US face mask rules for flights have been dropped for Brits earlier than planned

US face mask rules have changed, with covers no longer required on public transit, airplanes and airports as airlines like Virgin Atlantic and United Airlines update their policies

British go further US Holidays will no longer have to wear face masks on flights, in airports and when using public transport after the country reversed its face mask mandate.

Previously, US face mask rules meant covers were required on public transit and transportation hubs (including airports and airplanes), with the mandate initially extended by authorities to May 3.

However, a federal judge in Florida ruled the mandate illegal, resulting in the end of the policy.

This means the covers are now optional, prompting a number of airlines, including United Airlines, to update their face mask policies.

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Meanwhile, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) released a statement confirming the repeal of the rule, which said: “As a result of today’s court ruling, TSA will, effective immediately, update its safety policies and emergency changes governing the use of masks on public transportation.” require no longer enforce and transport hubs.

“The TSA will also overturn the new security guidelines that were due to go into effect tomorrow. The CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks on enclosed public transit at this time.”

Major airlines such as American Airlines and United Airlines have since confirmed they will drop mandatory face masks on their flights, making them optional for both passengers and airline staff.

Under the new rules, face masks are also no longer mandatory on select international flights, depending on the mask requirements of the country of arrival.

With face masks no longer compulsory on flights to England, Wales and Northern Ireland, it means the majority of Britons will no longer need to wear masks when returning to the UK. (Scotland continues to require face masks to be worn at airports and on flights).

In response to the news, a Virgin Atlantic spokesman said: “Following a ruling by a US District Court judge Monday, Dec. 18, masks are mandatory on board aircraft.

“From now on, masks are a personal choice for our customers and people traveling either way between the UK and the United States. This is in line with our existing mask policy on routes where international mask-wearing regulations do not apply, e.g. B. between Great Britain and the Caribbean.

“We encourage everyone to respect the mask preferences of fellow travelers and across our network we continue to comply with all government requirements and recognize that mask requirements vary by market.”

If you are planning a trip to the USA, you should be aware that different entry requirements apply.

Currently, only fully vaccinated Britons can holiday in the US; If you are not vaccinated, you must have an important reason for travel.

As well as the usual visa requirements – you need an ESTA to enter or transit the US as a visitor – there are also Covid rules.

All travelers must have a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than one day before travel, although children under the age of two are exempt.

Unvaccinated children under the age of 17 can still enter the United States provided they meet Covid testing requirements.

• Travel restrictions can change quickly due to the nature of the pandemic. Always check the current travel advice from the Federal Foreign Office for a destination before you book or travel.

Do you feel safer wearing a face mask on flights? Let us know in the comments below.