The use of masks is no longer required by these US airlines.
Following a federal judge's ruling on Monday, several airlines issued statements changing their requirements.
After a federal judge overturned the requirement instituted by President Joe Biden's administration on Monday, several U.S. airlines announced plans to scrap mask mandates.
The policy was implemented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in February 2021, but U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle for the Middle District of Florida ruled it was "unlawful."
According to the administration's mandate, people must wear masks on planes, trains, buses, and other modes of public transportation. The mandate was set to expire on Monday, but the CDC pushed it back two weeks to May 3 due to concerns about a new surge in COVID-19 cases caused by the BA.2 subvariant.
American Airlines
“In accordance with the Transportation Security Administration no longer enforcing the federal face mask mandate, face masks will no longer be required for our customers and team members at U.S. airports and on domestic flights,” American Airlines said on its website.
“In keeping with our commitment to creating a welcoming environment for everyone who travels with us, customers and team members may choose to continue to wear masks at their own discretion,” it added.
Delta Air Lines
“Effective immediately, masks are optional for all airport employees, crew members and customers inside U.S. airports and on board all aircraft domestically, as well as on most international flights,” the airline said in its statement updated Tuesday.
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JetBlue
“In line with Monday’s federal court ruling and the Transportation Security Administration’s guidance, mask wearing will now be optional on JetBlue,” the airline said Monday. “While no longer required, customers and crewmembers are welcome to continue wearing masks in our terminals and on board our aircraft.”
The statement also said passengers and crew should have masks in case they travel outside of the United States at a destination where they are required.
United Airlines
Masks are no longer required on domestic United Airlines flights, select international flights (dependent upon the arrival country’s requirements) or at U.S. airports.
"More comfortable keeping yours on? Go right ahead… the choice is yours (you look dino-mite either way)!” the carrier tweeted Monday night.
Alaska Airlines
“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,” Alaska Airlines said Monday, while adding that customers traveling to and from Canada must continue wearing masks. The statement also said people need to wear masks in Canadian and Mexican airports.
Southwest Airlines
The Dallas-based carrier said in an updated statement on Monday that as a result of the decision, "effective immediately, masks are no longer required onboard Southwest Airlines or in most airports but certain cities, states, and countries may still require masks. We encourage individuals to make the best decision to support their personal wellbeing and to check local airport mask policies when traveling."
Hawaiian Airlines
As of April 18, masks are optional for both customers and employees on Hawaiian Airlines. "We advise travelers to stay informed and follow mask requirements that may remain in effect at their origin or arrival airports," the carrier wrote on its website.
Spirit Airlines
The low-cost carrier, which announced plans in February to combine with Frontier Airlines, says that face masks are now optional for both customers and crew. "For our Guests traveling internationally, please remember to check country-specific airport requirements before traveling," the airline tweeted on Tuesday.
Frontier Airlines
“To mask or not to mask, the choice is yours," the carrier tweeted early Tuesday. "Masks are now optional on domestic flights, however, certain airports or countries may still require masks, so check the policy at your destination prior to departure and we’ll see you in the sky."