In Florida, a U.S. district judge struck down the mandate on Monday, meaning masks on airplanes and other mass transit are no longer required at the federal level.
Major airlines and many of the busiest airports rushed to drop their masking requirements on Monday after the Transportation Security Administration promptly announced it would not enforce the January 2021 security directive.
Here’s what Washington state residents need to know:
- Airline Travel: Travelers visiting Seattle-Tacoma International Airport will no longer be required to mask up, though airlines may still require face coverings on planes. Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Sun Country Airlines are among the airlines that dropped their mask requirements. Before boarding your next flight, check your airline’s website to verify their current rules.
- Ride-Sharing Apps: Ride-sharing companies Uber and Lyft will no longer require their drivers or passengers to mask up.
- Transit: Most transit authorities have announced they no longer require masks to travel.
- Ferries: Washington State Ferries announced late Monday that masks are no longer required on vessels or inside terminals.
The Biden administration will no longer require masks when traveling. White House press secretary Jen Psaki called the decision “disappointing” and noted that the CDC still recommends travelers cover their mouths and noses.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki on Tuesday didn’t rule out appealing a federal judge’s ruling and the Biden administration is awaiting a decision from the Justice Department about how to proceed.
