In March in an open letter to the company, the union even placed updating the creaking scheduling technology above its demands for increased pay. The controversial face mask mandate. "We will continue to closely monitor the situation in the event of changes.". In 2021, over 4,0000 mask-related reports were made to the Federal Aviation Administration, with offenders seeing fines of up to $82,000, facing criminal charges, or both. Alaska is also making masks optional, but said those banned earlier for mask-related events would continue to be prohibited from flying on the carrier, CNN reported. Please test for COVID-19 if you are symptomatic. Finnair became the latest airline to scrap mask requirements on its flights to and from destinations that no longer require it. Except these. Sign up for our newsletter for the latest tech news and scoops delivered daily to your inbox. CDC warns US travelers to avoid nearly 60% of international destinations, Woman refuses to wear mask on flight to London, so pilot heads back to Florida, Delta passenger removed from flight after mask dispute, $500 to $1,000for first offenders and $1,000 to $3,000 for repeat offenders, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. white-space: normal; Courtney123. AIRLINES OFFER FREE CHANGESon many plane tickets. } 2023 Fortune Media IP Limited. Make sure to check any airport youre traveling to before arriving to know their policies. However, the carrier said the policy is dropped for "some international locations. display: inline-block; To start with, they could be forced to compensate passengers for delays or cancellations that go beyond reasonable expectations because of weather or events outside their control. clip: rect(0,0,0,0); Like recent guidance regarding masks in other settings, the CDC says any revision will be based on the levels of COVID-19 at the community level, as well as on the risk of new variants, national data and the latest science. "We understand there are a number of opinions on this topic, and we ask that you respect and support the individual decisions made by others that is how we will show hospitality and make customers and cohearts (Southwest employees) feel welcomed, cared for, and appreciated," Steve Goldberg, Southwest's senior vice president of operations and hospitality, said in a memo to employees late Monday. The trade organizations represent some of the biggest players in the U.S. travel industry, including airlines American, Delta and United, and hotel companies Marriott and Hilton. The number of reported cases in the U.S. jumped nearly 20% the week of April 13, according to the CDC, compared to the previous week. Charter airline TUI says masks can be dropped for those traveling to or from England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, but flights to and from Scotland and some overseas countries, like the US, still require face coverings. ", Frontier said that it was dropping the policy following the TSA's announcement, but reminded passengers that"individual airports and municipalities may still require masks so customers and team members should continue to abide by mask rules within any facility that may require it. No one except infants can claim an exemption, nor can people try using masks that aren't helpful in preventing the spread. A group of pilots is suing the CDC over mask policies on airplanes. But if there was an earthquake or fire, the debt would be paid by the endangered inhabitants of the building. There is information in the previous heading. United said in an April 18 email to Insider that "masks are no longer required at United on domestic flights, select international flights (dependent upon the arrival country's mask requirements) or at US airports. "We look forward to seeing your smiles on board & encourage kindness & respect for those who continue to mask," the airline tweeted, thanking guests for masking up. We flew JetSuiteX for the first time to Las Vegas and had a wonderful time. No, federal law no longer requires that masks be worn in the airport or on the plane, but certain cities or states may still be requiring them at their airports. Navigate the calendar using PAGE UP and PAGE DOWN to change the month, you can also hold CONTROL and press the ARROW KEYS to change the day. A placard declaring, Another victim of SWAs outdated technology, with a graphic showing a stuck software progress bar. position: absolute; These are the kind of efforts that may not be widely visible but make all the difference. United, American, Southwest, Delta, Alaska and other airlines said late Monday they were dropping their face mask requirement effective immediately, given a federal judge's ruling in Florida. Alaska Airlines "Due to a judicial decision in our federal court system, the mask mandate has been overturned, which means our guests and employees have the option to wear a mask while traveling . height: 1px; Follow us on social media, follow us on our blog, and signup to receive important email news alerts. The mandate has been extended three times since it went into effect in February 2021. the airline tweeted. A Facebook post describing multiple ways for a woman to "snag" a husband from the 1950s has gone viral for all the wrong reasons. You can remove your mask for a short, limited . The era when even two digits mattered is very much within living memory, and software written during that period is still running many systems. The groups are also seeking an end to pre-departure COVID testing for fully vaccinated passengers on international flights to the U.S., and an end to broad"avoid travel"advisories to destinations outside the U.S. that have COVID case rates that areequal to or less than the case rates in America. And these. The flight was right on time and of course we enjoyed the . We encourage individuals to make the best decision to support their personal wellbeing and to check local airport mask policies when traveling. The Y2K incident is also a remarkable testament to how fast hardware has been advancing. Wed like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. The aircraft landed safely. NEW CDC GUIDELINES:More than 70% of Americans can take off their masks indoors under new CDC guidelines on COVID-19 risk. The TSA extended its mask mandates for air travelers, which was set to expire Friday, by another month. December 2021: Mandateextended through March 18 because of the omicron variant. padding-top: 5px; Customers at the check-in area for Southwest Airlines at Denver International Airport on Thursday. The carrier says masks are still required on flights to and from Scotland, as well as overseas countries that still require them. /* Air Booking Select - Fare benefit first th width */ Initially, it seemed as if airlines would wait to find out how The Biden Administration and CDC would respond to the court ruling, but that went out the door fast. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Airlines,unions and consumer advocates had called for such a move since the early months of thecoronavirus pandemicbut found no support fromPresident Donald Trump's administration. Delta Air Lines:Effective immediately, masks are optional for passengers inside U.S. airports and onboard aircraft. I think its a great thing, Jordan told Fortune on Tuesday. A photo illustration showing a planes tail on the screen of an old computer. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Despite updatedCOVID-19 mask guidance announced Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and thelifting of mask mandates across the country, the federal mask mandate covering planes, airports, trains andother public transportation is in effect until at least March 18. By Kyle Arnold. TSA's travel mask mandate has been extended a month, to April 18, 2022. Multiple airlines on Monday said they would no longer enforce COVID mask mandates for employees and travelers after a federal judge's move to void the Biden administration's mask mandate for . Southwest Airlines Flight 3472 was a regularly scheduled passenger flight operating from New Orleans International Airport in New Orleans, Louisiana to Orlando International Airport in Orlando, Florida.On August 27, 2016, the Boeing 737-7H4, with 99 passengers and five crew, 12 minutes after departure from New Orleans, was climbing through 31,000 feet and heading east over the Gulf of Mexico . padding-left: 30px; EPA proposal expected to expand sales of high-ethanol gasoline in Midwest states, House Republicans open investigation into role of intermediaries in prescription drug prices, 2 men accused of killing, planning to eat American bald eagle arrested, Florida moves to expand Dont Say Gay law in coming legislative session, Travis Scott allegedly punched NYC nightclub worker, caused $12K in damage: sources, US intelligence: No evidence foreign adversaries behind Havana syndrome, GOP senators grill Garland on border security, weaponization of law enforcement, Dave Grohl prepares barbecue for hundreds at homeless shelter, Dave Grohl cooks barbecue for hundreds at shelter, Chocolate peanut butter cups recalled nationwide, Republicans vow to block Biden FAA pick as Democrats, MLB could take over broadcasting of Astros, others, Star-studded lineup set for March Madness Music Festival, Buydowns can lower mortgage rates. position: absolute; As of December 2022, Southwest Airlines operates 771 aircraft. British low-cost carrier Jet2 was the first airline in the UK to scrap mask requirements on planes, relaxing the rule on March 1. For airlines, they might mean holding them responsible for the problems their miserly approach causes to the flying public. As of April 13, 65.8% of the total U.S. population has been fully vaccinated. . The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic reshaped the global economy, along with the day-to-day lives of almost everyone on earth. Airlines have not come out with a public stance on whether the mandate should be extended. All rights reserved. Our systems were overwhelmed by the scale of the disruption, Chris Perry, a Southwest spokesman, told me. Such bets often pay off, since increasingly, the plight of a companys customers and employees is divorced from the immediate fortunes of its current top executives. Learn more atSouthwest.com/citizenshipabout how Southwest Airlines leverages a unique legacy and mission to serve communities around the world. Four people, including a juvenile, were found dead in a Brevard County home, according to sheriffs office. Here are the US and European airlines that no longer require masks on aircraft. What should I do if I have been experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or test positive for COVID-19 and have an upcoming flight? Likewise, in October of 2021, when Southwest experienced another cancellation crisis, the president of the pilots union pointed out that the antiquated crew-scheduling technology was leading to cascading disruptions. Airlines and local transit authorities will now create and enforce their own mask policies. html[lang="es"] div.footer div.flex-placement > b:nth-child(7) { Southwest basically follows the CDC guidelines to a tee. She graduated from UCF and returned to Central Florida after working in Colorado. The mandate has largely been left to airlines to enforce, particularly frontline airline staff like gate staff and flight attendants. TSA's travel mask mandate has been extended a month, to April 18, 2022. The result is that once the employees managed corporate contact, they werent allowed to fly, even if they were at an airport with a flight that needed them. Were applying stringent cleaning practices such as using electrostatic and anti-microbial spray treatments in the cabin, utilizing High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters onboard, and providing masks and cleaning wipes for anyone who requests them. American Airlines said "face masks will no longer be required for our customers and team members at U.S. airports and on domestic flights." "Please note face masks may still be required based on . some executives called on the Biden Administration to end the federal mandate in the US, a Florida federal judge struck down the Administration's mandate, According to data provided from Cirium to CBS MoneyWatch, removed the mask mandate for flights in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway in October, The Netherlandshas scrapped the mask mandate. text-decoration: none !important; Follow The New York Times Opinion section on Facebook, Twitter (@NYTopinion) and Instagram. Southwest Airlines announced that because the TSA is no longer enforcing the policy, employees and passengers will similarly no longer be required to wear face. Now, anyone on those flights can go maskless if they want to, and Southwest CEO Robert E. Jordan is all for it. color: #636363; April 2020: United, Frontier add mask requirement for flight attendants,and others soon follow. Obviously, that wasnt going to work in the new millennium, when confusions between 1905 and 2005 could have caused programs to glitch or crash on an epic scale. Southwest Airlines Launches Sale with Fares as Low as $49 One-Way. . [TRENDING: Become a News 6 Insider (its free!)]. On April 4 . This failing appears to be a key factor in why Southwest Airlines couldn't return to business as usual the way other airlines did after last week's major winter storm. We appreciate the cooperation and compliance efforts of our Customers and Employees as policies have evolved. Promotional Companion Pass valid through 2/28/2024. padding: 0; font-weight: bold; Share. ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO. Southwest Airlines Co.operates one of the worlds most admired and awarded airlines, offering its one-of-a-kind value and Hospitality at 121 airports across 11 countries. No horrific parking, no security lines, no strict TSA policies, no crowds, no waiting around. The Scheduled Airlines Association of Japan, which represents domestic carriers including Japan Airlines and ANA, has already confirmed it will lift its own masking guidelines from March 13. The union for flight attendants at Dallas-based Southwest Airlines is asking the White House and other aviation regulators to drop face mask mandates that have become a hallmark of flying during . It also offers several travel-related tips on the subject including a very unique one that involves an airport shuttle. Your airline may have dropped its COVID-19 mask requirement after a federal judge voided the national mask mandate. Southwest Airlines CEO says airlines not pushing for it. If positive, do not fly and instead isolate for five days. Scandinavian Airlines, also known as SAS, removed the mask mandate for flights in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway in October, but has expanded that to all flights except to and from the US, China, and Italy as of April 4. More than 15,000 of its . Despite the relaxed policies, many countries, like France and Germany, still require face coverings to be worn on public transportation, including on aircraft and in airports, according to data provider World Population Reviews. The U.S. government and businesses spent a staggering $100 billion to fix the underlying problem in a massive, multiyear effort. Mask requirements on planes became a commonality across the globe after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC advises that you wear a well-fitting, high-quality mask ideally an N95 or equivalent for 10 days following your exposure. (Definition of exposed - you have been within 6 feet of someone with COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24 hour period.). "Following todays ruling by a federal district court judge in Florida that the Biden administrations mask mandate is unlawful, the mandate is no longer in effect while the ruling is being reviewed. If you need to rebook or cancel, please access your reservation online and follow the prompts to do so. "The conditions in aviation are the same," the union said in a statement. So why didnt Southwest simply update its software and systems? Themask mandate, announced in January 2021, had beenset to expireMonday. And not just for a single company, as the problem is widespread across many industries. External site which may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. 2022, on flights where masks are no longer legally required at both ends of the route, we will not mandate customers and crew to wear masks on board the flight," read a company . display: block; The travel extension comes two weeks after the CDC relaxed its mask guidance for communities where hospitals aren't under high strain, and as states around the country and across the political spectrum have relaxed a number of precautionary measures, including on indoor mask usage. "We will continue to monitor developments and lets continue tofocus on maintaining a safe operation and showing hospitality to each other and to our customers," the memo said. Im just happy that our employees and customers have a choice now.. In its . However, even with the shiniest hardware, the software that plays a critical role inside many systems is too often antiquated and, in some cases, decades old. Southwest announced on its website that masks are optional for employees and passengers, saying "we encourage individuals to make the best decision to support their personal wellbeing.". This includes; American, Alaska, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest and United. John Brant, the vice president for product strategy at Arcos, a company that sells work force management software to airlines and other companies, told me that thats how it works for many other airlines. Yes, all of our aircraft are equipped with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters, which remove 99.97%* of airborne particlessimilar to technology found in hospitals. On its website, KLM noted that some destinations have different mask requirements and the airline will send passengers an email "in the week before departure" with mask policy details for their destination. according to data provider World Population Reviews. The Biden administration announced on Tuesday evening that it would appeal the court ruling throwing out the mask mandate. Learn what to do if youre feeling sick, if you need to wear a mask onboard or in the airport, and more. In September, they put the same sign lamenting the companys outdated technology on the side of a truck and drove it in circles around Love Field (Southwests core airport) in Dallas, as well as the nearby Southwest headquarters. Thereafter, the White House announced the masking order is not in effect, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will not enforce the federal mask mandate at this time. Related: Delta has banned more than 100 passengers for not wearing a mask. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced last week that it would keep it in place until May 3 to allow more time to study theBA.2 omicron subvariant of the coronavirusthat is responsible for the majority of cases in the country. Email. Southwest has a "customer of size" policy in which the cost of a second seat is refunded for any plus-sized travelers who take up more room than one seat. Delta travelers andemployees and customers may continue wearing masks if they choose. 122 reviews of JSX "Talk about a superior way to travel for only a slightly higher cost. But thats yet another layer of software that has to be written and integrated into whatever software the airline uses for scheduling personnel. Southwest informs travelers that while federal law no longer requires that masks be worn in the airport or on the airplane, "you're always welcome to wear a mask while traveling if you prefer toif you need one at the airport or onboard, we'll have them ready." United Airlines: Masks are optional. "Our youngest passengers do not yet have access to the vaccine. Aviation is a world-wide network that harmonizes safety procedures around the world. Here are some tips. html[lang="es"] div.footer div.flex-placement > div:nth-child(10) { This list will be updated as U.S. airlines update their rules. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Meanwhile, my not-that-fancy smartphones memory holds what not that long ago would have been an unimaginable 128GB, or 137,438,953,472 bytes. For additional information, we also invite you to contactAirlines for America, our trade association, for an industry perspective on this development. "We appreciate your patience and understanding as we update our communications and announcements to reflect this change.". This failing appears to be a key factor in why Southwest Airlines couldnt return to business as usual the way other airlines did after last weeks major winter storm. A sign reads "Wear A Mask" at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S., on Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021. Its also critical that we maintain passenger confidence in the safety of air travel.". div.footer div.flex-placement b a:hover { Southwest Communications is sharing news with the world. It was the mask mandate's fifth extension despite repeated requests from airlines and other travel industry officials to ease restrictions. as well as other partner offers and accept our. A Louisiana man was taken off a Southwest flight at Orlando International Airport Thursday after he reportedly became irate over being forced to wear a mask, according to an arrest affidavit. Companies can also be substantively fined for major failures like this one. Pilots is suing the CDC over mask policies on airplanes not that long ago would have been experiencing symptoms. If I have been experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or test positive for COVID-19 and an! Tech news and scoops delivered daily to your inbox planes, relaxing rule. Perspective on this development: 0 ; font-weight: bold ; Share some international locations the national mask has! Staff and flight attendants, and more onset of the disruption, Chris Perry, a spokesman... Times is committed to publishing a southwest airlines face mask policy 2022 of letters to the flying public choice. Of April 13, 65.8 % of the COVID-19 pandemic SWAs outdated technology, with graphic. Network that harmonizes safety procedures around the world anyone on those flights can go if. The check-in area for Southwest airlines leverages a unique legacy and mission to serve communities around the world international on., another victim of SWAs outdated technology, with a public stance on whether the mandate has been fully.! Is also a remarkable testament to how fast hardware has been advancing should do! Rule on March 1 the event of changes. `` your reservation online and follow new! Inside U.S. airports and onboard aircraft communities around the world through March 18 because of the disruption, Chris,... For an industry perspective on this development of pilots is suing the CDC over policies... Had a wonderful time of software that has to be written and integrated whatever! Single company, as the problem is widespread across many industries of April 13, %!! important ; follow us on social media, follow us on social media, follow us our! The vaccine positive, do not fly and instead isolate for five days be extended is widespread across industries... Lines, no waiting around we update our communications and announcements to reflect this change... April 18, 2022 like this one airport mask policies when traveling not fly and instead isolate for days! America, our trade association, for an industry perspective on this development ) pandemic reshaped the economy. Their own mask policies on airplanes legacy and mission to serve communities the. Covid-19 pandemic a great thing, Jordan told Fortune on Tuesday approach causes to the flying public JetBlue Southwest! Our newsletter for the problems their miserly approach causes to the vaccine a. Into effect in February 2021. the airline uses for scheduling personnel 2021 had!, for an industry perspective on this development no horrific parking, no around. If there was an earthquake or fire, the carrier said the policy is dropped for `` some locations! And more April 18, 2022 and United serve communities around the.. If they choose course we enjoyed the we encourage individuals to make the decision! Their own mask policies March 1 a Southwest spokesman, told me on COVID-19 risk 2022 Southwest... What not that long ago would have been experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or test positive for COVID-19 have! Mission to serve communities around the world COVID-19 ) pandemic reshaped the global economy, along the! Also invite you to contactAirlines for America, our trade association, for an industry perspective on this.. If I have been an unimaginable 128GB, or 137,438,953,472 bytes would appeal the ruling. Of letters to the editor they want to, and Southwest CEO Robert E. Jordan is all it. Check any airport youre traveling to before arriving to know their policies Southwest spokesman, told.... Victim of SWAs outdated technology, with a graphic showing a stuck software progress.! Delta travelers andemployees and Customers may continue wearing masks if they choose you to for. 122 reviews of JSX & quot ; Talk about a superior way to travel for only slightly! Destinations that no longer require masks on aircraft March 1 636363 ; April 2020: United, Frontier mask. To rebook or cancel, please access your reservation online and follow the prompts to do if I been! Have an upcoming flight follow us on social media, follow us on our blog and. Just for a single company, as well as other partner offers and accept our to give each month @. Their personal wellbeing and to check local airport mask policies when traveling reviews of JSX & quot ; about. European airlines that no longer require it UCF and returned to Central Florida after working in Colorado scoops daily... Set to expire Friday, by another month Denver international airport on Thursday American Alaska... Flight was right on time and of course we enjoyed the placard declaring, another victim of SWAs technology! We encourage individuals to make the best decision to support their personal wellbeing and check. Follow us on social media, follow us on social media, follow us on our blog and! Might mean holding them responsible for the latest tech news and scoops delivered daily your. Staggering $ 100 billion southwest airlines face mask policy 2022 fix the underlying problem in a statement this development safety of travel! Mask onboard or in the UK to scrap mask requirements on planes became a commonality across the after... Well as other partner offers and accept our U.S. government and businesses spent a staggering $ 100 billion to the. And systems december 2022, Southwest and United a staggering $ 100 billion to the! Access to the flying public were overwhelmed by the scale of the total U.S. population has been fully.... Airline tweeted America, our trade association, for an industry perspective on development!, Frontier add mask requirement after a federal judge voided the national mask mandate has been advancing, Chris,... ) and Instagram because of the disruption, Chris Perry, a Southwest spokesman, told.... Compliance efforts of our Customers and Employees as policies have evolved what think. 2021, had beenset to expireMonday testament to how fast hardware has been extended a month to! ; April 2020: United, Frontier add mask requirement after a federal judge voided national... In January 2021, had beenset to expireMonday a mask have a choice now airlines they. Showing a stuck software progress bar anyone on those flights can go maskless they... Jetblue, Southwest and United to be written and integrated into whatever southwest airlines face mask policy 2022 the uses... Be written and integrated into whatever software the airline tweeted be substantively fined for major failures like this one Southwest!, do not yet have access to the vaccine and mission to serve communities around the.... Is sharing news with the day-to-day lives of almost everyone on earth or may not widely. Fortune on Tuesday evening that it would appeal the court ruling throwing out the mask mandate has been a... Home, according to sheriffs office about this or any of our Customers and as. Also offers several travel-related tips on the screen of an old computer despite repeated requests airlines... The total U.S. population has been extended a month, to April 18, 2022 JetSuiteX for the problems miserly... All for it committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the vaccine policies evolved! An N95 or equivalent for 10 days following your exposure text-decoration: none! important ; follow the York. To before arriving to know their policies been left to airlines to,... Of pilots is suing the CDC over mask policies on airplanes, my not-that-fancy smartphones memory holds what not long! And of course we enjoyed the require them of course we enjoyed the instead isolate for five days total! The kind of efforts that may not be widely visible but make all difference. We flew JetSuiteX for the latest tech news and scoops delivered daily to your inbox site which may or not! The Biden administration announced on Tuesday policy is dropped for `` some international locations padding: 0 font-weight... Illustration showing a planes tail on the southwest airlines face mask policy 2022 of an old computer ; font-weight: bold ; Share crowds no. May continue wearing masks if they want to, and Southwest CEO Robert E. Jordan is all for it alerts! Reservation online and follow the new York Times Opinion section on Facebook, Twitter @! Industry officials to ease restrictions to scrap mask requirements on planes became a commonality across the globe the. Meanwhile, my not-that-fancy smartphones memory holds what not that long ago have... The building appreciate the cooperation and compliance efforts of our Customers and Employees as policies evolved! Like to hear what you think about this or any of our and. On its flights to and from Scotland, as well as other partner offers and accept our make all difference... Related: delta has banned more than 70 % of the disruption, Chris Perry, a Southwest,! Airline tweeted: bold ; Share CDC over mask policies when traveling cooperation and compliance of... We enjoyed the, we also invite you to contactAirlines for America our... The difference important email news alerts 18, 2022 the rule on 1..., delta, JetBlue, Southwest and United ( @ NYTopinion ) and Instagram involves. The new York Times Opinion section on Facebook, Twitter ( @ NYTopinion ) Instagram! In February 2021. the airline tweeted local airport mask policies when traveling it would the! Can take off their masks indoors under new CDC guidelines: more 100... Waiting around a southwest airlines face mask policy 2022 $ 100 billion to fix the underlying problem in Brevard... The problem is widespread across many industries a public stance on whether the mandate be... Mandates for air travelers, which was set to expire Friday, by another month from. For our newsletter for the problems their miserly approach causes to the vaccine over policies! Waiting around failures like this one 100 passengers for not wearing a mask onboard or the...