Passengers React to the End of Federal Transportation Mask Requirements

(KNSI) — For the first time in two years, passengers today can board flights without a face mask.

A federal judge killed the mask rules Monday.

When the announcement came down, this woman was on an airplane and said she and other passengers celebrated the move. “Just as we were getting ready to land, they announced that the mask mandate was no longer in effect, and we could all take our masks off. And when they announced it on the plane, everyone just cheered and ripped their masks off.”

Others chimed in with one saying, “because I’ve had it. I’m vaccinated, and I don’t think they necessarily help as far as the spread, being a nurse.” Another woman says she’s glad to ditch the masks because “I like seeing everybody’s face! You know? You forget what people look like.”

Not everyone was ready to ditch the face coverings with this gentleman, saying it makes him nervous “because I think that there might be people who tested positive on the flight, and I think that wouldn’t be best for all the people involved.” Others said they would continue to wear masks if they had to travel. One woman said it’s better for her because buses, trains, and other forms of transportation are closed and confined spaces. Another gentleman said he will also wear masks, saying the elimination of the mandate doesn’t matter to him, “it’s just something in order for you to keep healthy, and I prefer to be healthy.”

Barring an appeal from the White House, it seems the mask requirements will be dropped; something airlines have been pushing for. United, American, Southwest, Delta, Alaska, and other airlines have already announced an end to mask requirements, as have Amtrak and Uber.

The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is ending its mask mandate. The airport released a statement saying their decision to move masks to optional is effective immediately. The release from the airport says the MAC decided because of the Transportation Security Administration’s statement saying they will no longer enforce mask-related regulations, they wouldn’t enforce them either.

Local governments still have the authority to enforce mask requirements, so if you are traveling, experts say to keep a face covering handy just in case.

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