News/Commentary

Hoots, cheers, crying flight attendant; best moments captured after midflight mask removal news

April 19, 2022 | | Print Article

A federal judge in Florida ruled against the Biden administration’s mandatory mask mandate for air travelers and most of the major airlines wasted little time scrapping mask requirements.

Among those taking action, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines and Alaska Airlines announced that masks are now optional for travelers. Some passengers were instructed midflight and video footage of their reactions was shared online.

U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle concluded in a 59-page ruling that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mask mandate “exceeded the CDC statutory authority,” and that it was “arbitrary and capricious.”

In one tweet, the pilot is heard saying, “Ladies and gentlemen, this is your pilot speaking. This is the most important announcement I’ve ever made. The federal mask mandate is over. Take off your mask if you choose!”

In another clip, a Delta flight attendant appears to break into tears while making the announcement midflight:

“Following the ruling of a U.S. district court judge on Monday, the Biden administration announced that the Transportation Security Administration will no longer enforce the federal mandate requiring masks in all U.S. airports and on board aircraft,” Delta said in a statement. “Effective immediately, masks are optional for all airport employees, crew members and customers inside U.S. airports and on board all aircraft domestically, as well as on most international flights.”

“Delta employees and customers may continue wearing masks if they so choose. Wearing a well-fitting mask protects the wearer, even if others around them are not wearing masks,” the airline added.

Delta also dubbed COVID-19 as an “ordinary seasonal virus,” as seen here:

American Airlines also released a statement saying masks are no longer required, but can still be worn if desired.

“American Airlines has prioritized the health and safety of its team members and customers throughout the pandemic and has supported the federal government’s measures to slow the spread of COVID-19,” the airline said. “In accordance with the Transportation Security Administration no longer enforcing the federal face mask mandate, face masks will no longer be required for our customers and team members at U.S. airports and on domestic flights.

“Please note face masks may still be required based on local ordinances, or when traveling to/from certain international locations based on country requirements,” AA continued. “In keeping with our commitment to creating a welcoming environment for everyone who travels with us, customers and team members may choose to continue to wear masks at their own discretion.”

As for the reaction, it’s safe to say that for many it was pure bliss… here’s a sampling of some of the responses from Twitter:

Tom Tillison
Latest posts by Tom Tillison (see all)

Comment

We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. If a comment is spam, instead of replying to it please click the ∨ icon below and to the right of that comment. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.

Latest Articles