Low-cost airline easyJet has announced it will drop its mandatory mask-wearing policy from Sunday on flights where it is not a legal requirement at either end of the route. This means that on UK domestic flights including Jersey – excluding routes to and from Scotland where the general face-covering rule is still in place.
On easyJet flights between the UK and Denmark, Gibraltar, Iceland and Hungary, customers and crew will no longer be required to wear masks. Any customers or crew who wish to continue wearing a mask will have their personal choice respected.
The airline said it will continue to remove the mask-wearing rule on other international routes as and when both ends of the route has no legal requirement. It stated: "As a pan European airline operating between over 30 countries, we must continue to ensure that we and our customers follow the legal requirements of all the countries we fly to.
"This means when flying to or from countries where mask requirements remain in place, we will follow the relevant legal requirements. We urge European governments to have a coordinated approach on the removal of the requirement where possible, to make it easy and clear for customers.
"We will aim to provide clear information to customers, including while onboard, detailing the specific mask requirements on their flight."
TUI, Jet2 and British Airways are among other carriers who have ditched the mandatory mask rules for their flights on certain routes. Here is the latest round-up of face covering policies for popular airlines flying to and from the UK.
Ryanair
The no-frills carrier still requests travellers to wear a face mask or covering in the airport, according to its official website. In addition, passengers travelling to or from Italy, Austria, or Germany are required to have an FFP2 face mask.
However, chief executive Michael O’Leary has stressed that he expects this requirement to be abolished by late April or late May.
TUI
The UK's largest tour operator has lifted the face mask requirement for passengers planning to travel to and from England and Northern Ireland. However, the airline continues to urge passengers to wear them.
Its travel policy explains: "It’s no longer a legal requirement for those travelling to or from England or Northern Ireland to wear a face mask during their TUI Airways flight, but – in accordance with UK government and EU Charter guidance – we do still strongly recommend that you do so. Please don’t travel if you’re showing any Covid-19 symptoms, or testing positive – you can change your holiday fee-free under our Covid flexibility policy."
Jet2
The airline and tour operator nas removed the rule requiring all passengers to wear a face covering throughout their flights. According to a Jet2 spokesman, it is no longer a legal requirement to wear a face mask in Northern Ireland and England, including at the airports or onboard “our aircraft.”
However, passengers may still be required to wear a mask in airports, on arrival at their destination and in transfers, depending on local Covid rules - check before you travel.
Passengers on flights to and from Scotland are still required to wear face masks in flights. A statement on the airline's website adds: "If you’re unable to wear a mask, you must let us know in advance to be able to travel. If you fail to wear a face mask without our agreement, you’ll not be allowed to board your flight or transfer."
British Airways
British Airways has previously required passengers aged 12 or over to wear a face mask in the airport and in flights. However, the airline announced a change to its policy.
The company posted on Twitter: "From March 16, our face mask policy is changing. Where we’re clear the destination you’re travelling to doesn’t require a face mask on board, it will become optional. Please continue to respect fellow passengers' mask preferences in these instances."
However, masks must be worn on flights to/from the US where it's law for anyone aged two or over to wear a face covering. The airline also advises passengers on flights longer than four hours to bring extra masks.
Virgin Atlantic
Anyone flying to/from the US with Virgin Atlantic must wear a face covering during their flight. However, the airline stated on social media: "With the legal requirement to wear a face mask now removed in England, we believe our customers should have the personal choice whether to wear a mask onboard.
"The mask rules that apply will depend on the route you’re flying, because requirements differ by destination." If you are exempt from wearing a face mask, you need to get in touch with the airline's Special Assistance team at least 48 hours before you're due to travel.
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