Trump appointed federal judge strikes down mask mandates on planes

Donald Trump is a year and a half out of the presidency of the United States and the changes he made to the world’s largest economic power are still being felt. The American aviation community is partying after yesterday, Monday, April 18, A Federal Judge appointed by Former President Donald Trump, eliminated the mandate of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to use a mask in planes.

The person responsible for striking down the mandate is Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle, who was appointed by Trump. Kimball Mizelle specifies that the CDC is overreaching their authority and that they have done so since the first term the mask mandate was decreed in 2021.

Following the news, several US airlines have immediately lifted mask requirements on board. These mandatory mask requirements were implemented by the Joe Biden administration in February 2021. The requirements, which were meant to be temporary, have received countless extensions and have been challenged in court.

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This is the list of airlines that are permanently banning the use of masks on board.

• Alaska Airlines said in a statement that after 24 long months, they are waiving the requirements with deep appreciation to their employees and passengers who have been patient over the months.
• United Airlines announced that masks are optional on its domestic flights and some select flights abroad. Foreign destinations where a mask will not be required depend on the country of arrival and its current hygiene regulations.
• Southwest Airlines said in a statement that both its customers and employees will have the freedom to choose whether they would like to wear a mask or not. The company added that it trusts that everyone will make the best decision for their well-being.

• American Airlines was also added to the list of airlines ditching masks on board, adding that masks may still be required based on local health rules.
• JetBlue is also part of the list, joining the “Big 4” and dropping the requirements to wear a mask in flight.
• Delta Air Lines is the last of the Big 4 US airlines to say goodbye to the presidential mandate and welcomed the decision of the San Francisco court.