The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) mandate originally set to expire this year on March 18, was recently extended to last until April 18 2022. The TSA extends the mask mandate following the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The extended period of mask- wearing was reinstated for April ahead of what is predicted to be an extremely busy travel period. The TSA put out a statement ahead of the busy period in the U.S.: “TSA’s collaboration with industry and federal partners has been instrumental throughout this pandemic, and now we are seeing a light at the end of the tunnel as demonstrated by the rapid recovery of the travel industry,” explained TSA Administrator David Pekoske in the statement.  

“We are prepared and ready for a busy spring and are doing our part to ensure the traveling public is safe and secure by continuing to deploy new technologies within the checkpoint that enhance security, reduce physical contact and improve the traveling experience. We just ask travelers to do their part by being respectful to each other and those who work in the transportation sector – from our officers to airport workers and flight crew.”  

In the statement, ten tips are also offered for travelers to ensure a safe and smooth travel experience, among those tips lies mask-wearing as per the continued mask requirement and listening out for TSA guidance.

The TSA extends the mask mandate at a time when several U.S. cities and states have waived mandatory mask requirements, including in Nevada and California. Within the aviation industry, British airline Jet2 also dropped it’s mask mandate while onboard which was a first for the industry.

The TSA has said that the “CDC will work with government agencies to help inform a revised policy framework for when, and under what circumstances, masks should be required in the public transportation corridor.” With this being the shortest extension yet within the pandemic, time will soon tell what the future of mask-wearing within airports and planes will be.