What does the ruling mean?

The judge’s decision means the mask order handed down by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in January 2021 is “not in effect at this time,” according to the White House. The TSA said in a statement that because of the ruling, “effective immediately,” it would no longer enforce its security directives that required mask use on public transportation and transportation hubs. That left the decision about whether to require face coverings up to airlines, other transportation companies, airports and local authorities. The mask rule has been extended several times, at one point set to lift Monday before the CDC kicked the deadline to May 3 last week to monitor an increase in coronavirus cases.

Do I still have to wear a mask?

In most transportation scenarios, no, you are not required to wear a mask. But remember that the mask mandate didn’t just apply to planes and airports. It also applied to trains, ferries, buses, ride-hailing vehicles, taxis, trolleys and other transportation hubs. Some mask mandates are staying in place. Public transit riders in New York City will need to wear a face covering on subways, buses and trains, local media reported . Philadelphia International Airport is requiring masks under a city mandate. But many mask rules are dropping. Amtrak said masks would not be required for riders and workers, but it said face coverings were “welcome and remain an important preventive measure against COVID-19.” Large public transportation systems including N.J. Transit and the Metro transit system in D.C. dropped theirs. Mask mandates remain in effect at JFK and LaGuardia airports in New York City, per state public health guidance , as well as the Port Authority bus terminal. Uber said Monday that they will no longer require riders and drivers to wear a mask in U.S. cities, but it said mask use is recommended. Riders can also now ride in the front seat again. Lyft followed by dropping its mask requirement Tuesday.

What are the airlines doing?

All major U.S. carriers said they would no longer enforce the mandate for both customers and crew in the United States, including United, Delta, American, Southwest, Alaska Airlines, JetBlue and Spirit. Some international routes might require masks, depending on the rules at the destination. The Association of Flight Attendants (AFA-CWA) tweeted a statement Monday: “Immediately, we urge calm & consistency in airports & on planes. The last thing we need for workers on the frontlines or passengers traveling today is confusion & chaos. Check the latest updates from airlines for specific travel requirements.” Last month, 10 airline executives urged President Biden to end the federal transportation mask mandate, citing a “persistent and steady decline” of coronavirus hospitalizations and death rates. Airlines are also calling for an end to the testing requirement to enter the United States from abroad; the rule still stands. If you are flying internationally, airlines urged travelers to check and follow mandates in their arrival or departure city.

What do health experts say about wearing a mask on a plane?

Anyone concerned about getting infected with the coronavirus should still wear a face covering . John Swartzberg, a professor of infectious diseases and vaccinology at University of California at Berkeley’s School of Public Health, said wearing a well-fitting N95 mask , leaving it on during the entire flight and staying up to date with vaccinations offers “considerable protection.”

Is that the final word?

Perhaps not. At a news briefing Monday, White House press secretary Jen Psaki called the ruling “obviously a disappointing decision.” “The Department of Justice would make any determinations about litigation,” she said. On Wednesday, the Justice Department said it will appeal the ruling. “It is CDC’s continuing assessment that at this time an order requiring masking in the indoor transportation corridor remains necessary for the public health,” the CDC said in a statement Wednesday evening. “CDC believes this is a lawful order, well within CDC’s legal authority to protect public health.”

By The Way

Do I still need to wear a mask on a plane? 5 questions, answered.

Everything you need to know about the end of the federal transportation mask mandate

By Hannah Sampson

Updated April 19, 2022 at 1:26 p.m. EDT|Published April 19, 2022 at 10:19 a.m. EDT

It was an announcement heard all over — and 35,000 feet above — the country on Monday: A federal judge in Florida struck down the federal transportation mask mandate. The Transportation Security Administration said it would no longer enforce the rule, and large U.S. airlines and transportation companies announced masks were optional.

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Videos posted on social media showed that some pilots broke the news midflight, leading to cheers as passengers ripped off their face coverings. Other travelers complained that they were suddenly surrounded by maskless people after taking off when the mandate was still in place.

Have questions about masks? Ask The Post for our live chat at noon Wednesday.

It was a chaotic end to an era that has stretched nearly two years; airlines had been requiring masks since May 2020.

Here’s what travelers should know about the change.

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