A4A sends new letter urging Biden administration to lift testing, mask requirements

News reports indicate that predeparture testing requirements will remain in place and the federal mask mandate will not end before May 3. Airlines for America today urged Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and CDC Director Rochelle Walensky to “lean into science and research” and end predeparture testing requirements and the mask mandate for air travel, stating that it is not supported in today’s public health environment. “It makes no sense to require masks on a plane when masks are not recommended in places like restaurants, bars or crowded sports facilities. Further, the burden of enforcing these requirements has fallen on airline employees for the past two years, oftentimes creating challenging situations with frustrated passengers,” said Nicholas Calio, A4A president and CEO.