Mask Requirements at U.S. Airports: What You Need to Know

Summary

Mask Mandates Overview
Airports Requiring Masks
Airports Not Requiring Masks

Mask Mandates Overview

The federal government is currently no longer enforcing a transportation mask mandate. Consequently, some airports have taken the opportunity to eliminate their mask rules. However, not every airport has decided to follow this trend.

As a result of a recent ruling by a federal judge in Florida, many public transportation services, including airlines and trains, have moved to make masks optional. This change comes after the Transportation Security Administration ceased enforcement of the federal transportation mask mandate. In response, the Department of Justice has stated that they disagree with the ruling and are considering an appeal, pending the CDC’s assessment of the necessity of the mandate for public health.

Following this ruling, all major airlines in the United States, along with Amtrak and ride share services like Uber and Lyft, have made the decision to make masks optional for both passengers and employees. Additionally, several city public transportation services, like the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, the Chicago Transit Authority, and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, have lifted their mask requirements.

However, some transportation services, including New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority, will still require masks to be worn, along with certain airports across the nation.