5.01.21 – Federal Mask Mandate in Transportation Extended

Saturday, May 1, 2021

Federal Mask Mandate in Transportation Extended

Yesterday, the federal requirement that face coverings are worn in public transportation, set to expire May 11th, 2021, was extended through September 13th, 2021. APFA called for a federal mask mandate at the onset of the pandemic a year ago. We are grateful that TSA Administrator David Pekokse and FAA Administrator Steve Dickson continue to understand the importance of having government backing to enforce mask compliance on the airplane. In the United States, infection rates are down, vaccination rates are up, and our industry is beginning to recover. Extending the mask mandate is an essential step to keeping this progress on track.

“APFA thanks President Biden for his leadership to extend the Executive Order beyond May 11th to September 13th, requiring that masks be worn during all phases of air travel. While our national vaccination rate is increasing, we have not yet reached herd immunity. And while our airplanes are well-ventilated, passengers continue to share close quarters, both on the airline and in the airport. Masks are the simplest way we can safeguard passenger and crew safety and ensure that we overcome this virus and its variants.” – Julie Hedrick, National President, Association of Professional Flight Attendants.

Mask enforcement has been one of the most challenging parts of our job, and your professionalism in handling difficult situations does not go unnoticed. As always, your safety will always be our top priority.

In Solidarity,

Allie Malis
APFA Government Affairs Representative

Lori Glattly
APFA Government Affairs Representative
[email protected]