We’ve been sitting on this story for a number of hours now, holding until the dust settled for the day in regards to how airlines would respond. With the West Coast headed for evening hours, it’s safe to say that travelers on Tuesday, April 19th, can look towards airplanes and airports where masks are optional. A federal judge in Florida nullified the Biden Administration’s rules on Monday, declaring that the mask mandates for federally controlled travel was outside the executive branch’s enumerated powers.
Though the response from some has been negative, it does appear that this is an overall popular decision. As a result, most airlines have adopted an optional policy regarding masks and we suspect those who have elected to continue enforcing a now unenforceable rule will find that an untenable position legally. Just as an airline would struggle to mandate scarf-wearing for customers without any legal justification, companies that seek to enforce facial coverings are likely in a difficult spot without the federal government’s backing. And with the decision appearing to have support from the population, it will be interesting to see if the Biden Administration even seeks to fight the ruling.
After a federal judge in Florida struck down the Biden administration’s mask mandate for airplanes and other public transport methods, airlines are starting to act. https://t.co/tc4WFYYyR5
— CNN (@CNN) April 19, 2022
To understand why we have sat on this story for hours as a travel company, please note that airlines have been putting out statements and reversing positions rapidly. Even as recently as an hour ago, Delta was modifying its company policy. As of publication, Southwest Air, Jet Blue and American Air have still not reverse their mask policies to fit the new federal guidance. We suspect that might change by the time we start the day tomorrow inside the eastern United States.
However, should some companies try to maintain facial coverings as a requirement, that will at least provide those who enjoy mandated masks with an option for flights. How many individuals that might be is hard to gauge.
Passengers on a Delta Airlines flight cheer after the end of the federal mask mandate is announced.pic.twitter.com/DflsPxkWqP
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) April 19, 2022
For all the latest on travel, entertainment, and everything that should be fun, keep checking out That Park Place! If you have an opinion on masks and air travel (or train travel for that matter), we’d love to hear what you’re thinking. Share your comment down below — we really do read them!
