Related: TPG compared experiences flying four different U.S. airlines. Etihad also has a very robust system (Etihad Wellness) for traveling during COVID-19. In its face covering policy, Spirit states that masks must have at least two layers of fabric such as disposable non-medical face masks, or multi-layered cloth. There are even more places your Platinum Card can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks. However, kids ages 2 and older flying WestJet to or from the U.S. will be required to wear a mask. Both homemade and purchased masks are acceptable, according to the order. Masks must completely cover the nose and mouth and fit snugly with ties, ear loops, or elastic bands that go behind the head. JetBlue Airways' policy . All passengers 2 years and older must wear a face mask for the duration of the flight, including during boarding and deplaning with no medical exceptions allowed. Heres a look at the policies for U.S. airlines and a few major international carriers around the world, where you might find stricter mask policies. By picking a mask that is the proper size (and soft fabric) you will increase your chances of having your little one wear it for longer periods of time. You can order a four-pack for $19.99 or a two-pack for $11.99 on Disneys website. Bandanas, mesh face coverings, and masks with vents are not allowed. Open-chin triangle bandanas, face coverings containing vents, valves or mesh material, and face shields are not acceptable as face-coverings. The content featured on UpgradedPoints.com has not been influenced, provided, or reviewed by the credit card companies mentioned. Unacceptable face coverings include balaclavas, bandanas, gaiters, scarves, ski masks, and face covers with exhaust valves or vents. While Delta was once one of the most lenient when it came to enforcing face mask requirements for young children, that has changed with the federal mandate now all passengers 2 and older must wear a mask, no exceptions. Of course, simply practicing wearing a mask at home will likely help kids wear it in less familiar situations. Transport Canada requires face masks for children starting at the age of 6 and only encourages the use of masks for children between the ages of 2 and 5. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Email needed if you'd like comment updates. Face coverings are required on Delta starting in the check-in lobby and across Delta touch points, including Delta Sky Clubs, boarding gate areas, check in, jet bridges and on board the aircraft for the duration of the flight except for a limited time while eating and drinking. For the whole flight? "Passengers who refuse to wear a mask will not be permitted to enter the secure area of the airport, which includes the terminal and gate area," the agency said in a statement. Guests who are unable to wear a face mask due to a medical condition or disability will be required to complete an assessment with a medical professional via phone at the airport. While each major U.S. airline has had its own rules in place for masks since May 2020, this became federal law in early 2021, which triggered some adjustments in the airlines' rules. More info can be found on the LATAM website. The federal mask mandate has been extended through January 18, 2022, and its quite possible that it will continue to be extended beyond that date. We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Most importantly: The order explicitly states masks should cover both the nose and mouth. Check your airline's website directly for the most up-to-date information, but at this point, masks are a federal requirement when flying in the U.S. Related: How coronavirus can change the future of travel. Very disappointing that there are no accommodations made for young children who cannot maintain a face covering. For older kids, the brand recommends a small/medium mask that measures 5.75 by 6.25 inches. But as the policy goes federal, the Americans with Disabilities Act is pumping the brakes on enforcement when it comes to some flyers. Be the first to discover secret destinations, travel hacks, and more. C ustomer service sometimes shorter wait 1-800-835-9154. This 6-pack of cartoon-themed face shields can add an extra layer of protection for children, especially when boarding and deplaning. I will be flying British Airways. In practice, this means a few things may have changed since your last flight when it comes to face masks. Forty-seven other states and territories have announced the lifting of indoor mask mandates, but Washington remains committed to yesteryear policies. Yes. And of course, if you have a younger child that wants to wear one, they are welcome to as well. Guests must wear their masks at all times except while eating, drinking or taking oral medications for brief periods. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. My 10-year-old and I (pictured above) are both wearing large masks. - Alex & Erin. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. United Airlines United requires all passengers two and older to wear a face mask without vents or openings. Face coverings with vents or those that are made out of mesh are not allowed. The Federal Aviation Administration is also stepping in when offenses become egregious, proposing fines of up to $35,000 for those who don't comply. Required fields are marked *. We specifically have traveled twice on Delta during the pandemic due to their more accommodating face covering policy that allowed accommodations for young children who cannot maintain a face covering. New President Joe Biden's executive order mandating masks on planes, in airports, and on other modes of public transit took effect at midnight. No airline requires infants under the age of two years to wear a mask. Alaska Airlines Mask Policy: Alaska Airlines is requiring all crew members and passengers over the age of 2 to wear masks. Frontier is also conducting touchless temperature screenings at the gate. 2023 Smarter Travel Media LLC. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. For travel to and from the U.S., all passengers 2 and older must wear a face mask. You must have a surgical, 3 layers or superior face mask (K95, N95). Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Masks may be removed briefly while eating or drinking. There are so many colors, patterns, and styles of masks available that there is something for everyone even the pickiest of kids! At the beginning of the pandemic, airlines were essentially setting their own rules, however, with the executive order, you can expect the same experience with your family no matter which airline you fly in the U.S. Breeze Airways has a mask policy that allows masks made of a solid piece of material and neck gaiters as long as they have two layers of fabric, which can be folded to make two layers. The couple has Premier Silver status with United, so they "always" fly with the airline; they apparently flew with the daughter four times already during the pandemic, without having issues. Not exactly. Neck gaiters are allowed as long as there are two layers of fabric or folded to make two layers. We may be compensated when you click on links from one or more of our advertising partners. Delta Air Lines, alternatively, required passengers claiming an exemption to undergo a virtual screening with an airline-provided medical professional. For more information, see our. What are those large pyramids next to the Skyway? Read More: Airline workers have lower rates of COVID-19 than the general population and airline CEOs say it's proof that flying is safe. Face coverings with exhaust valves, or masks made with materials such as mesh or lace fabrics or that do not cover the nose and mouth are not allowed. Alaska Airlines banned medical exemptions in August but now has a similar policy to American's and requires flyers seeking an exemption to make accommodations at least five days from their scheduled flights. Although masks are recommended for children between the ages of 3 and 11, they will not be denied boarding for not wearing one. to save on your next trip. Tweens, teens and adults need an adult large. But it's a change for Delta, which had a more lenient approach with children. Other carve-outs include flyers younger than two years of age and those who cannot wear a mask due to workplace safety regulations. No such luck. If a 2 or 3 year old wear a mask through TSA but takes it off after the plane takes off and refuse to keep it back on after the parent keeps trying, will they arrest the toddler and charge him or her with a federal crime when the plane lands? 05-19-2021 07:01 AM. Privacy Policy and Terms apply to offers below. Pictured above is a small Alex and Nova mask, size 2 to 4. She now heads up a variety of special projects at TPG when she isn't exploring the world with her own two girls. $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. While airlines have been more liberal with what qualifies as a face covering, the federal government is cracking down. For more information on our advertisers, see here. American has eliminated medical exemptions for its mask policy The only exception to this policy is for children under the age of 2. In extending the mandate, the agency said it was reviewing the impact of a recent rise in COVID-19 cases. A professional journalist, he joined the company in November 2018 after five years covering state and national politics for The Associated Press and working at several newspapers across the country. Face coverings cannot have vents or exhalation valves. Alaska Airlines allows cloth masks made with two or more layers of breathable fabric. While this, obviously, isn't actually happening, there are frequent reports of people being removed from flights for non-mask compliance, including families with young children. "Depending on the circumstance, those who refuse to wear a mask may be subject to a civil penalty for attempting to circumvent screening requirements, interfering with screening personnel, or a combination of those offenses.". like 2,3 and 4! A few international airlines have more stringent policies regarding the material of your mask that must be followed. Unfortunately, at least for the near future, it is very likely that face masks will be required when flying, and that includes children ages 2 and older as well. In anews release, Southwest Airlines said its employees and customers will be able to choose whether they would like to wear a mask, and we encourage individuals to make the best decision to support their personal wellbeing., Tampa International Airport will also not be required to wear a mask. All face coverings must fit snugly cover the nose and mouth and be secure under the chin and have at least two layers of fabric (such as a disposable nonmedical face mask, or multilayered cloth face covering). Following the announcement, three major U.S. airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines and Alaska Airlines said Monday theyll no longer require travelers or employees to wear face coverings on domestic and some international flights. Masks should be a solid piece of material without vents, mesh, slits, exhalation valves, punctures or other obviously transparent cloth coverings. Flights within 48hrs shorter wait 1-855-548-2505. To learn more about ChatGPT and how we can inspire students, we sat down with BestReviews book expert, Ciera Pasturel. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. TAMPA (WFLA) -The Transportation Security Administration is no longer enforcing the federal governments mask mandate for travel. $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline. Prohibited masks include balaclavas, bandanas, and face covers made with mesh fabric or with exhalation valves. The order doesn't regulate exactly how airlines have to accommodate exempted passengers, however, allowing some to impose stricter rules than others. Neck gaiters must be at least two layers thick to qualify. Although face shields are permitted, they must be worn with a face mask. Terms of Service apply. JetBlue also restricts the use of the following recreational items and personal protective equipment on all flights: Approved face coverings on JetBlue should include multiple layers of fabric that fit snugly against the side of the face, be secured with ties or ear loops and completely cover the nose and mouth. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. And before the protests even began, a Delta flight from Salt Lake City to Washington saw six passengers who had been flouting the mask rule while harassing US Senator Mitt Romney, banned from the airline. Avelo Airlines simply states that face masks should be made of a solid piece of material and fit snugly around the nose and mouth without any gaps. Our guide offers simple tips to keep you and your family healthy before, during, and after your trip. The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway. It is very unlikely this 2 year old was singled out or that it occurred out of the blue. American lists masks or 2-layered secured cloth as acceptable face coverings in its policy. Biden's executive order, however, gives airlines federal backing in enforcing the mask rule and those who don't comply can face civil penalties, according to the Transportation Security Administration. If you are planning on traveling in the near future, you should prepare to be required to wear a face mask when at the airport and on an airplane. And be sure to brush up on the new inflight mask requirements before heading to the airport. So, unless your little traveler is already comfortable wearing a mask, it is probably a good idea to start training! Masks with exhaust valves also won't cut it. NOW WATCH: Airline salaries compared to stock buybacks show why so many people are angry at the bailout, Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories, Airline workers have lower rates of COVID-19 than the general population and airline CEOs say it's proof that flying is safe, cracked down on medical exemptions to the face mask rule over the summer, make accommodations at least five days from their scheduled flights, undergo a virtual screening with an airline-provided medical professional, More than 2,700 passengers have been banned from the skies for mask non-as of mid-January, rioters traveled by plane to Washington, DC, soccer-style yellow card system to discreetly remind passengers to wear their masks, Delta flight from Salt Lake City to Washington saw six passengers who had been flouting the mask rule while harassing US Senator Mitt Romney, banned from the airline, proposing fines of up to $35,000 for those who don't comply. Any mask with an exhaust valve is not permitted and, like other airlines, bandanas, scarves, ski masks, and balaclavas are not sufficient. In late July, major U.S. airlines started revising their policies from "young children" being exempt from wearing masks to "all children age 2 and up" being required to wear a face covering in . 24 hours 7 days a week. Hot Tip: Traveling with kids during the coronavirus pandemic can be complicated. Get our daily email for the latest in travel, flight deals, and how to save on your next trip. In its infinite wisdom scattered across several agencies, it has insisted on mask mandates for all public travel. Sometimes it's worth a large investment to reap the benefits of a great credit card. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values.