Airline CEOs want mask mandates to end. Here are the arguments they’re making to Biden
CEOs from the organization Airlines for America, which includes Delta, Southwest and American Airlines, have sent a letter to President Joe Biden asking the administration to lift the mask mandates for air travel.
In the letter dated Wednesday, 10 airline presidents and CEOs made the request for “the benefit of the traveling public, but also for the thousands of airline employees charged with enforcing a patchwork of now-outdated regulations implemented in response to COVID-19.”
The letter follows an extension of mask use on public transportation and transportation hubs issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The extension is set to last through April 18.
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What is Airlines for America?
Airlines for America is an organization that advocates for its members to shape policies and measures that promote safety, security in the U.S. airline industry. There are 10 member airlines in the organization: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Atlas Air Worldwide, Delta, FedEx Express, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest, United and UPS.
Why do airlines want to lift the mask mandate on flights?
The airlines say declines in COVID-related hospitalizations and deaths are the “most compelling indicators” that the virus is less of a threat today.
In Fort Worth and Tarrant County, COVID hospitalization numbers have shown a decline since a peak in January. County data updated on Thursday showed 52 hospital beds had COVID patients out of 3,838 occupied beds. The county’s total hospital bed capacity is 4,473.
Widespread availability of COVID vaccines is another reason the airlines cite for ending the mask mandate.
Airlines for America said in the letter that it made sense to lift the mandate given people could dine and shop without a mask requirement. Continuing to enforce the mandate puts the burden on airline employees.
“It is critical to recognize that the burden of enforcing both the mask and pre-departure testing requirements has fallen on our employees for two years now,” the letter said. “This is not a function they are trained to perform and subjects them to daily challenges by frustrated customers. This in turn takes a toll on their own well-being.”
What other COVID mandates fall on airlines?
Outside of masks, airlines are required to conduct an international pre-departure testing for U.S. inbound travelers. Airlines for America has requested an end to this requirement as well.
Will the White House end mask mandates for airlines and hubs like DFW airport?
The White House and the CDC have not announced a change in the public transportation and transportation hub mask extension as of Thursday.
Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport has required COVID testing for all inbound travelers arriving in the U.S. from a foreign country since late January 2021. DFW has also required masks to be worn by all travelers over 2 years old and employees since February 2021.
Dallas Love Field Airport also continues to require masks to be worn by all employees, travelers and visitors.
This story was originally published March 24, 2022 at 2:00 PM.
