Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Thursday, November 21, 2024 77° Today's Paper


Top News

U.S. extends face-mask requirement on planes until September

ASSOCIATED PRESS
                                A woman walked into the international airport in Honolulu, Oct. 2, amid a quarantine rule that effectively shut down the tourism industry in the state. If you’re traveling on a plane, train or bus, don’t put that face mask away yet.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

A woman walked into the international airport in Honolulu, Oct. 2, amid a quarantine rule that effectively shut down the tourism industry in the state. If you’re traveling on a plane, train or bus, don’t put that face mask away yet.

WASHINGTON >> If you’re traveling on a plane, train or bus, don’t put that face mask away yet.

The Transportation Security Administration said today it will extend its mask requirement, which also applies in airports and train stations, through Sept. 13. The rule took effect Feb. 1 and was set to expire May 11.

The agency said that children up to 2 and people with certain disabilities will continue to be exempted from the mask rule.

Violations can carry fines of up to $1,500 for repeat offenders.

Separately, a spokeswoman for the Federal Aviation Administration said today that the FAA will continue its zero-tolerance policy against disruptive airline passengers as long as the TSA mask rule is in effect. The FAA is seeking much larger civil penalties — some topping $30,000 — against a small number of passengers that it accuses of interfering with airline crews.

TSA officials said the mask rule matches health guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC recently said that fully vaccinated people can travel safely, but it still recommends that they wear masks and maintain distance from other people. About 100 million Americans, roughly half the nation’s adults, have been fully immunized against COVID-19.

Airlines and their unions had pushed for an extension of the federal mask rule as a stronger alternative to airline-imposed rules.

“Continuing the TSA enforcement directive for the CDC transportation mask mandate will keep passengers and aviation workers safe,” said Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants.

By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines. Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.