I Still Want To Wear A Face Mask When Traveling?
Although the mandatory requirement to wear a face mask when traveling on public transport throughout the U.S. has now been lifted, passengers – of course – can still wear one if they wish to do so.
And, just as one of America’s largest airlines, Delta, said – in a statement released following yesterday’s announcement that the U.S. government’s mask mandate is no longer active – “Delta employees and customers may continue wearing masks if they so choose. Wearing a well-fitting mask protects the wearer, even if others around them are not wearing masks.”
Read more:
Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022
U.S. Mask Mandate For Airlines Overturned By Federal Judge
Masks Officially No Longer Required On Planes in the U.S.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Pete
Tuesday 19th of April 2022
They still require masks at New york Subway
Travellux
Wednesday 20th of April 2022
@Chris, today asked again and heard they aren’t legally required...more suggested. Not sure it matters now that a federal judge has spoken and the masses have been largely in agreement. As someone who wore a mask before it was suggested, and when it was in fact not, until found out through experience that it did not work-all for anyone who wants to wear one to keep theirs on! Lol
Chris
Wednesday 20th of April 2022
@Travellux, They’re still “required” on the subway but there’s zero enforcement and there never has been. MTA buses are a different story since the driver is right there and sees you when you board. This article needs to be updated, because it’s technically not true that you can ride “all” trains and buses in the US without a mask, when individual cities like New York still require them.
Travellux
Tuesday 19th of April 2022
@Pete, my friends in NYC say otherwise
Jackie
Tuesday 19th of April 2022
When will the US remove the testing requirement for resident/citizen returning to the US by air or land.
Kashlee Kucheran
Tuesday 19th of April 2022
There is no suspected date yet
HealthFreedom
Tuesday 19th of April 2022
Once again, Masks (and vaccines) should be PERSONAL, INFORMED CHOICE based on that individual's needs and risks.
NEXT - Eliminate the draconian, unrealistic (and may be costly or painful) Entry Testing requirement!