Airlines Push To End Federal Mask Mandate

Major airlines are requesting the Biden administration to end federal mask mandates and international predeparture testing requirements. They argue that current data and the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions support this change. The letter, signed by several major airlines, highlights the burden on employees enforcing these mandates. CDC Director Rachelle Willinsky stated that the BA2 variant does not cause more severe disease or evade immunity. The White House recently extended the mask mandate to April 18th, and a response to the airlines' request is awaited.

What are the major airline companies requesting from the Biden administration?

• To introduce new safety protocols

• To increase flight frequencies

• To end the federal mask mandate

• To reduce ticket prices

Which organization released the letter from the airlines?

• Travel Airlines for America

• Federal Aviation Administration

• International Air Transport Association

• Airline Pilots Association

What burden did the letter highlight regarding airline employees?

• Increased working hours

• Enforcing COVID-19 requirements

• Handling more passengers

• Managing flight delays

Which major airlines signed the letter to the Biden administration?

• Air France, KLM, Singapore Airlines, Qantas

• Atlas Air, Worldwide, American, Delta

• Ryanair, EasyJet, Jet2, Wizz Air

• British Airways, Lufthansa, Emirates, Qatar Airways

What did the CDC Director say about the BA2 variant?

• It causes more severe disease

• It is more likely to evade immune protection

• There is no evidence of increased severity

• It requires new vaccines