Planes, transit mask policies are changing. What to know if traveling to or from Miami
Mask rules are changing at airports and on planes, buses and other transit across the country following a Florida judge’s decision to end the federal government’s mandate.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had recently extended the federal transit mask mandate until at least May 3, citing a rise in COVID-19 cases.
Monday’s ruling halts the mandate and lets airlines, airports, trains, taxis, Uber and other transit make their own rules. The Justice Department on Wednesday appealed the ruling, following the CDC’s recommendation that a transit mask mandate is “necessary for the public health” and that people should continue to wear a mask inside public transportation.
The appeal doesn’t include a request for the transit mask mandate to be reinstated while officials duke it out in the courts, indicating that the court fight is more about preserving the CDC’s authority in the future, CNN reports.
So, for now, transit operators can still make masks optional. And yes, all of these changes can make traveling confusing.
The easiest solution is to have a mask with you, in case you need it, at least over the next few days while transit systems review their mask policies. Some places have already announced changes.
So, do you need to mask up when traveling to and from and around Miami-Dade or Broward?’
Here’s what we know so far:
Do you need to wear a mask at MIA and FLL? What about on planes?
Masks are now optional at Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
Mask rules on flights may vary by airline. Some airlines, including American, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska and JetBlue have announced that masks are no longer required on domestic flights although people can still wear one if they want to, according to The Associated Press.
If you’re traveling: Check the mask policy of your airline, as well as the policy of any airport you’re stopping at. Their policies may change in the next few days. And while many attractions and businesses have dropped their COVID rules, including mask requirements, keep in mind that the rules may vary by city.
If you’re flying internationally, remember to check the COVID rules of the country you’re planning to visit, too.
READ MORE: Is your Miami or Fort Lauderdale flight delayed or canceled? Here’s how to check
Do you need to wear a mask on Miami-Dade and Broward Transit?
Masks are no longer required on Miami-Dade buses, Metrorail or Metromover, according to Miami-Dade Transit.
“We continue to encourage those with underlying conditions or anyone feeling symptomatic to wear masks as a continued health measure in the ongoing fight against COVID-19,” Miami-Dade Transit said in a statement Tuesday. “As done with any health matter, personal choice and personal responsibility are paramount as our community does its part to keep each other healthy.”
Masks are also optional on Broward County buses, according to a Broward County news release.
Is Tri-Rail requiring masks? What about Amtrak and Brightline?
Masks are no longer required on Tri-Rail, which runs through 18 stations across Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Amtrak is also no longer requiring passengers or workers to mask up on its trains or in stations.
Brightline on Tuesday also announced a change to its mask policy: Riders and workers will no longer have to mask up on the high-speed trains or in the stations. You can still wear a mask if you want to.
READ MORE: Where is there still a mask mandate in Florida?
Uber and Lyft: Are masks required on rides?
Uber is no longer requiring riders and drivers to wear masks following the judge’s decision to halt the transit mandate. The rideshare company said people can still mask up if they want to.
“Remember: many people still feel safer wearing a mask because of personal or family health situations, so please be respectful of their preferences,” Uber says. “And if you ever feel uncomfortable, you can always cancel the trip.”
Lyft on Tuesday told the Miami Herald it has also made masks optional for riders and drivers.
“We know that everyone has different comfort levels, and anyone who wants to continue wearing a mask is encouraged to do so,” Lyft said in a statement. “As always, drivers or riders can decline to accept or cancel any ride they don’t wish to take.”
READ NEXT: Masks are no longer required on airplanes and public transit. What about on cruises?
This story was originally published April 19, 2022 at 7:26 AM.
