Alaska Airlines has changed its policy and stated that mask-wearing is now optional and implored customers to be considerate of each other. "Please remember to be kind to one another and that wearing a mask while travelling is still an option."
The airline also reiterated that those passengers that had been banned from travelling with them for not wearing a mask in the past, were still not allowed to travel on the carrier.
The regional budget carrier Allegiant tweeted its new policy - "To mask or not to mask, that is your choice. Consistent with TSA guidance, all Allegiant customers and team members may wear a mask if they choose to, but are no longer required while travelling with us."
American Airlines has a similar policy, it states “The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to recommend that people wear a face mask in indoor public transportation settings, but they aren’t required to be worn in airport settings or on your flight unless an individual jurisdiction has these requirements”
It says “In keeping with our commitment to creating a welcoming environment for everyone who travels with us, customers and team members may choose to continue to wear masks at their own discretion.”
Delta Air Lines has confirmed that it was adopting an optional stance on masks, leaving it to personal choice. The mega-carrier said: Effective immediately, masks are optional for all airport employees, crew members and customers inside U.S. airports and onboard all aircraft domestically, as well as on most international flights.
Delta employees and customers may continue wearing masks if they so choose. Wearing a well-fitting mask - such as a KN95 – protects the wearer, even if others around them are not wearing masks, according to our Chief Health Officer Dr Henry Ting. Local mask mandates in other countries may still be in effect. Additional updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
Hawaiian Airlines is also adopting a voluntary personal choice of whether to wear a mask or not, however, it advises passengers to keep up to date with the latest requirements in their destination.
JetBlue issues the following statement, 'In line with Monday’s federal court ruling and the Transportation Security Administration’s guidance, mask-wearing will now be optional on JetBlue. While no longer required, customers and crewmembers are welcome to continue wearing masks in our terminals and on board our aircraft.'
Regardless of the U.S. rule change, customers and crewmembers who are travelling internationally should always have a mask with them in case they continue to be required at their destination.
Budget airline Frontier has also gone for the customer and staff choice option of whether to wear a mask or not, although it also warned that masks may still be required when travelling to certain destinations.
The boutique regional airline Silver Airways has advised that masks are no longer required at Silver on domestic flights, select international flights (dependent upon the arrival country’s mask requirements) or at U.S. airports.
"While this means that our employees are no longer required to wear a mask – and no longer have to enforce a mask requirement for most of the flying public – they will be able to wear masks if they choose to do so, as the CDC continues to strongly recommend wearing a mask on public transit.
We will continue to closely monitor the situation in the event of changes."
Spirit Airlines states face coverings are now optional for Spirit staff and customers onboard flights, the airline says that for passengers who wish to continue to wearing masks, that's fine under the airline's operational policy.
Southwest Airlines said its employees and customers are able to choose whether they would like to wear a mask or not. It also said, “We encourage individuals to make the best decision to support their personal wellbeing."
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