Passengers have been faced with frequently changing travel rules throughout the Covid-19 pandemic to help prevent the spread of the virus. Even though most of the strictest rules have been relaxed, there are still some essential bits of information that air travellers need to know - especially over the use of face coverings.
Restrictions have not yet been completely lifted from air travel, especially as rules differ around the world and this is reflected in the policies of various airlines. For some destinations, passengers still need to provide a negative Covid test result and fill in a passenger locator form. Face coverings are not needed on flights to many resorts, but there are still locations that demand travellers are masked.
Here are the latest face covering requirements for some of the most popular airlines, according to ChronicleLive.
TUI
Face coverings are no longer required on TUI Airways flights to or from England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. However in line with UK government and EU Charter guidance, it is 'strongly recommended' that you still wear a mask throughout your flight.
It is mandatory for all customers aged six and over travelling to Italy on TUI Airways or destinations in the USA to wear an FFP2 mask throughout their flight. Please remember to carry evidence if you are medically exempt. Full details here.
easyJet
Face masks are no longer needed on routes between England, Northern Ireland, Jersey, Isle of Man, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, Scotland, Slovenia, Sweden, Gibraltar, Hungary, Switzerland, Poland and Iceland. They are optional and passenger choice will be respected.
For flights to, from and within Italy, Germany and Austria, every passenger aged six and above is required to wear a FFP2 face mask during the flight. Similarly, for flights to, from and within France all passengers are required to wear either a FFP2 mask or a surgical face mask if aged six or above. Cloth masks, visors, scarves and masks with valves are not accepted on French flights.
On all other routes, all passengers aged six and over need to wear a suitable face mask (no scarves, face visors or masks with valves) when they fly. You may not be able to board without one. Full details here.
Jet2
It is no longer necessary to wear a face mask at Jet2 airports or onboard Jet2 planes. However, as per UK government guidance, the airline recommends its passengers continue to wear a face covering and some travellers might need to wear one once they've arrived at their destination overseas.
There may also be additional face mask restrictions in some places, and the rules around ages may differ per destination too. These apply to all passengers whether fully-vaccinated or not.
Failure to wear a face mask in some destinations, could result in a fine from the local authorities. Please check the FCDO website for more information. You need a medical-style mask or a fitted face covering (reusable or disposable) and coverings such as scarves, snoods, balaclavas or similar items are not acceptable. Full details here.
Ryanair
All passengers should wear a face covering in the airport and on board their flight. Some countries require this to be a surgical face mask (for exemptions, see Ryanair's general terms and conditions of carriage). Anyone travelling to, from or within Italy, Austria or Germany, must wear a FFP2 face mask. Full details here.
Vueling
All passengers above six years of age must wear a face mask and only the following face masks are allowed: surgical and FFP2 without valve. If there are passengers who do not have to wear them for medical reasons, they must present a negative PCR test carried out within 48 hours prior to departure, as well as a document proving the exemption.
Passengers who do not have a face mask or who are identified as asymptomatic at the airport will not be allowed on the flight.
British Airways
British Airways is an international airline flying all around the world, so it is obliged to ensure customers follow the rules of their arrival destination.
On flights to destinations where a face covering is not mandated, British Airways will allow travellers to make a personal choice regarding whether or not to wear a mask.
Some locations still require masks to be worn on the plane and in some cases at the terminal. Full list here.
Wizz Air
It is compulsory to wear a face mask during a Wizz Air flight when travelling to or from a country where it is still mandated by the local law. When neither departure nor destination country requires it, wearing a mask is subject to personal choice. For flights lasting longer than four hours, the airline recommends passengers carry extra face masks.
Virgin Atlantic
The long-haul carrier encourages everyone to be respectful of fellow passengers’ mask preferences, with coverings still available for those wishing to wear them. Customers may be asked to wear a mask when boarding or disembarking flights, according to the regulations of the departure or arrival airport or destination country / US state.
Masks are a passenger's personal choice on services to or from the USA, Pakistan, Barbados, St Lucia, Antigua, Grenada, The Bahamas, Jamaica, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago.
For the following routes operating to or from the UK, masks are still required for customers aged 12 and above until further notice: Delhi, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, Lagos, Mumbai, Shanghai, Tel Aviv.
Loganair
The airline follows the Scottish government’s guidance to strongly recommend - rather than legally mandate - wearing face coverings onboard. Passengers and crew members can decide whether they wish to wear a face covering aboard. Full details here.
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