TSA Extends Mask Mandate to April 18
The TSA has extended the requirement of wearing a mask on all public transportation for another month to April 18th instead of previous multiple 4 month extensions. It relies only on CDC's recommendation with no public or outside expert input allowed. Keep in mind that the "mandatory no exception masking" has now been repealed in most of the US.
Airline trade associations claim that the air on planes is healthy and does not endorse this continuous mandatory masking. The CDC and other experts have already said that cloth masks are ineffective to stop virus. There is also no COVID testing generally available or social distancing on public transportation.
FlyersRights calls for a public hearing and the opportunity for public comments prior to any continuation, modification or repeal of current TSA no exception, mandatory masking on planes and other public interstate transportation.
FlyersRights petitioned the DOT for mandatory masking with medical exceptions in August 2020 and the petition was denied by the DOT in October 2020. Mandatory defacto no exception masking mandated by Biden Administration executive order in January 2021. TSA extended order 4-5 times and now includes requirement that masks remain on even while eating and drinking except between bites and sips. The majority of unruly passenger reports to FAA involve mask violations.
