Big changeover to US holidays

US airlines have eliminated the need for face masks on board flights after the federal government dropped the mask mandate.

Wearing a face covering will now be a “personal choice” for holidaymakers traveling from the UK to America.

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Virgin Atlantic updated its face mask policy on board this morning.

It reads: “Following the ruling of a US District Court judge on Monday, April 18The Biden administration has announced that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will no longer enforce the federal mandate requiring masks on board airplanes.

“From now (Tuesday 19 April) face masks will be a personal choice for our customers and people traveling either way between the UK and the United States…

“We encourage everyone to respect the mask preferences of fellow travelers, with masks still available for those who wish to wear them.”

Just last week, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) extended the mandatory face covering rule through May 3.

But U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle overturned that rule this week, calling it “unlawful.”

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Major airlines such as United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines announced that they would ease restrictions with immediate effect.

The US national rail line Amtrak has also stopped enforcing Covid-19 mask rules.

Over the past month, British Airways, TUI and EasyJet announced that it would abolish the mandatory face masks on board flights – but it would depend on where the passenger is flying to.

EasyJet has said passengers will not be required to wear masks when flying from England to Northern Ireland. jerseyDenmark, Gibraltar, Iceland or Hungary.

However, they will still require masks when flying to all other easyJet destinations including Spain, France, Italy and Scotland.

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