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With some airlines scrapping the mandatory requirement for face coverings, it can be confusing to know what's expected of you when flying abroad. To make things easier, we've listed the mask-wearing policies for 18 airlines, both long and short haul, including Jet2, Ryanair, British Airways and TUI.
Jet2 was the first airline in the UK to lift the rules on mask-wearing for passengers back in February of this year, with TUI and Virgin Atlantic later following. However, on other airlines such as KLM it is still mandatory for passengers to wear a mask unless you're medically exempt.
The requirement to wear a mask on your flight can also depend on where you're travelling to, so always check the latest travel rules for your destination on the FCDO website as well as the airline's. For example, if you're travelling to Italy, it's mandatory to wear an FFP2 mask for the duration of your flight and in the airport, even if the airline you're flying with has lifted their mask-wearing regulations.
While the rules have been relaxed in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, allowing airlines to decide whether or not to request passengers wear face coverings, that isn't the case for Scotland, where the requirement to wear a face mask while on flights is still in place.
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If wearing a mask is mandatory on your flight, you will usually need to keep it on for the duration of the journey, only removing it when eating or drinking.
Long haul airlines advise you to take extra masks on board and change them every four hours (or before if they start to get damp).
Refusing to wear a mask if it's mandatory on your flight could result in you being turned away at the gate or even fined. In the USA, it has been made a federal offence not to wear a mask on a plane, and refusing could lead to a US$35,000 fine and being banned from flying with the airline for a period of time.
Airlines still requiring face coverings will only make an exception if you have proof you are medically exempt. The evidence you need to show depends on the airline you're flying with - we've also included that information below.
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No. As of Sunday 27 March, masks are no longer mandatory on EasyJet flights as long as it's not a legal requirement at either end of the route. You can of course still wear a mask if you wish.
Some destinations such as Italy require all passengers to wear a mask on their flights and in airports, so always check the latest requirements for your destination as well as the airline you're travelling with. Read more about EasyJet's mask policies and medical exemption from wearing a mask .
No. Jet2 passengers are no longer required to wear a mask on flights as long as it's not a legal requirement at either end of the route. As above, you can still wear a mask if you wish.
Again, some destinations such as Italy require all passengers to wear a mask on their flights and in airports, so always check the latest requirements for your destination as well as the airline you're travelling with. Read more about Jet2's mask requirements .
Yes. Face masks are mandatory on all KLM flights. Refusing to wear one could lead to you not being allowed to board the flight.
Read more about KLM's mask policies .
Read more about the UK's travel restrictions being lifted and how it affects your holiday.
Yes. Face masks are mandatory on all Ryanair flights. You could be turned away from your flight if you refuse to wear a mask.
Read more about Ryanair's mask policies .
No.Face masks are no longer mandatory on TUI flights unless it's a legal requirement at either end of the route. For example, if you're departing from/to Scotland, Italy or the USA, it's a legal requirement to wear a mask on the plane regardless of the airline's policies.
Read more about TUI's mask policies, which includes specific requirements for the USA, Italy, and Scotland.
Yes. Face masks are mandatory on all Wizz Air flights. Refusing to wear a mask on your flight could result in you being turned away.
Read more about Wizz Air's mask policies .
Yes. Face masks are mandatory on all Air Canada flights
Read more about Air Canada's mask policies .
Yes. Face masks are mandatory on all Air Transat flights.
Yes. Face masks are mandatory on all American Airlines flights
Read more about American Airlines' mask policies .
No. Face masks are no longer mandatory on British Airways flights. However, the airline urges customers to check the entry requirements of your destination you're flying to before departing for the airport. If your destination requires face masks to be worn on board, while disembarking and/or while at the arrivals airport, you'll still be required to wear a mask in each of these cases.
Read more about BA's mask policies .
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Yes. Face masks are mandatory on all Delta Airlines flights. You could be turned away and even fined up to $35,000 USD if you refuse to wear one or don't provide the required evidence that you are medically exempt.
Read more about Delta Airways' mask policies .
Yes. Face masks are mandatory on all Emirates flights.
Read more about Emirates' mask policies .
Yes. Face masks are mandatory on all Etihad Airways flights.
Read more about Qantas Airlines' mask policies .
Yes. Masks are mandatory on all Qatar Airways flights.
Read more about Qatar Airways' mask policies .
Yes. Face masks are mandatory on all Singapore Airlines flights. The airline is handing out hygiene kits to passengers, which include sanitisation wipes and one mask. However, it's advised you bring additional masks of your own so you have sufficient supply if you're on a long-haul flight.
Read more about Singapore Airlines' mask policies .
Yes. Face masks are mandatory on all Thai Airways flights.
Read more about Thai Airways' mask policies .
Yes. Face masks are mandatory on all United Airlines flights. In line with the USA's federal law, refusing to wear a mask on board a United Airlines flight could result in a $35,000 USD fine and being denied boarding.
Read more about United Airlines' mask policies .
No. You don't need to wear a mask on a Virgin Atlantic flight unless the destination you're travelling to/from, like the USA, Scotland or Wales requires it.
Read more about Virgin Atlantic's mask policies and always check the requirements of the destination you're travelling to before you go.