U.S. No Longer Enforces Mask Requirement on Aircraft And Trains

Soon after the announcement, United Airlines and Alaska Airlines lifted the restrictions on all domestic flights, effective immediately.

The judgment by President Donald Trump's appointment, U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle, came in response to a case brought last year in Tampa, Florida, by an organization called the Health Freedom Defense Fund.

Judge Mizelle said that the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) exceeded its jurisdiction with the requirement, did not solicit public feedback, and failed to sufficiently explain their judgments.

While the agencies considered possible next moves, a US administration official said that the court's judgment meant the CDC's public transit masking order was no longer in place. The administration may still appeal the ruling or request an emergency stay of enforcement.

"As a result, the TSA will not enforce its Security Directives and Emergency Amendments mandating the wearing of masks on public transit and transportation hubs at this time," the official said in a statement.

"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that persons continue to use masks in enclosed public transit environments."

The verdict comes as COVID-19 infections continue to climb in the United States, with an average of 36,251 new infections and 460 daily fatalities based on a seven-day average - the highest documented total COVID-19 mortality in the world.

According to the White House, the verdict was "disappointing."

US health authorities extended by 15 days last week the regulation mandating passengers to wear masks on flights, trains, taxis, ride-share vehicles, and transportation hubs, citing a need to examine the effect of a recent increase in COVID-19 cases.

Industry groups and Republican legislators pressed the administration this week to repeal the 14-month-old mask rule.

United Airlines said Monday that masks are no longer needed on domestic flights and certain foreign flights, as well as at domestic airports in the United States. Alaska Airlines said that face masks are now available as an option on its aircraft.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) refused to comment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention refused to comment.

In February 2021, the CDC issued the first public health rule mandating masks in interstate transportation. To execute the CDC mandate, the TSA issued a security directive.

Since January 2021, the FAA has documented a record 7,060 rowdy passenger events, with 70% involving disguising regulations.

Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants, pleaded with "In airports and on airplanes, maintain a state of serenity and consistency. Today, the last thing we need is uncertainty and mayhem for frontline staff and passengers flying."

Airlines for America, which represents the country's main passenger airlines, said after the news that they are "vigorous supporters for repealing pandemic-era rules and are delighted by the repeal of the federal transportation mask requirement."

Last month, the United States Senate voted 57-40 to repeal a public health directive mandating masks on aircraft and other modes of public transportation, prompting President Joe Biden to threaten a veto.