CEOs of major US airlines have called on President Biden to end federal mask-wearing regulations for public transportation. Here, a traveler works on a laptop at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston on December 3.
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A group of executives from all major airlines in the US is calling on President Biden to waive the federal carrier mask regulation along with the requirement for international COVID-19 testing before departure. .
In one open letter released by the travel industry lobby group Airlines for America, which is calling on the Biden administration to “end federal transportation travel restrictions.” The group argues that the restrictions no longer reflect “the realities of the current epidemiological environment.”
The letter is signed by the leaders of 10 US companies, including the 6 largest airlines in the country: Alaska Airlines, American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest and United.
“It does not mean that people are still required to wear masks on planes, but it is allowed to gather in crowded restaurants, schools and at sporting events without masks, even though there are no locations. any point has a protective air filtration system like an airplane,” the letter said.
Today, A4A sent a letter to @The White House and @POTUS requires the removal of COVID-era transportation policies, including international pre-departure checks and federal mask requirements. (1/3) https://t.co/IWazJ1YRle
– Airlines for the Americas (@AirlinesDotOrg) March 23, 2022
The group argues that a nationwide increase in vaccinations and the lifting of restrictions in other countries are reasons the Biden administration should review its COVID policies towards travelers.
“We are encouraged by current data and the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions from coast to coast,” the group said.
The CEOs emphasized that, while they have supported and cooperated with the federal government’s COVID policies, including masking and pre-departure testing, enforcement of those rules has fallen under the about airline employees in the past two years.
“This is not a function they are trained to perform and leaves them faced with daily challenges by frustrated customers. This will take a toll on their own well-being,” according to the airline. for America.
So far, the White House has not commented on the group’s request.
The regulation on the use of masks on public transport and in traffic centers was set to expire on March 18, but earlier this month, the Transportation Security Administration extend policy through April 18.
