NEWS: TSA Extends Mask Requirements for Planes and Public Transportation

Ever since the pandemic began, we’ve seen new health and safety measures being put into place all around the country.

Health and Safety Sign

Grocery stores, public spaces, and theme parks are all operating under new guidelines and rules. Airlines have been affected heavily, with tons of changes to the ways that Americans travel. And now, it seems that public transportation will be under restrictions for a while longer.

According to The Washington Post, the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) has extended the face covering requirement on public transportation until September of this year.

Universal Orlando Store at the MCO Airport

This mandate requires people to wear masks in various transportation settings, including airports, on commercial aircraft, on commuter bus systems, and on commuter rail systems. The extension will last until September 13th, 2021.

Better wear those face masks!

Darby LaJoye, an official from the TSA, said in a statement, “The federal mask requirement throughout the transportation system seeks to minimize the spread of COVID-19 on public transportation.” The TSA noted that this extension is in line with updated information from the CDC.

MCO Airport

Children under the age of 2 and those with certain disabilities are exempt from this requirement. If you don’t fall into that category, you could face penalties for refusing to comply. These penalties start at $250 and go all the way up to $1,500 for repeat offenders.

Health and Safety Sign

This is an important regulation to keep in mind if you’re traveling to the theme parks via public transportation. We’ll make sure to update you with any more information on these requirements and other travel news you need to know!