British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are making mask-wearing optional for passengers on transatlantic flights to the US.
Both carriers updated their mask policies on Tuesday to make masks optional on services to US destinations.
The relaxation of the rule followed a Florida federal judge striking down the US government’s mask mandate for travellers on aircraft, trains, buses and other public transportation n Monday.
Virgin Atlantic updated its website to say: “Following the ruling of a United States district court judge on Monday 18 April, the Biden administration has announced that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will no longer enforce the federal mandate requiring masks onboard aircraft.
“Effective immediately (Tuesday 19 April), face masks will be a personal choice for our customers and people travelling in either direction between the UK and the United States.
“We encourage everyone to be respectful of fellow passengers’ mask preferences, with masks still available for those wishing to wear them.
“Customers may be asked to wear a mask when boarding or disembarking flights, according to the regulations of the departure or arrival airport or destination country/US state.”
BA confirmed on its website that facemasks are no longer required for passengers flying to and from the US.
The change followed major US carriers dropping their mask mandates in the wake of Monday’s ruling, making face coverings optional for passengers.
Many European airlines have been requiring passengers and crew members to wear face coverings only on flights to countries that require them.
However, Air France and Lufthansa said they would continue to enforce mask mandates on all their routes, in line with French and German Covid regulations. KLM stopped enforcing mask mandates last month, but said it “strongly recommends” that passengers wear them, in line with guidance from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.