Airline & Country Mask Requirements

[justinbrett]

Now we are seeing masks progressively lifted for travel, I thought it might be useful to start a thread to track the changes. This isn't a thread to discuss the merits of wearing a mask or not - there's plenty of them already. Regardless of your view, most people will want to know if masks will be mandated or not for their international flight.

For example, both UK and US no longer require masks unless the origin/destination require them - and Australia no longer requires masks for outbound passengers. So if you were to fly SYD-LAX on a US airline, you should be able to remove your mask once you get on the aircraft.

From what I can see, Qantas hasn't been clear if the mask requirement is theirs or the governments, but the website is worded that masks are required on all flights. Otherwise, PER-LHR would also be mask free.

But BA16 SYD-SIN-LHR I think would require masks throughout due to the SIN rules; although you'd think common sense would prevail that once you depart SIN masks can be removed.

 

[Quickstatus]

although you'd think common sense would prevail

Changi says masks for everyone in Changi and flights to and from Changi

From a jurisdiction POV, I’m not sure how the Sing govt or airport can enforce any rule for a non SQ airline outside of Sing airspace?

 

[Pushka]

Qatar airlines are enforcing masks on all flights and at Doha regardless of any country requirements.

 

[ZigZagWanderer]

Quite frankly, I'm of the opinion that it's only right to give the airline staff some additional safety by wearing a mask most of the time. They are forced, at least by the nature of their occupation, to be in repeated contact with huge numbers of people.

Personally, I detest masks, and find them awkward and uncomfortable. I'm also convinced that we should mask up during all interactions with our airport and airline staff. I think that it's the safest for them, and ultimately for all of us too because they will spread disease if infected with anything. I think masks are here to stay, at least for those who want to reduce risks. I'll be wearing one while talking to staff at all times. I'll take it off at other times if allowed.

Just wear them, even if, like me, you hate them. I apologise for probably discussing what you explicitly didn't want to, but it needs to be said, I feel.

 

[justinbrett]

Quite frankly, I'm of the opinion that it's only right to give the airline staff some additional safety by wearing a mask most of the time. They are forced, at least by the nature of their occupation, to be in repeated contact with huge numbers of people.

Personally, I detest masks, and find them awkward and uncomfortable. I'm also convinced that we should mask up during all interactions with our airport and airline staff. I think that it's the safest for them, and ultimately for all of us too because they will spread disease if infected with anything. I think masks are here to stay, at least for those who want to reduce risks. I'll be wearing one while talking to staff at all times. I'll take it off at other times if allowed.

Just wear them, even if, like me, you hate them. I apologise for probably discussing what you explicitly didn't want to, but it needs to be said, I feel.

With respect, there's plenty of threats for you to post about your feelings about wearing masks whilst flying - such as:

Masks rules - Airline Enforcement?

I flew VA to Fiji in business from Sydney yesterday and noticed that VA was very relaxed with Covid mask protocols compared to Qantas. The two young passengers adjacent to me removed their mask from shortly after takeoff and pretty much drank the entire flight. The flight crew allowed both...

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

Flying with mask

Internationally and domestically are people permitted to use their own masks with filters ? We have a couple of a really comfy ones and would prefer to use those However wondering if permitted

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

Why masks in airports?

The ridiculous requirement to wear masks in airports is another example of the hypocracy that still lingers from the Covid 19 outbreak. I can understand the requirement on a flight, but an airport is no different to a supermarket or bar …… so to the people who love making rules ….. for heavens...

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

I intended this thread to track the policy changes of the various airlines and countries, not for this to descend into yet another debate about masks. Whether you are pro, anti or neutral mask, you probably want to know if they will be enforced on your flight as it may either attract or discourage you from flying with your airline or at least prepare you for it.

 

[SYD]

Germany is currently enforcing masks on arrival at airports. Which was a bit weird arriving on a BA flight from LHR where crew were maskless as were the majority of PAX.

Leaving BER, pretty much everyone working at BER was maskless but all PAX required to wear them inside. Most PAX on my outbound to LCY removed their masks in the airbridge.

 

[stryker]

Germany is currently enforcing masks on arrival at airports. Which was a bit weird arriving on a BA flight from LHR where crew were maskless as were the majority of PAX.

Leaving BER, pretty much everyone working at BER was maskless but all PAX required to wear them inside. Most PAX on my outbound to LCY removed their masks in the airbridge.

Yes, that is weird, but there must be a reason for it.

 

[zan5hin]

I'm of the opinion masks are stupid because Omicron BA.2 is one of the most infectious diseases known to mankind. But airlines aren't going to stop food/drink service and we all know why.

Another issue is valves/filters/vents on masks. So far USA has banned masks with valves/vents and I bought a pricey mask that cyclists use to ride through pollution, because I thought I need a mask at the airport, on the entire flight, as well as Jakarta pollution for a week.

Luckily I'm not flying to the US, I'm going in a few weeks MEL-xSIN-CGK-BKK all on Jetstar.

Outbound passengers are not required to wear a mask to meet Australian outbound travel requirements, however passengers must ensure they meet the requirements of the airline or cruise vessel they travel with.

Jetstar website still says I need to wear a mask but nothing specific about filter valves.