A U.S. District Court Judge in Florida struck down the federal
mask mandate for airplanes and other modes of transportation. As a direct
result of the ruling, U.S. Transportation
Security Administration (TSA) officials released a statement announcing
that the face covering extension mandate would no longer be enforced.
Based on the federal district court’s ruling, U.S. airline
carriers including Delta, American JetBlue, United and Southwest, announced
masks are now optional on their aircrafts and hubs. New Jersey Transit, Amtrak,
and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, which operates DC's
Metro, also announced that they will no longer require masks for passengers and
employees. However, public transportation carriers across the country vary in
their response to the federal ruling. For example, New York Metropolitan
Transportation Authority will retain their face mask requirements pursuant to the
state health department’s March 2, 2022 determination.
If you’re traveling from another country and are seeking
entry to the U.S., there are still cautionary measures you need to take before
you’re granted entry. CDC guidelines outline visitors must be fully vaccinated
if you are a non-U.S. citizen, non-U.S. immigrant (not a U.S. citizen, U.S.
national, lawful permanent resident, or traveling to the United States on an
immigrant visa); and you must show proof a negative COVID-19 test result or
documentation of recovery from COVID-19 when you travel to the United States by
air regardless of your vaccination status. To be considered “fully vaccinated,”
your vaccination shot(s) must be administered at least 2 weeks (14 days) prior
to traveling.
Based on CDC guidelines, visitors to the U.S. are encouraged
to wear a mask over their nose and mouth in indoor areas of public
transportation (including airplanes) traveling into, within, or out of the
United States and indoors in U.S. transportation hubs (including airports). If
you’re departing from the U.S. to travel to another country, the CDC advises
you should allot extra time at the airport since each country’s requirements
vary and are subject to change on short notice. Compliance with travel
requirements are generally determined at point of departure.