Airline's mask policies have been turned upside down as some countries have recently scrapped their mandates.
Covid restrictions are now a thing of the past in Scotland, but regulations in air travel differ widely.
The requirements also depend on the countries where your trip originates and arrives, as well as the airports themselves.
Face masks were axed earlier this month in Scotland, but Edinburgh Airport still strongly recommends their use.
The mask mandate is still in full force in some European countries as in Italy, Germany and Austria where FFP2 masks are compulsory on aircrafts.
Here are the mask guidelines of easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair, TUI, British Airways, KLM, Air France, Emirates and Loganair according to ChronicleLive.
easyJet
Many airports still require mask wearing and a number of countries require travellers to wear them on flights going there.
Masks are only optional on a small number of easyJet's routes.
Fliers should know that masks are only optional if they're not mandated in both countries. For example, if you're flying to Italy (where masks are required from England (where they aren't), you'll need to wear a FFP2 mask.
- All flights to, from and within Italy, Austria and Germany: all passengers aged six and over are required to wear a FFP2 when they fly.
- All flights to, from and within France: all passengers aged 6 and over are required to wear a FFP2 or surgical masks when they fly. Cloth masks, scarves, visors and masks with valves are not accepted.
- All flights between England, Northern Ireland, Jersey, Isle of Man, Denmark, Finland, Czech Republic, Croatia, Bulgaria, Scotland, Slovenia, Sweden, Gibraltar, Switzerland, Hungary, Iceland and Poland: it's no longer a legal requirement to wear a mask if you're flying between any of these destinations. It may be helpful to have a mask with you, but wearing a mask is optional and your choice will be respected.
On all other routes, all passengers six and over need to wear a suitable face mask - that is, no scarves, face visors or masks with valves - when they fly and you may not be able to board without one.
Find the full details here.
Jet2
It isn't a legal requirement to wear face masks in UK airports or onboard Jet2.
However, as per UK Government guidance, Jet2 recommends that you continue to wear a face mask in these spaces, and you might need to wear one when you get to your overseas destination.
Travellers might need to wear a mask leaving the plane, inside the airport and onboard our transfers to and from your accommodation, even if fully vaccinated.
There may be more face mask restrictions in some places and the rules around ages may differ per destination.
You could face a fine from the local authorities for failing to wear a mask - check the FCDO website for more information.
Accepted face coverings are a medical-style mask or a fitted face covering (reusable or disposable).
Scarves, snoods, balaclavas or similar items or not fit for purpose.
Some destinations have more specific requirements on the types of masks allowed, please check the entry requirements for your destination carefully.
Read Jet2's policy here.
Ryanair
Ryanair's rules are more to the point.
It says: "You must wear a face mask / covering in the airport and on board your flight. Some countries require this to be a surgical face mask (for exemptions, see Ryanair's GTCC). If you are travelling to/from/within Italy, Austria or Germany, it must be a FFP2 face mask."
Read their guidelines here.
TUI
The airline's guidance says travellers should have masks on hand, because they might be required to wear one when leaving the plane.
TUI still "strongly recommends" passengers wear masks even if not legally required to do so.
Once again, they warn people flying to Italy that it's mandatory for everyone aged six and over must wear an FFP2 mask throughout your flight.
Those who are medically exempt must carry evidence of this and Sunflower Lanyards are not accepted as evidence.
Full details here.
British Airways
Customers are no longer required to wear a mask at some UK airports.
BA asks fliers to check the requirements of the destination you're flying to before departing for the airport, because:
- If you are travelling on our flights, you will be required to wear a mask on board if the destination you are flying to or from requires you to.
- If you are travelling on our flights, you will be required to wear a mask to disembark the aircraft, and at your arrival airport, if the destination you are flying to requires it.
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.
The airline cannot allow you to board without one.
Whether you have to wear a mask at the airport differs per country, so it's best to check the local rules of the airports in advance.
Face masks must cover the 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.
