Covid 19 Part XXXV-956,720 ROI (5,952 deaths) 452,946 NI (3,002 deaths) (08/01) Read OP

So...in light of a federal judge ruling in the States, the CDC will not enforce their public transportation mask mandate - including on flights to and from the US.

"In light of the decision, the Transportation Security Administration, which runs security at airports, will not enforce directives "requiring mask use on public transportation and transportation hubs at this time," an administration official said."

After the ruling was announced, United Airlines dropped its mask mandate on domestic flights and some international flights, depending on the rules in the country of arrival.

It was soon followed by American Airlines, Delta Airlines and Alaska Airlines, who all made masks optional for crew members and customers on domestic and most international flights.

What does this mean for travelling to the US on, say, Aer Lingus - would travellers not have to wear masks right now? Or can Aer Lingus require it anyway (I don't think there are Irish regulations on this). I'm guessing they will still require them, but given Delta and American Airlines not, would be interesting to see whose lead they take.

edit: Virgin Atlantic in the UK have removed masks for travel to USA immediately.

You know this or think this?

Yes, but that's not official, just crew tired of trying to enforce! Officially Ryanair still has mask mandate.

British Airways have immediately removed the mask mandate for travel to the USA, following the ruling. They said it is up to customer preference once the destination rules don't mandate it. A sensible decision.

But British Airways are part of the IAG group, as are Aer Lingus. But Aer Lingus continue to enforce the mask mandate.

Yeah, that's my concern. They are broadly blaming US rules for the mask mandate on those flights, but as soon as the US rules are removed, they just are, like, well, whatever. How does an airline that is part of AIG, not have to move to make adjustments in the same way as its sister company British Airways. Politics somewhere here, not science.

Ahh, here is the answer in the Irish Times:

On Monday it emerged that US authorities will no longer enforce wearing masks on aircraft, trains or buses following a Florida court ruling.

In response to that, an Aer Lingus spokeswoman said it follows the Irish Government “protocol for the management of air passengers in light of Covid-19”, a position informed by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and European Centre for Disease prevention and Control (ECDC) protocol. Both provide for the wearing of masks.

“However, in light of the Florida court decision regarding the United States mask mandate and the fact the United Kingdom does not require the wearing of masks on board, there is now an urgent need to review both the Irish Government and EASA-ECDC protocols in order to remove the provisions regarding the wearing of masks on board,” she said.

Any such move would only follow a broader relaxation of coronavirus restrictions. But it would likely lead to unease among some passengers.

Nah, see other post. Turns out "Aer Lingus spokeswoman said it follows the Irish Government “protocol for the management of air passengers in light of Covid-19”, a position informed by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and European Centre for Disease prevention and Control (ECDC) protocol. Both provide for the wearing of masks."