Mask policies
Feb 1, 23, 7:38 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2005
Programs: AA Platinum for Life (2MM), BR Gold, AS MVP Gold, Marriott Lifetime Gold
Posts: 870
Masking no longer being enforced
BR BKK-TPE today. Masking not enforced, most people in business class that I saw didn’t wear one.
In TPE airport and BR lounge, masking not being enforced and many people not wearing one.
Let’s see what happens on my flight from TPE to SEA (about an hour from now).
Contrast with my trip to Bangkok in late December 2022, where masking was enforced both on the plane and in TPE airport.
In TPE airport and BR lounge, masking not being enforced and many people not wearing one.
Let’s see what happens on my flight from TPE to SEA (about an hour from now).
Contrast with my trip to Bangkok in late December 2022, where masking was enforced both on the plane and in TPE airport.
Feb 4, 23, 4:28 pm
#4
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 50
Mask policies
Does anyone know if EVA has any plans to end in-flight mask requirements any time soon? It seems Western airlines and Taiwan itself as a country has ended requirements, but I notice Eva, and from what I can see, all Asian airlines generally have kept these requirements in place.
For a 14 hour flight I just don't think I can endure it.
I need to fly into Taipei from LAX in March, and EVA is my preferred carrier but because of the mask requirements I've been trying to find an alternative.
This only seems to leave me with airlines like United and Delta, but the only flights I can find are not direct - so much longer time on the plane, with long lay overs. And ironically these flights appear to be more expensive than the direct Asian options!
If anyone has the lowdown on possible policy changes in the near future or can make suggestions for other carriers I might not be aware of, which would be a good alternative, I'd appreciate it!
For a 14 hour flight I just don't think I can endure it.
I need to fly into Taipei from LAX in March, and EVA is my preferred carrier but because of the mask requirements I've been trying to find an alternative.
This only seems to leave me with airlines like United and Delta, but the only flights I can find are not direct - so much longer time on the plane, with long lay overs. And ironically these flights appear to be more expensive than the direct Asian options!
If anyone has the lowdown on possible policy changes in the near future or can make suggestions for other carriers I might not be aware of, which would be a good alternative, I'd appreciate it!
Feb 4, 23, 8:32 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 10,703
Originally Posted by velivolus
Does anyone know if EVA has any plans to end in-flight mask requirements any time soon? It seems Western airlines and Taiwan itself as a country has ended requirements, but I notice Eva, and from what I can see, all Asian airlines generally have kept these requirements in place.
For a 14 hour flight I just don't think I can endure it.
I need to fly into Taipei from LAX in March, and EVA is my preferred carrier but because of the mask requirements I've been trying to find an alternative.
This only seems to leave me with airlines like United and Delta, but the only flights I can find are not direct - so much longer time on the plane, with long lay overs. And ironically these flights appear to be more expensive than the direct Asian options!
If anyone has the lowdown on possible policy changes in the near future or can make suggestions for other carriers I might not be aware of, which would be a good alternative, I'd appreciate it!
For a 14 hour flight I just don't think I can endure it.
I need to fly into Taipei from LAX in March, and EVA is my preferred carrier but because of the mask requirements I've been trying to find an alternative.
This only seems to leave me with airlines like United and Delta, but the only flights I can find are not direct - so much longer time on the plane, with long lay overs. And ironically these flights appear to be more expensive than the direct Asian options!
If anyone has the lowdown on possible policy changes in the near future or can make suggestions for other carriers I might not be aware of, which would be a good alternative, I'd appreciate it!
They lifted their outdoor requirement in December but in Taipei nearly 100% of the people still wear masks outdoors also - either for convenience (since they need to go indoors), extra protection or warmth.
Yes, the ears hurt after a while. A real N95 where the band is around the head helps.
Some people are reporting that the FAs are not enforcing the rules but one needs to respect local rules. If masking bothers you, you are better off avoiding Taiwan where masking is treated as common sense and courtesy.
Feb 5, 23, 1:04 pm
#7
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 501
Originally Posted by commaspace
Flew business NYC-SGN few weeks ago and did not have to wear one. Didn't see anyone wear one in their seat. Some will wear when they get up to use the lav. I wouldn't worry about it.
Feb 6, 23, 7:52 am
#8
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 11
Flew 4 segments on BR (TPE-SEA / TPE-DPS) both round trip, and masking was not enforced on any flight. They make an announcement that masks are required "at all times" but not once did FAs on any flight ever tell anyone to wear a mask, even if they got up to use the lav. In practice, most people seemed to wear one when going to the lav but lots took it off while at their seat and it did not seem to be an issue, especially in J.
Feb 13, 23, 7:11 am
#9
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: EVA Air , * G, QR Privilege Club S
Posts: 3,787
Originally Posted by drshang
Flew 4 segments on BR (TPE-SEA / TPE-DPS) both round trip, and masking was not enforced on any flight. They make an announcement that masks are required "at all times" but not once did FAs on any flight ever tell anyone to wear a mask, even if they got up to use the lav. In practice, most people seemed to wear one when going to the lav but lots took it off while at their seat and it did not seem to be an issue, especially in J.
Feb 13, 23, 10:21 am
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2005
Programs: AA Platinum for Life (2MM), BR Gold, AS MVP Gold, Marriott Lifetime Gold
Posts: 870
Originally Posted by Davvidd
In J they stopped enforcing it even last year.
I flew 2 segments in J BKK-TPE-SEA on 1 Feb 2023, and masking was enforced on neither of them.
Feb 14, 23, 6:25 am
#12
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: EVA Air , * G, QR Privilege Club S
Posts: 3,787
Originally Posted by velivolus
Thanks everyone for your replies. Sounds like it's simply not an issue anymore. I'm glad I'll be able to fly EVA after all, as they are my preferred carrier!
Feb 16, 23, 1:17 am
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 10,703
Originally Posted by velivolus
Thanks everyone for your replies. Sounds like it's simply not an issue anymore. I'm glad I'll be able to fly EVA after all, as they are my preferred carrier!
The indoor mask rule will be lifted soon (20 February) but you have to continue to wear mask in hospitals and transit, including airplanes.
I would say at least have a mask with you - especially if you cough, have a runny nose or sneeze. It is common courtesy in Taiwan to do that - especially the rules say you should have your mask on. Don't be the foreigner who do not respect local rules.
Feb 21, 23, 8:00 am
#14
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: The D - Detroit
Programs: CO-Plat, NWA-Gold, Starwood-Gold, Hyatt-Gold
Posts: 16
Just completed IAH-TPE-HAN and returned yesterday BKK-TPE-IAH all in business. Very few people wore masks, not enforced at all.
No masking enforced at TPE either, within the airport and in the lounge.
No masking enforced at TPE either, within the airport and in the lounge.
Feb 22, 23, 5:02 pm
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2005
Programs: AA Platinum for Life (2MM), BR Gold, AS MVP Gold, Marriott Lifetime Gold
Posts: 870
Masking was enforced on BR25 from SEA to TPE on my flight last night.
Not super-emphatically, but more than inexperienced a few weeks ago and more than I expected.
Not super-emphatically, but more than inexperienced a few weeks ago and more than I expected.
