Airline passengers have been faced with ever-changing rules throughout the pandemic to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
But now that Covid restrictions are relaxing - particularly in the UK - many have been left confused as to what the regulations currently are. Restrictions have not yet been completely lifted from air travel, especially as rules differ around the world.
For some destinations, you might still need to provide a negative Covid test and fill in a passenger locator form. And now here in the UK, rules concerning the wearing of face masks have been loosened.
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But these requirements still differ depending on the country you're travelling to and the airline you travel with. Here are the mask requirements ordered by airlines according to ChronicleLive.
easyJet
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.
It is no longer a legal requirement to wear a mask if you’re flying between England, Northern Ireland, Jersey, Isle of Man, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, Scotland, Slovenia, Sweden, Gibraltar, Hungary, Switzerland, Poland and Iceland. It still may be helpful to wear a mask on these flights, but they are optional and your choice will be respected.
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’s no longer a legal requirement 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 mask in these spaces, and some might need to wear one once they've arrived at their destination overseas.
You might need to wear a mask when you leave the plane, inside the airport and onboard our transfers to and from your accommodation, even if you’re fully vaccinated. There may also be additional face mask restrictions in some places, and the rules around ages may differ per destination too.
If you fail to wear a face mask in some destinations, you could face 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 a no-no. Full details here.
Ryanair
You must wear a face mask or covering in the airport and on board your flight. Some countries require this to be a surgical face mask (for exemptions, see Ryanair's general terms and conditions of carriage). If you are travelling to, from or within Italy, Austria or Germany, it must be a FFP2 face mask. Full details here.
TUI
Face masks will no longer be a legal requirement 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 to wear an FFP2 mask throughout their flight. Please remember to carry evidence if you are medically exempt. Full details here.
British Airways
The legal requirement to wear a face covering has now been removed in England and Wales. Customers are no longer required to wear a mask at some airports in England.
However, as British Airways is an international airline flying all around the world, it is obliged to ensure customers continue to comply with local restrictions and meet the requirements of the destination they arrive at. Many popular holiday hotspots like France, Germany, Portugal and Spain still require masks to be on the plane and in some case at the terminal. Full list here.
KLM
On board a KLM flight you are required to wear a face mask, even if you have been vaccinated against or have recently tested negative for COVID-19. Without one, we cannot allow you to board. Whether you have to wear a mask at the airport differs per country. Please check the local rules of the airports in advance. Face masks must cover nose and mouth and can be surgical or non-surgical. Scarves, bandanas, or cowls are not allowed. Full details here.
Air France
For the health and safety of all, the wearing of a surgical mask is mandatory on board Air France aircrafts. Masks may also be required at the airport, depending on local health measures. Full details here.
Emirates
You must wear a cloth or medical mask throughout Dubai International airport, during boarding, throughout your flight, and as you leave the aircraft. Children under six years old and customers who have certain medical conditions do not have to wear a mask.
Due to local government regulations, only medical face masks are accepted on flights from Dubai to Germany, France, and Austria. If for medical reasons you’re unable to wear a mask throughout your entire journey, passengers should contact Emirates 48 hours before their flight to request an exception and present their medical certificate at check‑in.
You don't have to complete their MEDIF form. Full details here.
Loganair
Loganair follows the Scottish government’s guidance to strongly recommend (rather than legally mandate) wearing face coverings on their flights. Loganair customers and crew members can decide whether they wish to wear a face covering aboard. Full details here.
