Earlier today, US Federal Judge Kathryn K. Mizelle of Middle Florida struck down the CDC requirement to wear a mask on all public transportation. According to the order, the mandate is stuck down. In her ruling, the court stated that “the mask mandate exceeds the CDC’s (Center for Disease Control) statutory authority and violated the procedures required for agency rulemaking under the Administrative Procedural Act. Accordingly, the court vacates the Mandate and remands it to the CDC.”
So far, it does not appear that the CDC or the Biden Administration will take action on reimplementing the ban or formally appealing the decision.
Most airlines have remained silent on the issue thus far. Notably, Alaska Airlines posted this statement:
“Face masks have been like boarding passes for nearly two years — you couldn’t fly without one. But, as of today, masks are optional in airports and onboard aircraft, effective immediately.” In their statement, Alaska added:
[Note: While the Transportation Security Administration, TSA, is no longer enforcing its mask mandate, it may take time for individual airports to roll back their mask requirements. Out of an abundance of caution, we recommend guests defer to local port guidance when traveling, including wearing a mask if directed to do so. Guests must also continue to wear masks on flights both to and from Canada.]
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 in the U.S. and at work.
While we are glad this means many of us get to see your smiling faces, we understand some might have mixed feelings. Please remember to be kind to one another and that wearing a mask while traveling is still an option.”
United also posted this Instagram post at 7:55pm ET announcing that masks are optional on their flights.
Delta Air Lines also announced that they are making masks optional.
Other major US airlines have yet to post. It’s difficult to see how any airline would enforce the mask mandate without this overturned ruling backing it. It’s likely that all airlines will drop the mandate this evening. We’ll keep you updated as we learn more.
Bonus: The Memes Are Lit for the Fall of the Mask Mandate
If you follow some of the airline industry meme sites, the memes are pretty funny. It’s been a long two years for flight attendants and crews who have dealt with this issue. We posted a few of the safe for work ones below:
