A U.S. District Court Judge in Florida struck down the federal mask mandate for airplanes and other modes of transportation. As a direct result of the ruling, U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials released a statement announcing that the face covering extension mandate would no longer be enforced.
Based on the federal district court’s ruling, U.S. airline carriers including Delta, American JetBlue, United and Southwest, announced masks are now optional on their aircrafts and hubs. New Jersey Transit, Amtrak, and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, which operates DC's Metro, also announced that they will no longer require masks for passengers and employees. However, public transportation carriers across the country vary in their response to the federal ruling. For example, New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority will retain their face mask requirements pursuant to the state health department’s March 2, 2022 determination.
If you’re traveling from another country and are seeking entry to the U.S., there are still cautionary measures you need to take before you’re granted entry. CDC guidelines outline visitors must be fully vaccinated if you are a non-U.S. citizen, non-U.S. immigrant (not a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or traveling to the United States on an immigrant visa); and you must show proof a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 when you travel to the United States by air regardless of your vaccination status. To be considered “fully vaccinated,” your vaccination shot(s) must be administered at least 2 weeks (14 days) prior to traveling.
Based on CDC guidelines, visitors to the U.S. are encouraged to wear a mask over their nose and mouth in indoor areas of public transportation (including airplanes) traveling into, within, or out of the United States and indoors in U.S. transportation hubs (including airports). If you’re departing from the U.S. to travel to another country, the CDC advises you should allot extra time at the airport since each country’s requirements vary and are subject to change on short notice. Compliance with travel requirements are generally determined at point of departure.