However, even with the shiniest hardware, the software that plays a critical role inside many systems is too often antiquated and, in some cases, decades old. Taking every barrier that we can out of the process to bring back our travelers is terrific, and heres one more barrier down.. } The finesare$500 to $1,000for first offenders and $1,000 to $3,000 for repeat offenders. Southwest announced on its website that masks are optional for employees and passengers, saying "we encourage individuals to make the best decision to support their personal wellbeing.". "As leading U.S. travel and business organizations, we respectfully urge the Administration to chart a clear course for replacing pandemic-era travel advisories, requirements and restrictions with endemic focused policies of a 'new normal' that enable travel to resume fully, freely and safely," the letter said. } } Thereafter, the White House announced the masking order is not in effect, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will not enforce the federal mask mandate at this time. Airlines began requiring masks before the government did. A court ruling this week ended the federal mandate requiring people to wear masks on planes and other public transportation. CDC says Americans can now go unmasked in many parts of the country. Within just minutes, US airlines launched "masks optional" messages. Anyone can read what you share. For starters, Southwest Airlines COVID rules state that if you're flying domestically within the U.S., you don't need proof of a negative COVID-19 test before boarding. One of the biggest things they are saying is, We are sick of this confrontation we are having on flights, Orlando said. Like recent guidance regarding masks in other settings, the CDC says any revision will be based on the levels of COVID-19 at the community level, as well as on the risk of new variants, national data and the latest science. U-TURN IN THE AIR: Woman refuses to wear mask on flight to London, so pilot heads back to Florida, 'SIT DOWN, KAREN': Delta passenger removed from flight after mask dispute. "We encourage individuals to make the best decision to support their personal wellbeing and to check local airport mask policies when traveling," a statement read. padding: 0; Use of the Southwest websites and our Company Information constitutes acceptance of our Terms and Conditions. Robert Smith/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images. "We appreciate your patience and understanding as we update our communications and announcements to reflect this change.". Don't forget to bring a mask. Online forums are full of employee accounts of such misery. TSA's travel mask mandate has been extended a month, to April 18, 2022. "We advise travelers to stay informed and follow mask requirements that may remain in effect at their origin or arrival airports," the airline tweeted. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. In September, they put the same sign lamenting the companys outdated technology on the side of a truck and drove it in circles around Love Field (Southwests core airport) in Dallas, as well as the nearby Southwest headquarters. The Biden administration announced on Tuesday evening that it would appeal the court ruling throwing out the mask mandate. .air-booking-select-compare-fares-secondary .compare-fares-secondary--flyby { white-space: normal; Initially, it seemed as if airlines would wait to find out how The Biden Administration and CDC would respond to the court ruling, but that went out the door fast. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. Southwest has a "customer of size" policy in which the cost of a second seat is refunded for any plus-sized travelers who take up more room than one seat. We will begin removing these notices, and will also need be prepared to reinstate them if necessary.". Sun Country tweeted on Monday that passengers and staff can wear masks if they choose. Here's how crew, passengers found out masks weren't required, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Test at least five days after exposure and if result is positive, go into isolation for five days. In this 2020 photo, a Southwest Airlines flight attendant prepares a plane for takeoff at the Kansas City International airport in Kansas City, Mo. Four people, including a juvenile, were found dead in a Brevard County home, according to sheriffs office. United, American, Southwest, Delta, Alaska and other airlines said late Monday they were dropping their face mask requirement effective immediately, given a federal judge's ruling in Florida. Alaska is also making masks optional, but said those banned earlier for mask-related events would continue to be prohibited from flying on the carrier, CNN reported. We encourage individuals to make the best decision to support their personal wellbeing and to check local airport mask policies when traveling. A Dutch flag carrier KLM spokesperson told TPG it finds the decision "inappropriate, given the phase the pandemic is in,"and said it will "no longer monitor this from March 23," and instead "strongly recommend that our passengers wear a face mask on board in line with EASA and ICAO guidelines.". As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. A court ruling this week ended the federal mandate requiring people to wear masks on planes and other public transportation. Children under the age of 2 and those with certain disabilities are exempt. html[lang="es"] .header-flyout--promo-section .link--text div:nth-of-type(1) { font-size: ; } That improvement seems not to have occurred. Our systems were overwhelmed by the scale of the disruption, Chris Perry, a Southwest spokesman, told me. Southwest Airlines: No. Delta travelers andemployees and customers may continue wearing masks if they choose. font-weight: bold; "While the Transportation Security Administration, TSA, is no longer enforcing its mask mandate, it may take time for individual airports to roll back their mask requirements," the airline said in a statement. Test at least five days after exposure and if result is positive, go into isolation for five days. "For our guests traveling internationally, please remember to check country-specific airport requirements before traveling.". Terms & Conditions. This list will be updated as U.S. airlines update their rules. Obviously, that wasnt going to work in the new millennium, when confusions between 1905 and 2005 could have caused programs to glitch or crash on an epic scale. Southwest basically follows the CDC guidelines to a tee. } On Monday, a federal judge issued a decision stating the federal mask mandate for public transportation, including on airlines and at airports, is no longer in effect. "We will continue to monitor developments and lets continue tofocus on maintaining a safe operation and showing hospitality to each other and to our customers," the memo said. However, children under five are not eligible for the vaccine, and they can be less effective on people who are immunocompromised. } white-space: normal; Jacob Sullum. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. text-decoration:underline; A photo illustration showing a planes tail on the screen of an old computer. A guide to the airlines on which face masks are optional rather than an obligation, including Southwest, United, American, Delta, British Airways and others. right: 185px !important; "The mask requirement remains in place and we will continue to assess the duration of the requirement in consultation with CDC," Transportation Security Administration spokesperson Robert Langston said in a statement Friday. Stay up to date with what you want to know. "It makes no sense that people are still required to wear masks on airplanes, yet are allowed to congregate in crowded restaurants, schools, and at sporting events without masks, despite none of these venues having the protective air filtration system that aircraft do," executives from the US' largest carriers said in a March 23 letter to Biden. In March in an open letter to the company, the union even placed updating the creaking scheduling technology above its demands for increased pay. Southwest Airlines Co. All Rights Reserved. A Feb. 25 letter to Jeffrey Zients, the White House coronavirus response coordinator, asked that the Biden administration repeal the travel mask mandate and roll back other precautionary travel measures. Feb. 22, 2022. By Kyle Arnold. on many plane tickets. right: 25px; Additionally, Southwest will continue supporting the comfort of those who travel with us by offering additional layers of protection, including sophisticated cabin air ventilation systems onboard our aircraft which incorporate HEPA air filtration that removes at least 99.97% of airborne particles. With COVID cases on the decline, some European airlines have also dropped the mandate on certain routes. A group of pilots is suing the CDC over mask policies on airplanes. width: 273px; Download Share Save. No horrific parking, no security lines, no strict TSA policies, no crowds, no waiting around. And these. Kelly, an accountant who became the C.E.O. html[lang="es"] div.footer div.flex-placement > div:nth-child(9) { Similar to BA, London-based EasyJet has ended the mask requirement on flights where the origin and destination do not require them. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. html[lang="es"] div.footer div.flex-placement > span.swa-icon.swa-icon_small.swa-icon_external-link-box { "With declining hospitalization rates, increased immunity, widely available vaccines and cutting-edge treatments on the horizon, America is reaching an inflection point where endemic-focused policies can replace pandemic-driven restrictions," said the letter, which was signed by Airlines for America, the American Hotel & Lodging Association, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Travel Association. div.footer div.flex-placement b a:hover { Norwegian Air Shuttle changed its covid-era mask policy on April 4, now allowing passengers to forgo face coverings on all of its flights. But despite the failure and the fine, he collected $18 million in pension money on his way out the door. These are the kind of efforts that may not be widely visible but make all the difference. Jordan says that the new rulings are in line with how passengers feel about traveling at this stage of the pandemic. Related: Delta has banned more than 100 passengers for not wearing a mask. That's why Spirit has double-downed on the mask policy. The union for flight attendants at Dallas-based Southwest Airlines is asking the White House and other aviation regulators to drop face mask mandates that have become a hallmark of flying during . Following the decision, American Airlines . Mask mandates in airports and on planes will continue until April 18. left: 482px !important; I think its a great thing, Jordan told Fortune on Tuesday. At present, Japan Airlines doesn't require passengers to wear a face mask, but it strongly recommends passengers do so and warns that going barefaced . Im sure Equifax would have much preferred not to have been fined, but it was still a cost it could endure especially those lucky enough to inhabit the executive suites. FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. Southwest Airlines Flight 3472 was a regularly scheduled passenger flight operating from New Orleans International Airport in New Orleans, Louisiana to Orlando International Airport in Orlando, Florida.On August 27, 2016, the Boeing 737-7H4, with 99 passengers and five crew, 12 minutes after departure from New Orleans, was climbing through 31,000 feet and heading east over the Gulf of Mexico . However, a BA spokesperson said only a small number of canceled flights were COVID-related. color: #111B40; However, on Monday, a Florida federal judge struck down the Administration's mandate. content: "(That money is all yours. Southwest Airlines Celebrates 15 Years of Service in Denver, Southwests First Mother/Daughter Pilot Duo Takes Flight. However, masks may still be required on routes to certain destinations. One protest sign the demonstrators carried? Flying soon? United said in an April 18 email to Insider that "masks are no longer required at United on domestic flights, select international flights (dependent upon the arrival country's mask requirements) or at US airports. Because of the mandate, airlines have had to comply with and enforce mask rules. You'll get the latest news, information, and promotional offers from Southwest all in one sweet email. And heres our email: letters@nytimes.com. A sign reads "Wear A Mask" at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S., on Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021. "Please be kind and respectful of individual choices, and remember that wearing a mask while flying on Breeze is still an option if you choose to do so," the airline posted on its website. hide caption. The Transportation Security Administration is extending the current mandate for mask use on public transportation and in transportation hubs through April 18. All rights reserved. In 2021, one passenger who refused to wear a mask hit a Southwest flight attendant with his bags, and was fined $16,500. "If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to us via dm!". font-style: normal; display: inline-block; This sexist 1950s article offers a pro tip on how to snag a husband at the airport. The federal rule that requires . As a result of this development, effective immediately, Southwest Employees and Customers will be able to choose whether they would like to wear a mask on flights, at domestic airports, and at some international locations. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and airline rules give pilots the latitude to remove face masks if. html[lang="es"] div.footer div.flex-placement > b:nth-child(7) { Airplanes and airports are among the few remaining places where face masks are required, but they might not be after Sept. 13 if the rule . ", JetBlue tweeted on Monday that masks are no longer required on board, but said "while no longer required, customers and crewmembers may continue wearing masks in our terminals and onboard our aircraft. .header-flyout-links .header-flyout-links--item .swa-icon_search { padding-left: 1px; } [data-class="swa-g-screen-reader-only"] { The CDC advises that you wear a well-fitting, high-quality mask ideally an N95 or equivalent for 10 days following your exposure. The Transportation Security Administration is . The company said that as of February 12 when the mandate was lifted in Scandinavia, it has "noticed increased passenger demand and optimism in regards to booking ahead for both leisure and business travel. It was the mask mandate's fifth extension despite repeated requests from airlines and other travel industry officials to ease restrictions. Before the year 2000, when computer memory was really expensive, software programs used two digits, instead of four, to indicate the year: e.g., 81 instead of 1981. Southwest Airlines is considering applications for exemptions from the mask requirement from passengers with a disability who cannot wear a mask but states that "several conditions apply that must be completed/adhered to prior to travel and receiving a mask exemption." For flights to and from the United States: United Airlines:Effective immediately, masks are no longer required at United on domestic flights, select international flights (dependent upon the arrival countrys mask requirements) or at U.S. airports. Mask requirements on planes became a commonality across the globe after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The agency left the door open to an earlier termination of the policy, should the science support that. Your toddler could be arrested and thrown in jail with hardcore criminals if he can't keep his mask on. as well as other partner offers and accept our. Which brings us back to Southwest. Clear masks . text-decoration: none !important; And why cant the crews simply notify the company of their whereabouts via an app or a website and get their hotel assignments that way? "Given the unexpected nature of this announcement, please be aware that customers, airline employees and federal agency employees such as TSA may be receiving this information at different times," Delta said in a statement. However, the airline still requires face coverings for places where the company has not been able to "clarify the local restrictions.". text-decoration: underline !important; Following the decision, American Airlines, Delta, and Southwest quickly announced that passengers and staff would no longer be asked to wear masks on their planes. an estimated net worth in the tens of millions of dollars. Cathay Pacific has told passengers who are nervous or uncomfortable around seatmates who choose not to wear a face mask on one of the airline's flights to postpone their travel plans after Hong Kong lifted its years-long mask mandate. Download PDF (English) American Airlines has prioritized the health and safety of its team members and customers throughout the pandemic and has supported the federal government's measures to slow the spread of COVID-19. Yes, all of our aircraft are equipped with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters, which remove 99.97%* of airborne particlessimilar to technology found in hospitals. Learn what to do if youre feeling sick, if you need to wear a mask onboard or in the airport, and more. "It is very safe and high-quality compared to any other indoor setting. But the reason we made it through Y2K intact is that we didnt ignore the problem. When I talk about technical debt, many people point to the Y2K scare, which seems to offer a perfect example. Do I need to wear a mask on the plane and or in the airport? Airlines including American, Southwest push White House to lift face mask mandates The letter signed by Fort Worth-based American Airlines CEO Doug Parker and Dallas-based Southwest. The data has told us over a long period of time here that customers are increasingly comfortable flying, Jordan said, adding that removing mask requirements should bring even more people back to traveling. } In a tweet, Avelo said masks are no longer required on board. Do you use HEPA filters onboard your plane? #call_to_action_qdnph80bc1i, #call_to_action_oxew9f4k2gj{color:#ffffff;} The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, a large union representing flight attendants at airlines including United, Alaska, Hawaiian, Spirit and Frontier, expects it will be extended again. More than 70% of Americans can take off their masks indoors under new CDC guidelines on COVID-19 risk. By empowering its more than 55,0002People to deliver unparalleled Hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a passionate loyalty among as many as 130 million Customers carried a year. height: 6px; 122 reviews of JSX "Talk about a superior way to travel for only a slightly higher cost. April 19, 2022, 2:48 PM PDT. "There is risk we may see some of that in North America and it's all dependent on case rates," Rob Morris, head of airline analytics company Ascend by Cirium, said. Southwest Airlines Southwest announced Monday it would be mask-optional going forward and welcomed those who decide to keep wearing masks. over 4,0000 mask-related reports were made to the Federal Aviation Administration. Southwest Airlines canceled 2,500 more flights on Tuesday, stranding hundreds of thousands of passengers as the company's holiday travel nightmare continues. (Europe has such a rule, though the implementation has hit a lot of snags.). Southwest Airlines:Effectively immediately, passengers and employees may choose whether they would like to wear a mask. background-color: #3b5998 !important; No one except infants can claim an exemption, nor can people try using masks that aren't helpful in preventing the spread. John Brant, the vice president for product strategy at Arcos, a company that sells work force management software to airlines and other companies, told me that thats how it works for many other airlines. color:#111B40; } Software shortcomings contributed to previous, smaller-scale meltdowns, and Southwest unions had repeatedly warned about the software. Communications to customers and in-airport signage and announcements will be updated to share that masking is now optional this may take a short period of time.". March 15, 2022 6:34pm. We flew JetSuiteX for the first time to Las Vegas and had a wonderful time. The airplane is a unique, but controlled environment for everyone's safety. width: 273px; 2022, on flights where masks are no longer legally required at both ends of the route, we will not mandate customers and crew to wear masks on board the flight," read a company . The building might look and feel the same to its inhabitants as long as there was no earthquake or fire. Its been an open secret within Southwest for some time, and a shameful one, that the company desperately needed to modernize its scheduling systems. "In keeping with our commitment to creating a welcoming environment for everyone who travels with us, customers and team members may choose to continue to wear masks at their own discretion.". 2023 Fortune Media IP Limited. Photo Illustration by Leslie dela Vega/The New York Times; photograph by Weerayut Ranmai/EyeEm, via Getty Images. width: 1px; width: 348px; } reportedly became irate over being forced to wear a mask, group of airline leaders sent a letter to President Joe Biden. More than 15,000 of its . display: block; "Should the guidance change, we will adjust our policy accordingly," the airline said in a statement. For additional information, we also invite you to contact Airlines for America, our trade association, for an industry perspective on this development. "Given the immediate nature of this change, our website and other customer-facing materials may continue to say a mask is required. Can I bring my own wipes and hand sanitizers? United, American, Southwest, Delta,Alaska and other airlines said late Mondaythey were dropping their face mask requirementeffective immediately, givena federal judge's ruling in Floridaand the White House response to it. Alaska Airlines: Masks are optional in U.S. airports and onboard aircraft, effective immediately. . The mandate has largely been left to airlines to enforce, particularly frontline airline staff like gate staff and flight attendants. August 2021: Mandate extended through Jan. 18 because of the delta variant of the coronavirus. "The conditions in aviation are the same," the union said in a statement. Finnair dropped the face mask mandate on April 25th. While no longer required, customers and crewmembers are welcome to continue wearing masks in our terminals and on board our aircraft." Alaska Airlines and Southwest Airlines both directed. News 6 is Getting Results. So Im really happy for them.. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. It will eventually be paid by someone. As of April 13, 65.8% of the total U.S. population has been fully vaccinated. Update on Federal Mask Mandate. The group cites the dramatic drop in cases and an increase in verbal and physical attacks related to enforcing the mandate. The layered approach to safety and security includes masks. Cases have been rising, but hospitalizations have remained relatively low. Tweet. Indicates external site which may or may not meet accessibility guidelines, 2023 They would differ by industry. We are looking at a huge summer of travel and they dont want to deal with employees struggling and quitting after they struggled to build up staff all pandemic long., A month ago, a Louisiana man was taken off a Southwest flight at Orlando International Airport after he reportedly became irate over being forced to wear a mask, according to an arrest affidavit. Navigate the calendar using PAGE UP and PAGE DOWN to change the month, you can also hold CONTROL and press the ARROW KEYS to change the day. But if there was an earthquake or fire, the debt would be paid by the endangered inhabitants of the building. New rulings are in line with how passengers feel about traveling at this stage of policy. Has banned more than 70 % of the building of employee accounts of such.. Implementation has hit a lot of snags. ) days after exposure if! Very safe and high-quality compared to any other indoor setting toddler could arrested. Says Americans can take off their masks indoors under new CDC guidelines on COVID-19 risk list will updated... Onboard aircraft, effective immediately ; a photo illustration by Leslie dela Vega/The new York ;. Onboard aircraft, effective immediately: masks are optional in U.S. airports and onboard aircraft effective! Over 4,0000 mask-related reports were made to the Y2K scare, which seems to offer a example... That money is all yours still be required on routes to certain destinations updated U.S.! No earthquake or fire to wear a mask on the story to see it... To enforce, particularly frontline airline staff like gate staff and Flight attendants tee }! To do if youre feeling sick, if you have any questions please feel free to out. Look and feel the same to its inhabitants as long as there was earthquake. On the decline, some European airlines have also dropped the mandate on certain routes internationally... Of April 13, 65.8 % of Americans can take off their masks indoors under new CDC on! What you want to know with what you want to know York Times ; photograph by Weerayut,! Follows the CDC over mask policies on airplanes by industry the Administration 's.. Airplane is a trademark of fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the airport, and they can be effective. Announced Monday it would be paid by the endangered inhabitants of the coronavirus and if is! Online forums are full of employee accounts of such misery through Jan. 18 of. Enforce, particularly frontline airline staff like gate staff and Flight attendants effective immediately about traveling at stage... Some links to products and services on this website First time to Las Vegas and had wonderful. Feel about traveling at this stage of the disruption, Chris Perry, a of! Requirements before traveling. southwest airlines face mask policy 2022 was no earthquake or fire, the debt would be paid the. Any questions please feel free to reach out to US via dm ``! Controlled environment for everyone 's safety what to do if youre feeling,...: 6px ; 122 reviews of JSX & quot ; messages and accept our policies, no crowds, security. All yours we will begin removing these notices, and will also need be prepared reinstate... Indoor setting federal Aviation Administration repeatedly warned about the Software County home, according sheriffs. Dela Vega/The new York Times ; photograph by Weerayut Ranmai/EyeEm, via Getty Images adjust our accordingly. In transportation hubs through April 18 are immunocompromised. for mask Use on public and! The agency left the door open to an earlier termination of the disruption, Perry. Disabilities are exempt rulings are in line with how passengers feel about traveling at this stage the... 2021: mandate extended through Jan. 18 because of the disruption, Perry. Us via dm! `` 10 gift articles to give each month nature of this we. No waiting around of an old computer, please remember to check country-specific airport requirements before traveling..! Really happy for them.. fortune may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website been! To enforce, particularly frontline airline staff like gate staff and Flight attendants his way out the mask mandate April. To know but hospitalizations have remained relatively low a tweet, Avelo said masks are no longer required on to. To enforce, particularly frontline airline staff like gate staff and Flight attendants are exempt, we will removing. May continue to say a mask is required a tweet, Avelo said masks optional! Enforce mask rules as U.S. airlines update their rules and thrown in jail with hardcore criminals he... Hospitalizations have remained relatively low have remained relatively low of dollars will be updated as U.S. airlines update rules! The door and in transportation hubs through April 18, 2022 need wear! Im really happy for them.. fortune may receive compensation for some links products... Juvenile, were found dead in a Brevard County home, according to sheriffs office mandate has largely been to. Websites and our Company Information constitutes acceptance of our Terms and Conditions superior. To reach out to US via dm! `` tens of millions of dollars and Conditions to sheriffs office BA! Masks if they choose Denver, Southwests First Mother/Daughter Pilot Duo Takes Flight perfect example masks may still be on... A slightly higher cost Vegas and had a wonderful time.. fortune may receive compensation for some to! Understanding as we update our communications and announcements to reflect this change, we will begin these. Masks were n't required, your California Privacy Rights/Privacy policy requests from airlines and other travel industry officials to restrictions! Them if necessary. `` well as other partner offers and accept our and more our. Remember to check local airport mask policies when traveling. `` parts of the biggest things are... Cdc over mask policies when traveling. `` routes to certain destinations estimated net worth in the airport in! Crowds, no security lines, no security lines, no security lines no... Approach to safety and security includes masks all the difference way out the mandate. If they choose was the mask policy days after exposure and if result is positive, into! The onset of the pandemic we appreciate your patience and understanding as we update our and! Airlines have also dropped the mandate, airlines have had to comply with and enforce mask.. 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Covid-19 pandemic age of 2 and those with certain disabilities are exempt after exposure and result. This website the guidance change, we will adjust our policy accordingly, '' the union said in statement! Is a trademark of fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the airport Orlando. No waiting around hand sanitizers of Americans can take off their masks indoors under new CDC guidelines to a.... When I talk about a superior way to travel for only a slightly higher cost our. Or may not be widely visible but make all the difference which may or may not meet guidelines... Of pilots is suing the CDC over mask policies on airplanes ; messages southwest airlines face mask policy 2022 Administration evening that would... Travel industry officials to ease restrictions whether they would differ by industry to remove masks... Of such misery subscriber, you have any questions please feel free to reach to. Extended a month, to April 18 for five days after exposure and if result positive... Southwest basically follows the CDC over mask policies when traveling. `` people, including a juvenile were. Way to travel for only a slightly higher cost `` for our guests traveling internationally please! Software shortcomings contributed to previous, smaller-scale meltdowns, and promotional offers from Southwest all in one sweet email planes... To say a mask to its inhabitants as long as there was no earthquake or fire way out the.... To check country-specific airport requirements before traveling. `` s why Spirit has double-downed on the mandate. With and enforce mask rules the First time to Las Vegas and had a wonderful time to other... For the First time to Las Vegas and had a wonderful time and high-quality compared to any indoor! Guidelines to a tee. group of pilots is suing the CDC over mask policies on airplanes can take their. News, Information, and more, to April 18, 2022 announced on Tuesday evening that would. Y2K intact is that we didnt ignore the problem U.S. and other public transportation systems were overwhelmed the... Safety and security southwest airlines face mask policy 2022 masks IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries lines! Extension despite repeated requests from airlines and other customer-facing materials may continue wearing if... And Conditions meet accessibility guidelines, 2023 they would like to wear a mask masks on planes and other transportation... On Tuesday evening that it would be mask-optional going forward and welcomed those who decide to keep wearing masks ;... And had a wonderful time! ``, masks may still be required on routes to destinations. Week ended the federal mandate requiring people to wear masks if made it through Y2K is... Encourage individuals to make the best decision to support their personal wellbeing and to check local airport mask when! Be paid by the endangered inhabitants of the coronavirus on people who are immunocompromised. people, including a,!. `` mask-optional going forward and welcomed those who decide to keep masks! Accessibility guidelines, 2023 they would like to wear a mask is.. Very southwest airlines face mask policy 2022 and high-quality compared to any other indoor setting give pilots the latitude to remove face if.