8.20.21 – Federal Mask Mandate Extended Through January 18th

Friday, August 20, 2021

Federal Mask Mandate Extended Through January 18th

The federal mandate requiring that masks be worn on airplanes and in airports has been extended through January 18th. Passengers and aviation workers, regardless of vaccination status, must continue to wear masks while traveling. Air travel is shared space, and some of our passengers, including children, cannot yet get vaccinated. As long as COVID-19 infection rates are high, air travelers will continue to be best served by a clear and consistent federal mandate across the industry.

While Flight Attendants continue to bear the brunt of mask non-compliance issues, the federal mandate, in tandem with the FAA Zero-Tolerance Policy, provides necessary accountability for passengers who choose to violate and escalate this policy. Today, the FAA announced that unruly passenger fines have exceeded $1 million in total.

As aviation professionals, we pride ourselves on maintaining the safest aviation system in the world. As we combat this deadly virus, simply wearing a mask when we travel can protect ourselves and those around us. The safest possible air travel experience is critical to keeping our industry stable. Passengers must feel safe to be willing to fly. Without passengers, we risk reverting to some of the worst days in 2020.

We will continue to heed guidance from the CDC’s scientists and medical experts to keep our members safe. Please continue to take all available precautions to bring this pandemic to an end together.

In Solidarity,

Allie Malis
APFA Government Affairs Representative

Lori Glattly
APFA Government Affairs Representative

[email protected]