3.11.22 – Federal Mask Mandate Extended Through April 18th, 2022

Friday, March 11, 2022

Federal Mask Mandate Extended Through April 18th, 2022

The federal government issued a 30-day extension of the mandate requiring that masks be worn on airplanes and in airports. As COVID-19 case numbers trend downward, we have seen public health experts relax mask guidance around the nation. After two long years in our industry, this is welcome news for everyone. We are encouraged that government agencies will use this 30-day extension to create the framework to ensure customer confidence and safety when masks are no longer required for transportation.

From the TSA:

At CDC’s recommendation, TSA will extend the security directive for mask use on public transportation and transportation hubs for one month, through April 18th.

During that time, CDC will work with government agencies to help inform a revised policy framework for when, and under what circumstances, masks should be required in the public transportation corridor. This revised framework will be based on the COVID-19 community levels, risk of new variants, national data, and the latest science. We will communicate any updates publicly if and/or when they change.

APFA will continue to do what we have done since the onset of the pandemic: do all that we can to keep crewmembers and passengers safe and support our Flight Attendants in doing their job amid an uptick in violent onboard behavior. As we know all too well, the safest possible air travel experience is also critical to keeping our industry stable.