Mask mandate lifted for air travel. What does that mean for SLO airport?
You’ll no longer need a mask in most situations when flying in or out of San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport, airport administration announced Monday night.
According to a news release, the Transportation Security Administration is no longer enforcing a federal mandate requiring passengers and employees to wear face coverings while in airports as of Monday.
That’s after a Florida federal judge ruled the mandate was unlawful. The ruling also impacts masking on trains and other forms of federal transportation.
In San Luis Obispo County, this means people are no longer required to wear masks while in the terminal.
“This applies to passengers, employees, and people meeting their loved ones at baggage claim,” airport spokeswoman Katie Franco told The Tribune. “Of course, anyone still wishing to wear a mask may do so.”
Franco noted that Alaska Airlines, United Airlines and American Airlines — which all fly in and out of the San Luis Obispo airport — have all announced masks will be voluntary.
However, she cautioned, “There are still caveats for international flights or other destinations that may have requirements in place.”
Franco added that travelers are encouraged to reach out to airlines ahead of their flight for specific information on masking.
The San Luis Obispo airport will continue several advanced health and safety policies it put in place during the coronavirus pandemic to continue to protect travelers, according to the release.
These include increased cleanings, staff training and regular technical assessments.
This story was originally published April 19, 2022 at 12:09 PM.
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