*Updated on April 15, 2022
Article written on September 2, 2021

New face mask requirement when flying

The act of flying is no longer as simple as it was before the Covid-19 pandemic struck the world. Not only do you have to think and fully understand the vaccination requirements needed for every step of your travel, but now add another thing on your checklist:

• Which mask are you taking with you on the airplane?

Yes, that's right, it's not just any mask that you can take with you. So if you're thinking of traveling soon or at least you know someone who might be boarding a flight in the near future, be sure to understand or inform that person about the new rule on wearing masks onboard the flight.

Latest news as of April 15, 2022

Updates regarding mask wearing on flights within the US
Are there some airlines that have lifted their mask mandate?

Common questions about mask wearing on the airplane:

• Does it matter what kind of mask you wear during the flight?
• Do you have to wear a mask to fly? What if I am fully-vaccinated?
• Do children need to wear a face mask for the flight?
• What if I have a condition and unable to wear a mask?
• What if you refuse to wear a face mask in the airplane?
• Any extra information to note when traveling within or to the US?
• Other mask tips when traveling to note?

Wearing masks on the airplane before the pandemic

"Why is she wearing a mask?"

Back in 2017, my friends were perhaps a bit curious when they saw me with a mask onboard the flight; however, in some countries in Asia, wearing face masks in the public have been considered somewhat of a "normal" practice. Prior to the pandemic, although it depended solely on the traveler, the reasons for wearing a masks for a flight included:

• allergies
• protecting your throat and skin from the dryness
• or simply for hiding (you're a famous celebrity or perhaps you didn't feel like putting any make-up on for a 10+ hrs flight)

At least, this act of wearing a mask onboard a flight wasn't a common practice for most travelers in the world until 2020. If you thought that checking for the validity of your travel documents, the weight and what to take with you in your hand luggage were already something to "look out for", now we have to think of what masks you can wear on the plane.

Does it matter what kind of mask you wear during the flight?

Yes. Airlines are also taking an extra precautionary step in regards to safety measures for their passengers and staff. Therefore more airlines are now requiring passengers to wear "disposable/surgical masks" or the FFP2, N95 or KN95 masks (without valves) during the flight.

It is very important for you to understand the most updated information of the covid safety requirements set by the airline(s) prior to your departure. So keep your cloth masks in your checked luggage or handcarry for the duration of the plane and swap it with a disposable type. Prior to your departure, please also check if your airline service provider has an additional updates regarding their onboard mask wearing policies.

Why aren't cloth masks allowed in the airplane?

This is mainly due to the fact that surgical masks have provided more protection. The effect on how droplets and particles can easily pass through depends on the material used for cloth masks. Although some may be tigthly woven, there are no guarantees that all fabric-woven masks are the same. Especially in such an environment when travelers are congested and social distancing is limited within the given space, such as on airplanes, buses, or trains, this subtle change may effect the overall spread.

Do you have to wear a mask to fly? What if I am fully-vaccinated?

Yes. Most major airlines require travelers to keep their masks during the flight, during boarding and disembarking, and also while at the airports. Even if you're fully-vaccinated, masks are still mandatory for travelers at all times, except during when being served for beverage and meal-service.

Are there some airlines that have lifted their mask mandate?

Some airlines, mainly in Europe have already lifted or are slowly lifting their mask mandate restrictions for their passengers by making it optional on some routes.

For example, Icelandair has announced that they will lift their mandatory mask wearing policies for passengers on most routes, except on flights to/from Canada, the US and Germany (except flights to/from Frankfurt), and on flights to Paris.

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) also have removed the mask mandate when traveling within the Scandinavian countries of Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, however, masks are still required for passengers, ages 6 and up, when onboarding a flight to and from the United States, China, and Italy.

Depending on the flight routes, some other airlines are also changing their face mask requirements for passengers, including: British Airways, easyjet, jet2, TUI, Virgin Atlantic, Norwegian Air Shuttle.

What if you refuse to wear a face mask in the airplane?

The airline has the right to deny boarding the passenger if they do not comply with the request. The traveler is also subjected to civil penalties with hefty fines if they refuse to wear the mask.

Do children need to wear a face mask for the flight?

At what age do you have to wear a mask on a plane?

Depending on the airline and travel route, the age requirement for face masks on the airplane may vary. For example, in the United States, most major airlines inform that young children who are 2 years or older are required to wear a mask on the plane. Other carriers may mention a higher age requirement, such children starting from 6 or 7 years old.

For toddlers, keeping a mask during the flight for an extensive long period of time may be a challenge for a parent. Despite the mask requirement, if your young child refuses to wear a mask, airlines may make an exception. If you're worried about how your child may feel or act about wearing the mask during the flight, try to allow them to feel comfortable about wearing the mask prior to your travel plans.

What if I have a condition and unable to wear a mask?

If there are other reasons why you or your child cannot wear the mask, such as for medical reasons, please ask and/or inform the airline(s) directly before your travel date. Some airline carriers also have exemption request forms available online, however, forms may need proper documents from your doctors and will require some time to be reviewed by the relevant airline.

If planning to travel within or to the US

As of April 13, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the extension of the the current federal transportation mask wearing requirement until May 13, 2022, including airports, buses, and trains. This is currently the fifth extension since the initial annoucement made back in January 2021. There may be further extensions on the rule depending on the number of Covid-19 cases.

Other mask tips when traveling?

Good to know tips before heading to the airport:

• Bring extras!: Keep a few extra for the plane ride
• Filter inserts: Helpful especially since it will provide an extra layer of filteration
• Bring a carrying case/storage for your mask when not in use: An envelope, a sandwich bag, a container

Additional generic tip to remember when onboard

• Bring a hand sanitizer or wipes: Wipe the areas around the seats, including the tray tables, remote, and arm rests

Despite the fact that most of the modern commercial airplanes are now equipped with high-grade HEPA filters while in air, insuring the safety of oneself, as well as, those around you should be properly taken especially while still being grounded.

So now on top of searching for cheap flight fares, understanding baggage allowances, or what items to add or not in the checked baggage, take a moment to also understand the new travel rules before being caught by surprise at the airport. Also, look through our list of essential travel items in the post-covid world.

When the time is right, please check and compare for cheap flight deals and book your next flight with BudgetAir.

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