After a federal judge in Florida ruled against the Biden administration's mandatory mask mandate for travelers on planes and other public forms of transportation, certain airlines are lifting mask mandates.
Since Monday's ruling, air travel within the U.S. has quickly reshaped, as a multitude of carriers like Delta and United to Southwest and American said masks are now optional for travelers aboard their aircraft.
This massive shift also means many airline employees no longer have to wear masks — and won't have to enforce the rule on passengers. However, airlines still suggest travelers bring a mask on their trip, to conform with the rules where they land, particularly for international flights.
Here's a rundown of where airlines stand:
Alaska Airlines
Masks are now optional for customers, but they should be patient with the change in policy. Alaska said it will be ready to respond if the U.S. is faced with another COVID-19 surge.
American Airlines
American's mandatory mask requirement for travelers and staff at U.S. airports and on domestic flights is now rescinded.
Like other airlines, American said face masks may still be required in some places, based on local ordinances or when traveling to and from international locations.
Delta Air Lines
Masks are optional onboard, but Delta warned that travelers may encounter "inconsistent enforcement" over the first 24 hours as the news is being "broadly communicated."
Frontier Airlines
"To mask or not to mask, the choice is yours," the airline said.
It cautioned that passengers should still check the policies at their destination, noting that some airports or countries where Frontier flies might still require masks.
Hawaiian Airlines
Face masks are now optional for passengers and crew members on board flights.
JetBlue Airways
While no longer required, customers and crew members are welcome to continue wearing masks in our terminals and on board our aircraft.
Spirit Airlines
Spirit is now optional for mask wearing.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest is encouraging passengers and employees to make the best decision to support their personal wellbeing and it will monitor public health guidance and federal requirements.
Southwest added that its cabin air ventilation systems use "HEPA air filtration that removes at least 99.97% of airborne particles.
United Airlines
Masks are no longer required on domestic flights and some international flights, but are still recommended.
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