End of mandatory mask wearing on board US airlines

Several American airlines have announced that the mask will no longer be mandatory, at least on their domestic flights. Magistrate Kathryn Kimball Mizelle, who sits in Tampa, Florida, found in her decision that the US Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), the main federal health agency, had overstepped its prerogatives by imposing this obligation, which applies in particular to planes, trains, metros and coaches.

United Airlines has clarified that the change is effective “immediately” on its flights in the United States, and on certain international flights, depending on the rules in the country of arrival. “This means that our employees no longer have to wear a mask — or force it on passengers in most cases. They will be able to choose to wear one, especially as the CDC continues to strongly recommend it in public transports”, detailed a spokesperson for the American group, which had been among the first to impose the anti-Covid vaccine on its employees.

The air constantly renewed

American Airlines and Delta Air Lines made similar announcements. Masks “well-fitting protects the person wearing them, even if the people around are not wearing them”, Delta pointed out, however. “Masks have been like boarding passes for almost two years, impossible to fly without”noted Alaska Airlines, before indicating that they are now optional, except on flights to and from Canada.

This company also mentioned in its press release the case of passengers banned because they had refused to wear a mask. “According to our reports, some customers whose behavior has been particularly shocking will remain banned on board, even after the change in the mask rule,” she decided.

Southwest Airlines recalled for its part that the air is constantly renewed on board the planes, thanks to ventilation systems which filter “99.97% of particles in the air”.

A “disappointing” decision according to the White House

White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki claimed Justice Mizelle’s decision was “disappointing”and noted that “the CDC –US Centers for Disease Prevention and Control- continue to recommend wearing a mask on public transport”. According to a senior White House official, the decision “means the CDC’s mask-wearing order on public transportation is not in effect at this time”.

The Transport Security Agency, the TSA, will not enforce the obligation, said the senior official on condition of anonymity. Last week, the federal authorities made the decision to extend the obligation to wear a mask at least until May 3.