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Relief, confusion and disappointment as masks come off on planes

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LaGuardia Airport Passengers on April 19, 2022

Leslie Josephs | CNBC

Transportation policy of the Biden administration mask mandateThis was the policy that caused the greatest division in the Covid pandemic. This week, it was abruptly ended.

Federal judge, Florida. Monday struck down the mandateTo slow the spread and increase awareness of Covid-19 in travel, more than one year was spent requiring that passengers wear masks when traveling by plane, train, or other public transport.

Although the rule was due to expire on May 3, however, it was not yet expired by the Biden administration. plans to appeal the rulingIf masks are still needed on public transportation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will notify you.

However, travelers and airline crews were left in an uncertain area by the sudden reversal.

TSA announced that it wouldn’t enforce the rule, and airlines responded quickly by saying face masks were optional. This was effective immediately. Some pilots made announcements mid-flight and received applause.

Even though masks are not required by the airlines, or even the federal government for certain airports and public transportation networks such as New York’s and Philadelphia, they may be necessary.

Divided issue

Since then, not everyone seems to have agreed on the positive impact of the changes.

A poll conducted by APNORC from April 14-18 and published Wednesday found that 56% strongly supported the requirement of face-masks in transportation. Only 24% opposed it, and 20% were not supportive.

Scott Reeves (71), a retired musician and music professor said Tuesday at LaGuardia Airport, New York. Reeves stated that he would “absolutely continue” to fly with a mask, stating it was “not a big deal.” It’s a huge deal to be sick.

Armanda Marin (36) arrived from Dallas Tuesday to LaGuardia, making it her first ever maskless flight during the pandemic.

She stated, “I do not care, so long as everyone gets vaccinated.”

Lucas Dietrich was a 39 year-old insurance agent who said he was glad to have the masks gone.

He said that “I cannot stand them”, and added that aircraft filtration systems make him feel safe. “It seems like this is the end.”

Flight attendants ditch mask police role

A particular group feels relief. Public opposition has made it difficult for flight attendants to comply with the mandate. They won’t now be responsible for its enforcement.

It was stated, “We have finished enforcing it.” American AirlinesThe flight attendant declined to identify himself because it is not allowed to talk with the media.

Unruly travellers on aircrafts were reported to the Federal Aviation Administration in record numbers last year. More than 70% of incidents involved disputes about masks. Many flight attendants experienced verbal abuse while working, as well as passenger conflicts, during the pandemic. Some even went so far to resort to violence.

Last year, the FAA instituted “zero tolerance”, which promises harsher penalties like heavy fines for passengers who are not following rules. Instead of soft responses such as counseling or warnings, it will also offer stiffer punishments like severe fines. On Wednesday, it said the policy will continue despite the end to the mask mandate.

According to the Association of Professional Flight Attendants which represents American Airlines’ flight attendants, “We recognize that the enforcement of this mandate has placed an unbelievable burden on Flight Attendants.” It told its members Monday.

Lyn Montgomery, President of TWU Local 556. Southwest AirlinesPrior to the ruling this week, flight attendants wrote to Biden to demand an end of the mandate.

CNBC spoke to her Tuesday, saying that it wasn’t anti-mask. However, the end of the mandate represents a “step forward in normalcy,” for those flight attendants whose work during the pandemic was “exhausting” and “stressful.”

Sara Nelson is international president of Association of Flight Attendants CWA. This union represents the nation’s largest flight attendant union. She stated that although some cabin crews are supportive of ending the policy’s implementation, there are others who aren’t.

Crew members caring for young children that aren’t immunized or have immunocompromised kids aren’t encouraged to cheer.

Nelson stated Tuesday on CNBC’s SquawkBox that “the only reason it has been an issue was because it had become so politicized.” “We didn’t take a position about extending the mandate for masks.”

Crew members and passengers can wear masks as long as they wish.

Nelson stated, “If there is anything that we have learned it’s about common courtesy” and acknowledging the fact that others might be in a different situation than you.

Return ban on passengers

For their part, airlines have repeatedly asked the Biden administration for an end to the mask mandate and predeparture Covid testing requirements for international passengers. The Biden administration has so far not taken this additional step.

In spring 2020, airlines required all passengers to use masks. This was just before the pandemic hit. They quickly started banning those who didn’t comply. Now, they’re rethinking.

Alaska AirlinesAlthough it stated it had already banned 1,700 people for violating masking policy, many passengers who were affected will be allowed to return.

In a statement, the airline announced that “now that the mask policy is overturned”, guests expelled solely because of their mask violations will be allowed on board our flights. “However, some guests whose behavior was particularly egregious will remain banned.”

United Airlines issued a similar update: “On a case-by-case basis we will allow some customers who were previously banned for failing to comply with mask-related rules to fly United again — after ensuring their commitment to follow all crewmember instructions on boardm” the company said.

American and Delta Air Lines did not make comments on their banned passengers. American will likely address the topic in its quarterly reports Thursday morning.

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