While traveling amid the pandemic is a breath of relief (considering the harsh lockdowns and the complete disassociation from the outside world), it still is a task to breathe through those masks. Worse if you’re traveling on one of those packed flights.
However, there may be some relief around the corner after all! While the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently extended the expiration date for masks on airplanes, a U.S. judge overturned a federal mandate in favor of the passengers.
Following suit, airlines including United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Alaska Airlines will no longer require travelers or employees to cover their faces on domestic and some international flights. Yes, you heard that right!
Further airlines such as JetBlue Airways Corp. made masks optional, stating, “In line with Monday’s federal court ruling and the TSA’s guidance, mask-wearing will now be optional on JetBlue within the U.S. While no longer required, customers and crew members may continue wearing masks in our terminals and onboard our aircraft.”
The CDC order was vacated on the grounds of lack of reasoning and the absence of taking public comment into consideration before issue. Commenting on it, an administration official said, “Today’s court decision means CDC’s public transportation masking order is not in effect at this time.”
He further added, “Therefore, TSA will not enforce its Security Directives and Emergency Amendment requiring mask use on public transportation and transportation hubs at this time.” The Association of Flight Attendants had also stated earlier that ‘the enforcement of the mandate has placed an incredible burden on flight attendants.”
While this could mean relief for airline employees as well as passengers, its effects on the spread of covid remain to be seen!
[Via: Executive Traveller]
