Mask mandate on public transportation and airplanes no longer enforced. The decisions from the Metropolitan Airports Commission and Metro Transit came after a federal judge on Monday struck down a national public transportation mandate. Judge Kathryn Mizelle said the CDC failed to justify its decision and did not follow proper rulemaking procedures that left it fatally flawed. Passengers are asked to travel  responsibly to protect their own health and others around them, if they are sick are asked not to travel. Passengers who want to wear a mask can continue to do so.

Airline and other Public Transportation employees have mixed feelings. Some will continue to provide masks for passengers. Others cite confidence in their safety policies, like high powered air filtration systems in their aircrafts. (see comments below)

 

One Delta Flight Attendant shared his feelings with this song:

Airlines welcomed the move on Monday by saying they would no longer require masks:

ALASKA

“Face masks have been like boarding passes for nearly two years — you couldn’t fly without one. But, as of today, masks are optional in airports and onboard aircraft, effective immediately.”

“While we are glad this means many of us get to see your smiling faces, we understand some might have mixed feelings. Please remember to be kind to one another and that wearing a mask while traveling is still an option.”

DELTA

“Effective immediately, masks are optional for all airport employees, crew members and customers inside U.S. airports and onboard aircraft.”

“We are relieved to see the U.S. mask mandate lift to facilitate global travel as COVID-19 has transitioned to an ordinary seasonal virus. Thank you for your support in complying with the federal mask mandate and keeping each other, and our customers, safe during the pandemic.”

UNITED

“Effective immediately, masks are no longer required at United on domestic flights, select international flights (dependent upon the arrival country’s mask requirements) or at U.S. airports.

“While this means that our employees are no longer required to wear a mask – and no longer have to enforce a mask requirement for most of the flying public – they will be able to wear masks if they choose to do so, as the CDC continues to strongly recommend wearing a mask on public transit.”

AIRLINES FOR AMERICA (INDUSTRY TRADE GROUP)

“The high level of immunity and widespread vaccine accessibility in the U.S. coupled with the hospital-grade cabin air on aircraft provide a strong, science-based foundation for passengers to travel with confidence as restrictions are lifted on our nation’s airlines.”

“We look forward to welcoming millions of travelers back to the skies this summer to reunite with loved ones, attend conferences or to take a vacation.”