Mask Mandate Ends (At Least Temporarily) on U.S. Flights

In surprise news, the TSA’s mask mandate for planes, trains and other public transportation will no longer be enforced. The mask mandate ends at least for now.

A federal district judge in Tampa on April 18th (it is beyond the purview of this article to discuss this judge’s credentials or politics) ruled that the CDC exceeded its authority as to the mask mandate. The judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle ruled that under these circumstances the mandate is unlawful. Judge Mizelle further opined that her ruling should have nationwide effect. The judge’s full decision is  HERE.

Based on this ruling, the TSA has already stated that it will no longer enforce the mask mandate and U.S. airlines have  announced their intention to eliminate mask requirements.

The U.S. Justice Department has determined based on direction from the CDC to appeal the ruling. Therefore, it is possible that the mask mandate may be reinstated in the future. Also note that while the mask mandate ends on a nationwide basis, there are local mandates that are not effected by Judge Mizelle’s ruling.

This is welcome news for many travelers. Others will continue to wear masks on planes as the CDC still strongly recommends.