Check out our 52 Places list for 2022. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. When Are Mask Mandates on Airplanes Ending? - Breaking News, US News These Countries Still Have Mask Mandates Going Into 2023 - Travel Off Path Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. These are the 12 EU countries where masks are still mandatory on flights struck down the U.S. federal transportation mask mandate, TSA Security Screenings Will Be Self-Service in Select Airports, What to Do When Your Flight Is Canceled or DelayedAnd the Rights You Have if it Happens, Partake in Fun Active Outings Along This Dreamy European River, This Warm-Weather Destination is a Feast for the Senses, Discover Insider Wineries, Stunning National Parks, and More of This Destinations Delights. Masks must still be worn on the airline's flights to or from the U.S. as well as for passengers 12 and older on flights to and from Delhi, Islamabad, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, Lahore, Lagos, Mumbai, Shanghai, and Tel Aviv. | Whale vs. sailboat | Turbulence risks | Future of TSA | Mask advice | Traveling while trans, Airlines: Medical emergencies | Bunk beds | Flight padding | Clean-up duty | Carbon offsets | Lap babies | Flying is terrible | Private jet pets | Ribs on a plane | Modern airplane food | Family seating | Middle seat fans | Phone calls on flights | Airport glow-up | First class seats | Confronting unruly passengers | Its physically impossible to open a plane door | Wheelchair damage, Destinations: Bad tourists in Bali | Paris best baguette | Starbucks in Rome | New York dogs | Hawaii GPS mishap | Greeces accessible beaches | Could Disney move? Should the guidance change, we will adjust our policy accordingly, the statement continued. Masks are required on flights to many popular European destinations, including Germany, Italy, Portugal and Spain. We will keep you posted as the rest of Canada removes the mask mandate. EU drops mask mandate for flights and airports - CNBC Customers of course remain free to wear them if they choose, the airline said in a memo to employees. Anyone who wants to continue wearing a mask is encouraged to do so, it said in a statement. These European countries are keeping masks on flights despite EU Offers may be subject to change without notice. Ar; Es; News Politics Economy Sports Arts&Culture Health . When people properly wear a well-fitting mask or respirator, they protect themselves and those around them, and help keep travel and public transportation safer for everyone, the CDC stated. But while several countries have ditched face coverings altogether, in the United States, the Transportation Security Administration has extended its federal transportation mask mandate through at least April 18, requiring face coverings to be worn on planes, in airports, buses, trains, and on other modes of transportation. Dr. Teng believes that the pandemic could have a lasting effect on how Americans approach masks. Mask Mandate on Planes: Which Airlines Still Require Face Masks and Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. On May 16, 2022, a recommendation by the European Union went into effect advising countries to drop the requirement for masking on airplanes and in airports in the EU. Like all the major U.S. airlines, Amtrak is not requiring passengers or employees to wear face masks on its trains or inside stations. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. Here is a look at the confusing state of mask wear in the sky. Virgin Atlantic on March 15 echoed British Airways in telling passengers to use discretion when deciding whether to wear a mask on certain flights. Please be mindful that masks may still be required while traveling through the bus stations we serve.. Denmark became the first EU nation to remove all COVID-19 restrictions in early February. Two additional British airlines, Jet2 and TUI Airway, had previously dropped their mask requirements, and passengers began flying without face coverings throughout Scandinavia last October. Another EU Member State, largely known for its tourism, Italy, will also keep the face mask requirement on planes until June 15. Other train systems like Brightline, a regional rail service in Florida, and the D.C. Metro are making masks optional for passengers. states and countries may still require masks . Europe, however, still has relatively strict mask requirements in most areas despite decreasing COVID-19 restrictions. While covid fatigue is real, most mandates have been driven by the current and forecasted infection rates, she said. Here's our Disclosure & Privacy Policy for more info. As we learn to live with COVID-19 and with the legal requirement to wear a face mask now removed in England, we believe our customers should have the personal choice whether to wear a mask on board, on routes where international regulations around mask-wearing do not apply, Chief Customer and Operating Officer Corneel Koster told customers. . How Bad is Flying for the Environment, Really? Delta also signed the aforementioned letter to President Biden. Passengers flying to Spain? Guests who were previously banned from flying Alaska for refusing to wear a mask will remain banned even after the mask policy is rescinded, the airline noted. '", The letter also included that airline staff members bear the brunt of passenger frustration at being forced to wear masks on flights. Remember: many people still feel safer wearing a mask because of personal or family health situations, so please be respectful of their preferences, Uber posted on its website, noting that the CDC recommends wearing masks. But for victims living . We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Air travel has been one of the last holdouts for strict pandemic mask requirements. Heres what each of the major U.S. airlines and transit systems have said as of April 19. Dr. Freedman echoed this point. From March 23, KLM announced it will no longer enforce the wearing of masks on its flights, despite the Dutch government's refusal to lift mask-wearing rules on public transport. United also signed the letter (see the American Airlines entry) to President Biden begging him to free the face on flights. Poland. Shes not sure where she stands on a mask mandate for adults, but Id be relieved if he didnt have to wear it, she said. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Well update you when more countries drop mask mandates. The Dutch carrier said it was becoming more difficult to justify the enforcement of masks to passengers when so many countries (including the Netherlands) are abandoning mask rules in public places on the ground. But eventually lifting the rule could have a positive impact on demand, according to Boyd. When the mask mandate does drop, Michael Boyd, president of aviation consulting firm Boyd Group International, expects that airlines will respond quickly. Some European airlines are no longer requiring masks on flights, so after security, if you board such an airline, they can be removed. The low-cost domestic and international airline is no longer requiring passengers and employees to wear masks on its flights, though mask requirements for international travel remain dependent on the arrival/departure countrys regulations, the airline said in a statement Monday. A viral video showed the rollback was met with a chorus of cheers aboard a Delta flight from New York City to San Francisco, as passengers ripped off their facial coverings when it was announced over the intercom. The Points Guy will not sell your email. 18 people died in rip currents this month. Countries all around the world have started to relax COVID-19-related protocols and ease border restrictions, and many times that includes mask rules. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. However, as per U.K. government guidance, we recommend that you continue to wear a face mask in these spaces, and you will need to wear one when you get to your overseas destination.. However, American was among 10 U.S. airlines whose CEOs wrote an open letter to President Biden on March 23, urging him to allow them to lift mask rules on flights. They are however still required for public transit and in high-risk situations like health care facilities. . We want to know how they feel. Passengers flying from Spain? On the flip side, many parents consider the current rule, which requires children as young as 2 to wear a mask, unreasonable. As many countries lift coronavirus restrictions and entry rules for travelers, some international airlines are also easing requirements for the journey. We'll update you when more countries drop mask mandates. These are the airlines that have eliminated their mask policies. In the United States, for example, the mask mandate which was recently extended to April 18, when it comes up for review again is still enforced. Masking requirements differ by international destination, and the . Heads up: You still need a mask when traveling to these - MSN So, if theyre ahead of the U.S. in terms of covid testing, its possible that theyll also be ahead of the U.S. in terms of dropping the mask mandate, Griff said. Magazines, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Which Airlinesand Other Transit ServicesAre Still Requiring Masks. This article was published more than1 year ago. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. The Netherlands lifted its mask mandate for public transit Wednesday, but it still requires them for air travel. And if you ever feel uncomfortable, you can always cancel the trip., Andrew Hasbun, head of safety communications at Uber, confirmed to TIME that users who cancel a trip for safety reasons would not incur a cancellation fee. Travel tips you can trust. While Lithuania and Latvia are keeping the restriction in place, their neighbouring country, Estonia, has lifted the requirement entirely. However, many countries treat all travelers the same, regardless of vaccination status, and have eliminated entry requirements as a result. Passengers flying on a, for example, Spanish carrier anywhere in the world? For flights over four hours, it recommends you bring more face masks. The company said, Its no longer a legal requirement for those traveling to or from England or Northern Ireland to wear a face mask during their TUI Airways flight, but in accordance with U.K. government and EU Charter guidance we do still strongly recommend that you do so.. The list will be updated as and when mask rules are changed. For flights that require a mask, homemade masks, and cloth masks are not accepted. IATA - Air Travel and Mask-Wearing - IATA - Home Related: Is it time to rethink COVID-19 travel mandates in the US? British airlines to drop mask mandates as U.K. lifts remaining travel restrictions. Most U.S. states recommend wearing face coverings in indoor venues, but its up to the discretion of the individual from March 26. Crew and passengers may still choose to wear face coverings if desired. "You must. Confusion all around for British Airways, Ireland ditches most of its COVID-19 rules: Americans welcome just in time for St. Patricks Day, first U.K. airline to scrap the requirement to wear masks, it will no longer enforce the wearing of masks on its flights, stopped requiring passengers to wear masks, Virgin Atlantic on March 15 echoed British Airways, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. That goes for anyone over the age of 2, unless medically exempt. The advanced filtration systems on many planes refresh the air every two to three minutes. Both airlines said wearing a mask was a personal choice, and clarified that the shift only applies while flying to or from destinations where there are no mask requirements, such as England and Barbados. All of the major U.S. airlines have dropped their mask requirements for crew and passengers on domestic flights following the April 2022 ruling. Dear Tripped Up, My wife and I are both fully vaccinated and we're planning to visit Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic and France next month. They are also mandatory "from the moment you arrive at the airport and throughout your Air France flight." It has been a long 24 months with nearly constant change, said Max Tidwell, vice president of safety and security at Alaska Airlines. Here's our, island nation also removed its entry requirements, European airlines are no longer requiring masks on flights. Find out more about your destination's health requirements using our interactive map. Republican lawmakers, who recently sued the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to end the mask mandate for air travel, call the rule arbitrary. But some travel health experts and passengers say airplane cabins and airports should take a more careful approach. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. . Some airline employees in England rejoiced at their reclaimed freedom from enforcing mask rules at 30,000 feet. You may experience inconsistent enforcement during the next 24 hours as this news is more broadly communicated.. The Dominican Republic has announced thatall Covid-19 restrictions were removed from February 16, 2022, including the mask mandate. Its no longer a legal requirement to wear a face mask at our airports or onboard our planes, Jet2 indicated in a statement on its website. Youll need a medical certificate to go mask-free, but cloth masks are allowed. Griff said Canada could act faster than the United States, given its recent decision to drop testing requirements for vaccinated travelers. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. CEO Michael OLeary even revealed he would like to see holidaymakers fly barefaced by April or May this year, adding: We are consulting with cabin crew as well, at the moment. Flying in Europe? These Are The Countries Where Face Masks Are Still What Airlines Do Not Require Masks in 2022? - Insider So your list doesnt say anything, or maybe only something for 5 days till the 16th. Just 6 weeks ago, the nation ended all restrictions on late-night alcohol sales, nightclubs, and ended the use of the Danish coronavirus app to enter venues. Last Wednesday, Europes aviation regulator and disease control agency moved to unwind bloc-wide face mask rules by lifting a mask mandate recommendation for air travel. 1) Iberia Iberia is one of the few airlines in Europe that is still requiring masks for passengers. This post may have affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission if you choose to purchase through them. Masking rules that were originally established to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in-flight have also been relaxed in Europe. The letter went on: The high level of immunity in the U.S., availability of high-quality masks for those who wish to use them, hospital-grade cabin air, widespread vaccine availability and newly available therapeutics provide a strong foundation for the Administration to lift the mask mandate and predeparture testing requirement. There is some evidence that passengers within two rows of an index case are at higher risk, said Patricia Schlagenhauf, a professor of travel medicine at the University of Zrich. International airlines are dropping mask mandates. Parents of children under 5 have expressed mixed feelings about the mask mandate in the United States. Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Paths latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox. On Monday, a Florida federal judge. Your email address will not be published. Croatia recently removed its indoor mask mandate in April 2022, also including domestic flights and flights heading to destinations that have also removed mandates. The 13 European countries that still require masks on flights despite EU dropping rules. They are only required at the airport. On March 2, Jet2 became the first U.K. airline to scrap the requirement to wear masks on its planes. Greece Italy Latvia Lithuania Luxembourg Malta the Netherlands Portugal Spain Conspicuous by its absence on that list of course is France, one of the few main summer holiday destinations to have lifted mask mandates on planes, trains and buses in light of the EU's announcement. Jun 18, 2023 9:00 AM EDT. The Documents You Need to Travel Abroad Now - The New York Times Masks are now optional for all Delta passengers and employees at U.S. airports and on board domestic flights, the airline announced Monday night. But there are hints that the tide may be turning: Within the past few weeks, Danish airports and Londons Heathrow Airport have lifted their mask requirements, as have several major British airlines. Europe Travel: No Masks Needed In These EU Countries - Forbes Anyone needing or choosing to wear one is encouraged to do so. Amtrak operates more than 300 trains per day. Magazines, Digital Watch on As of April 2021, only a few international airlines do not require masks. Facial coverings must be worn on cross border trips into Canada and Mexico until their requirements are removed, Greyhound noted. If the departure and destination countries have different restrictions, the country with the stricter rule sets the policy in the sky. "You must have a mask or face covering that covers your mouth and nose during your travel through Canadian airports and during your flight," indicates the Canadian government's website. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to paddleyourownkanoo.com with appropriate and specific directions to the original content. Key Points The European Union is set to drop its mask mandate for passengers on flights and in airports from Monday, following updated guidelines from the bloc's Aviation Safety Agency. On April 1, 2022, Latvia removed all their remaining entry requirements, along with their mask mandate. Travellers to Austria, Portugal, Cyprus, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Malta, Estonia, Luxembourg, Germany, Greece, Lithuania, Italy, Latvia, and Spain, regardless of travelling internationally or domestically, remain subject to wearing a face mask while reaching these destinations. Spirit Airlines Spirit Airlines has made masks optional, according to a statement from the airline. 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Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path's latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox, Travel Off Path is an Off Path Enterprises production, This post may have affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission if you choose to purchase through them. Individuals flying between England and Northern Ireland on TUI Airways, for example, would not have to wear a mask, but individuals flying between England and the United States on that same airline would have to wear one. Over the past couple of weeks, as parts of Britain have lifted other types of travel and mask requirements, some airports and airlines have suspended their mask rules, among them, Londons Heathrow Airport, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. Norwegian Current mask policy: As of April 4, mandatory face masks will no longer be required on flights across the Norwegian Network due to new guidance in Europe. But the airline still requires them for travelers 12 and older if they are flying to or from Wales or Scotland. (It should also be lower than in the airport or on crowded bridges to a plane, where you cannot count on great ventilation systems, according to Dr. David Freedman, the president-elect of the American Society of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene.). Airport rules may be stricter than plane rules on a given route, meaning a traveler might have to put on a mask upon arrival.