Effective immediately, facemasks on Alaska Airlines are now optional. Due to a judicial decision, the mask mandate has been overturned, which means that guests and employees of Alaska Airlines have the option to mask up when traveling in the U.S. and at work. The airline does state that, while many may be glad to discover this news, some may still have mixed feelings and they advise customers to be kind to one another and that traveling while masking up is still an option.
Max Tidwell, VP of safety and security at Alaka Airlines said:
“It has been a long 24 months with nearly constant change. I could not be prouder of our frontline employees who have handled every pivot focusing on safety and the care we’re known for. We’re also thankful for our guests who remained considerate, patient and stood by us throughout every twist and turn.”
Alaska Airlines says that they will remain vigilant and prepared for what could come in the future as they promote safety as a main priority. The team hopes that most of the challenges brought upon by COVID-19 are in the past, but adds that they are ready to respond if another wave or a new virus emerges.
For guests who were banned because of failure to adhere to the previous mask policy, those whose behavior was ‘particularly egregious’ to Alaska Airlines will remain banned, even after the mask policy is rescinded.
NOTE: Alaska Airlines does say that while the 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, guests are recommended to defer to local port guidance while traveling, including masking up if directed to do so. Guests must also continue to wear masks on flights both to and from Canada.