These Airlines Still Mandate Masks Onboard

Following a federal judge's ruling in Florida on April 18, 2022, which invalidated the U.S. federal transportation mask mandate, all major U.S. airlines eliminated their mask requirements for domestic flights during the pandemic.

Masking guidelines initially set to curb the spread of COVID-19 in-flight have also been eased in Europe. As of May 16, 2022, the European Union recommended that member countries lift the masking requirement on planes and in EU airports. Nonetheless, individual airlines in Europe retain the authority to establish their own policies, and some international flights still require masks.

Additionally, certain airlines operating in South America continue to enforce masking policies.

Travelers are encouraged to verify the requirements for their specific airline and route, as policies may change frequently.

Here's what travelers should know about mask policies on flights within the United States and internationally.

These U.S. airlines have eliminated mask mandates

Following the ruling in April 2022, all major U.S. airlines have rescinded their mask requirements for crew and passengers on domestic flights. Below are the latest mask policies for each U.S. airline:

• Alaska Airlines: Masks are optional. Alaska swiftly made masks optional on its flights after the April 18 ruling.
• American Airlines: Masks are optional. American notes that masks may still be required when traveling to or from international destinations that mandate masking on flights.
• Delta Air Lines: Masks are optional. Delta states, “Delta employees and customers are free to wear masks if they wish.”
• JetBlue: Masks are optional.
• Southwest Airlines: Masks are optional. Southwest informs travelers that while federal law no longer mandates masks in airports or on planes, “you’re always welcome to wear one while traveling. We’ll have masks available if you need one.”
• United Airlines: Masks are optional. United Airlines mentions, “While our employees are not required to wear masks and won't enforce a mask mandate for most passengers, they may choose to wear masks as the CDC still strongly recommends them on public transport.”

Although masks are no longer mandatory on domestic flights, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still recommends that individuals aged two and older wear a well-fitting mask on public transport and in transportation hubs, including airplanes and airports.

“When individuals wear a well-fitting mask or respirator correctly, they protect themselves and others, contributing to safer travel and public transportation for everyone,” stated the CDC.

Most European airlines no longer require masks—except for Iberia

As previously noted, some European airlines and nations still enforce mask mandates. Masks may still be obligatory on flights to and from these countries, even if an airline does not require them on other routes.

• Aer Lingus: Masks are optional on flights within Ireland and to/from the U.K., the U.S., and various European countries, including Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Switzerland, and Turkey. However, masks remain mandatory on flights between Ireland and Austria, as well as between Ireland and Spain.
• Air France: Masks are recommended (not mandatory) for passengers aged six and older, but may be required depending on the country of departure or destination.
• British Airways: The U.K. carrier has lifted its mask mandate, except on flights to or from destinations where masking is still required—on those routes, British Airways will continue to enforce the mask rule. BA offers a handy chart showing mask requirements for each country it serves.
• Finnair: Masks are optional unless mandated by the origin or destination country.
• Iberia: The Spanish airline still mandates masks onboard.
• Icelandair: Face masks are optional on all Icelandair flights.
• ITA Airways: The Italian carrier does not require masks for passengers.
• KLM: Masks are no longer required on most KLM flights. “However, we recommend wearing a mask during your flight,” states the Dutch airline.
• Lufthansa: The German airline has lifted its mask requirement. “Mask wearing may still be necessary at certain airports and on select flights. Please check the regulations at the airports on your journey,” advises Lufthansa to passengers.
• SAS: The Scandinavian airline no longer requires masks onboard, except for flights to and from China.
• TAP Air Portugal: Masks are no longer necessary on TAP flights unless mandated by the country of origin or destination.
• Virgin Atlantic: Masks are optional on all flights to and from destinations without a mask mandate, including routes between the U.S. and the U.K.

Mask mandates on other international airlines

• Aeromexico: Masks are now optional on Aeromexico flights.
• Air Canada: Canada’s national airline has lifted its face mask requirement on flights. “While Transport Canada has removed the mask mandate, all passengers and crew are encouraged to wear high-quality, well-fitting masks during their journey,” states the airline.
• Air New Zealand: Masks are no longer mandatory on Air New Zealand flights unless required by the destination country.
• ANA: The Japanese airline “requests” passengers to wear masks but does not enforce a requirement.
• Cathay Pacific: The Hong Kong-based airline still mandates masks be worn at all times during the flight, except when passengers are eating or drinking.
• Emirates: Masks are optional on all Emirates flights. “If you are traveling from or transiting through Dubai International, the mask regulations of your destination will apply throughout your journey,” Emirates explains.
• LATAM: The requirement for masks varies based on the Latin American country of departure and arrival. “Mask use is optional on LATAM flights, except for domestic flights within Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador, as well as international flights operated by LATAM Airlines Brazil, where it remains mandatory,” states LATAM Group.
• Qantas: Masks are no longer necessary on flights to and within Australia, unless required by the destination.
• Singapore Airlines: According to the airline, “Face masks are not required at Singapore Changi Airport and onboard flights, except when traveling to or from destinations with a mask mandate.”
• Turkish Airlines: Masks are not required unless mandated by the destination country.

Similar to flight regulations, airport rules worldwide also vary by destination. Travelers should ensure they are informed about the latest masking regulations for the locations they plan to visit. For detailed information, check the U.S. State Department’s COVID-19 travel information and country-specific advisories, which are updated frequently and include mask policy details.

This article was first published in May 2022 and has been revised to include the most current information.