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Airlines and masking

I have been struggling with whether or not to return to Italy this year. I had pretty much decided that I would be comfortable enough with traveling to go this Spring or Summer. Now however, the judge's ruling which eliminated the mask requirement in airports and airplanes is making me rethink my comfort level. Obviously I can still wear a mask but clearly there is less protection than when everyone is wearing a mask. Politics aside, the ruling has made travel more worrisome and difficult for those of us whose travel partners are compromised and more susceptible to serious illness from Covid. So my question is, from what I've read, JFK airport still requires masks. Does anyone know firsthand if this is true? And secondly, does ITA airlines require masks on flights to Italy still? Their website indicates they do but I wasn't sure if it just hadn't been updated? Finally, if an ITA flight is partnered with an American airline, would any mask requirement, if there is one, remain in place?

Posted by
1008 posts

If my partner was susceptible to serious illness from Covid, I would not leave the states.

Posted by
8894 posts

Here is what a traveler must assume during the current travel conditions:
No one else will be wearing a mask. Not in the plane, not on the bus, not in the store, not in the museum,etc.

Now, there will actually be a small number with masks, but a reasonable expectation is that they will not. If this makes you uncomfortable for your travel partner’s health, then don’t go.

The only thing that you can control about masks is whether you wear one or not.

Posted by
1023 posts

An indirect answer to your question:

This past week, we flew domestically in the US. It marked our first return to air travel since pre-pandemic. We are double boosted seniors, and have been very cautious during the pandemic, and we have remained Covid free, knock on wood. On our flights (all full), the percentage of people wearing masks is less than 5 percent. We wore masks in the terminal and on our flights, only removed them to take a drink. Interestingly, we found were far less concerned with what others were doing than we thought before taking the flights.

As to going to Europe, you mention a travel partner with medical concerns. While I think you should be "fine" flying if you wear your masks religiously, I think the bigger question is how do you keep that level of personal protection up when you are in Europe? Like eating meals in restaurants? I think it would be exhausting to wear a mask all day long on a trip.

FWIW, we both found that the over the ear loop masks hurt (rubbing the top of the ear) for long duration wearing. I also had one of the N95 masks with two loops that wrap around the back of the head, and it was very comfortable, so I recommend that style of mask for flights.

Posted by
302 posts

I haven't flown internationally since the pandemic began but hope I can offer some personal experience with your broader question of masks no longer being worn by most impacting your safety.
Choosing an airport or airline based on their current policy doesn't make sense because it could change, so it's not a guarantee.
I am also a double boosted incredibly careful senior with my own risk factors as well as those of my spouse, but I made the decision to return to teaching in my huge school after staying remote through last year. I can tell you the stress I was under from all the masks under chins and etc first semester disappeared in a way I hadn't anticipated- and you might find, too.
The non-stop hyper awareness (the guy behind me for a domestic security line, holding a mask to his nose with one hand.. ) was exhausting! Once I decided to focus on myself ( the only aspect I can actually control!) ironically I feel better. I was the one in the mask in the family reunion photo...
You must use an N95, though. Masks work, and as much distance and ventilation as possible. But I wear mine for 8 hours a day, no breaks- I eat standing up outdoors (fun... ) and that's the only time it's off. The students and staff catching (and spreading it) are the ones not wearing masks.
Make sure you find a brand and style that works for you beforehand. If you are unable to wear one for so long, then I would reconsider.

Posted by
6113 posts

A friend of mine caught Covid in January on the way to his destination at a time when mask wearing was still compulsory on flights. The only time he took the mask off was to eat and drink on the plane, so it is a concern on longer flights.

Posted by
62 posts

I appreciate the thoughtful responses. Ultimately, it comes down to weighing the risks and making a personal decision, and I guess I am still struggling with that. The question of keeping safe in Europe was raised. But I struggle less with that than with the flight/airport. Italy is conducive to outside dining most of the time, we tend to favor smaller towns over larger cities, we like to drive rather than use trains/buses, and in deference to the pandemic, we would most likely use VRBO or something similar rather than hotels. We are not comfortable eating in restaurants but do not believe that we would miss it all that much, especially in Italy. All of these things, we have control over and we can remove ourselves from situations we feel are too precarious.. The plane is another story. As a number of people have pointed out, getting to the point where one only worries about what one can control will make for a more relaxed trip. Thanks for everyone's insights.

Posted by
11577 posts

The three airports in the New York Metropolitan NY area( JFK, LGA, EWR) are governed by the Port Authority which is still requiring masks.

Posted by
4103 posts

We flew this week on United to Germany. It was announced before the flight that the German government required that we wore a mask for the entire flight. The gate personnel had masks (surgical) to hand out to those who didn’t have one which was most people at the gate. All the people boarding with us and sitting around us on the flight the entire time and night wore their masks. I was happy to see the compliance. It may be what Italy requires in your instance.

Posted by
62 posts

Thank you Mona. That's the kind of information I was looking for. I'm hoping someone who has flown to Italy recently will respond. I certainly understand that things can change overnight but I would feel so much more comfortable flying if I knew everyone still had to wear a mask for the duration of the flight.

Posted by
11888 posts

It was announced before the flight that the German government required that we wore a mask for the entire flight

Surprising that Germany can tell a US airline flying in US or international airspace, that passengers must be masked. Not making any judgement on the good/bad, just that they can do it

Posted by
7183 posts

We flew United April 23 to Rome
Masking was required and enforced-Italian govt requirement any flights coming in must mask

Posted by
13 posts

Many airports are still requiring a mask, but the population is already tired of the mask requirement and is not worried about it anymore.

Posted by
2297 posts

We flew ITA on Friday Catania-Rome-Venice. Masks were required and anyone with it below their nose was reminded to pull it up. 90% of people in the airports were wearing them when we traveled that day.

Posted by
183 posts

so if I'm wearing surgical only (not N95) you will give me the evil eyeball?

Posted by
7183 posts

Hopefully I’m not on your flight

But the flight attendant will tell you that you need an N95 or equivalent

Posted by
4103 posts

United flight attendants in Denver were only handing out free, cheap surgical masks to those without a mask on our flight to Frankfurt. I was glad I had a better quality mask that’s all I could say and do. Here in Germany most people getting on trains, busses and trams are wearing masks, surgical or kn95 types.

Posted by
2297 posts

There were some changes in Italy regarding masks, but public transportation requires masking. On our ITA flights KN95/FFP2 or equivalent was required. They were also required on our BA flight April i 21st, but not sure whose rules took precedent there. Masks are checked as you board the plane. On our BA flight the one man wearing a surgical mask was told he’d need an FFP2 type by the gate agent, the flight attendant let him through. Not so on ITA - one crew had masks to exchange, another made the passenger find one. Someone on our RS tour was turned back at the gate and had to go purchase one. Vaporetto in Venice has been less strict about mask type but firm about masking.