Air Travel Mask Mandate Extended (Again)

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her adventures around the world on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

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Masks on planes and trains are here to stay, at least until May 3. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) just extended the federal mandate requiring face coverings on public transportation and transportation hubs.

According to the TSA, the ruling was extended following a recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

A statement from the TSA explains, “CDC continues to monitor the spread of the Omicron COVID-19 variant, especially the BA.2 subvariant that now makes up more than 85% of U.S. cases. Since early April 2022, there have been increases in the 7-day moving average of COVID-19 cases in the United States.”

During the 15-day extension period, the CDC will continue to monitor COVID case numbers and coordinate with the TSA on the mask requirement.

Until then, masks will remain mandatory on airplanes and in airports, as well as on trains and buses.

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