Stop masks on airplanes: rules from major airlines
Does it still make sense to wear masks aboard airplanes? We are slowly returning to take ownership of freedoms lost to [...]
Wizz Air
Virgin Atlantic
Swiss
Ryanair
KLM
easyJet
British Airways
Does it still make sense to wear masks aboard aircraft? We are slowly returning to take ownership of the freedoms lost to Covid, but there are still limitations that are not being torn down out of caution and prudence. As it stands now, however, wearing a face mask in flight for long stretches is really something that is poorly digested, which even seems excessive, considering the ventilation control on board.
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Some carriers have already taken action in this regard, cancelling the requirement, which, however, still remains in force inside airports. It should be understood, therefore, that it is necessary to have one's face mask with one, which one should only get rid of once on board. Which airlines have lowered this measure? Let's see it together.
Goodbye in-flight masks: here's with which carriers
- EasyJet - As of March 27, the carrier canceled the mask requirement on domestic flights in the UK, as well as on flights from the UK to Denmark, Iceland, Gibraltar, and Hungary. The requirement will remain if you are flying to a country that requires masks to be worn on board transport.
- Jet2 - The first UK airline to abolish the face mask requirement. All passengers will be free to wear it if they wish, but for domestic and direct flights to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (in Scotland the requirement remains, for now) they will be able to travel freely without it.
- KLM - Peculiar situation on board KLM flights. The Netherlands has said goodbye to many coronavirus-related restrictions. As of March 23 there is more freedom for citizens in ordinary life, but not on board aircraft. A decision that has generated controversy, considering also the excellent air circulation system that greatly reduces the risk of in-flight contagion. There is still a perception, however, that proximity can do harm, which is true in case you find yourself next to a positive, unverified passenger. The carrier has therefore decided to stop checking that all passengers comply with this regulation. It will advise them to follow the regulations but will not intervene to correct "misbehavior." A form of protest that somewhat respects the current law.
- Ryanair - The face mask requirement remains on board Ryanair flights. However, the carrier had been juxtaposed with companies ready to remove this measure, in connection with the words of CEO Michael O'Leary, who said he was confident of doing so by the end of April or May.
- SWISS - April 1 was an important date for SWISS, which decided to cancel the requirement to wear a face mask on board its aircraft. This follows the government's decision to loosen security measures in various places, as well as on means of transportation.
- Wizz Air - Still mandatory use of face masks on board carrier aircraft, both during boarding and throughout the flight.
- British Airways - No face masks will have to be worn on board the carrier's flights. The company, however, is keen to stress the need to check the internal regulations of the countries in which one lands. The responsibility falls on individual passengers, who are reminded to comply with local regulations once they leave the plane.
- Virgin Atlantic - The carrier offers the option of traveling mask-free, unless one is heading to destinations that require such a safety measure. Otherwise, one can take the face mask with him or her and leave it in his or her pocket, then take it back to walk around the airport.
