U.S. Travel Update: Mask Mandate No Longer in Effect
On Monday, April 18, 2022, the Federal mask mandate ended for travelers going through public transportation hubs. This update will make face coverings optional in airports, airplanes, trains, and other public transport centers in the U.S.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) released this update on April 18, “Due to today’s court ruling, effective immediately, TSA will no longer enforce its Security Directives and Emergency Amendment requiring mask use on public transportation and transportation hubs. TSA will also rescind the new Security Directives scheduled to take effect tomorrow.”
Many U.S.-based travel companies revised their mask-wearing policies due to the new guidance. The following are updated guidelines and statements made by these organizations:
Alaska Airlines: Masks are optional in airports and onboard aircraft, effective immediately. Due to a judicial decision in our federal court system, the mask mandate has been overturned, which means our guests and employees have the option to wear a mask while traveling in the U.S. and at work. Note: Guests must continue to wear masks on flights to and from Canada.
American Airlines: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people wear a face mask in indoor public transportation settings, but they aren’t required to be worn in airport settings or on your flight unless an individual jurisdiction has these requirements. We recommend checking the cities/countries you’re traveling to/through/from for the latest updates and travel requirements.
Amtrak: 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.
Delta Airlines: Transportation Security Administration will no longer enforce the federal mandate requiring masks in all U.S. airports and o board aircraft. Effective immediately, masks are optional for all airport employees, crew members, and customers inside U.S. airports and onboard all aircraft domestically and on most international flights. Delta employees and customers may continue wearing masks if they so choose.
Frontier Airlines: Masks are now optional on domestic flights. However, certain airports or countries may still require masks, so check the policy at your destination before departure.
JetBlue Airlines: 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.
Lyft: Wearing a mask is now optional for everyone in the car. Riders and drivers are no longer required to keep the front seat empty or the windows open. While riders and drivers can always cancel any ride they don’t wish to take, health safety reasons – like not wearing a mask – will no longer appear as cancellation options in the app.
Southwest Airlines: Southwest Employees and Customers will be able to choose whether they would like to wear a mask on flights, at domestic airports, and some international locations. We encourage individuals to make the best decision to support their personal wellbeing.
Spirit Airlines: Face coverings are not optional for Spirit team members and guests onboard our flights following the federal court ruling and TSA guidance. We understand some guests may want to continue wearing face coverings on flights, and that’s perfectly fine under our optional policy.
Uber: As of April 19, 2022, riders and drivers are not required to wear masks when using Uber. However, the CDC still recommends wearing a mask if you have certain personal risk factors and/or high transmission levels in your area.
United Airlines: Masks are no longer required at United on domestic flights, select international flights (dependent on the arrival country's mask requirements), or U.S. airports.
Do cruise lines currently have an onboard mask requirement?
Most cruise lines have lifted the requirements for masks while onboard for vaccinated guests. However, most cruise lines require children not eligible for the vaccine to wear masks during the onboard kid's programs and indoors. In addition, some ports of all are still requiring masks.
Be sure to check with the cruise line directly about their policy for your ship and sailing.
I am traveling soon. Will I need to wear a mask?
We recommend checking in with your cruise line, airline, or transport provider directly before your trip for the most up-to-date information on mask requirements. You may also consult with your travel advisor, who can provide you with the needed information on health and safety requirements. If you are traveling outside of the United States, we strongly recommend seeking out this information before departure.
All travelers (and employees working in travel-focused organizations) may continue to wear face coverings should they choose to do so.
This is a breaking news update. We will continue to share additional information as it becomes available.
Latest Update: April 21, 2022
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