DALLAS (KRLD) — Southwest and American Airlines have both responded to the news that a federal judge in Florida has dropped the United States mask mandate that required travelers on-board planes and other modes of public transportation to wear face masks.
The mandate was lifted on Monday, and according to the Associated Press, it is now up to the discretion of the individual airlines to decide whether or not to enforce a mask mandate - at least until federal agencies decide whether or not to respond to this order.
In response to this news, both Southwest and American Airlines have stated that masks will no longer be required aboard their aircrafts. Both emphasized that the decision to wear or not to wear a mask will now be up to the individual, and employees will respect that choice.
Southwest also pointed out that it will continue to offer additional protection to customers via the use of HEPA air filters "that remove at least 99.97% of airborne particles," according to the airline.
In its statement to the public, American Airlines said that, while the national mandate is no longer in effect, customers should be aware that "face masks may still be required based on local ordinances, or when traveling to [or] from certain international locations based on country requirements."
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