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-   -   UA Face Mask Policy -- Masks no longer required on domestic, any intl flights still?? (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/united-airlines-mileageplus/2033588-ua-face-mask-policy-masks-no-longer-required-domestic-any-intl-flights-still.html)

UVU Wolverine Feb 3, 2021 4:07 pm

UA Face Mask Policy -- Masks no longer required on domestic, any intl flights still??
 
I just boarded a UA flight and as soon as I boarded the FA asked if I had a different type of mask. I was wearing the neck gaitor style one. I replied “no” and she said I cannot wear that style as they are now not allowed on UA.

I was on a flight last week and this wasn’t the case, nor have I seen any news of it. United’s own website still says says face covering (except vented, and only face shields which has been standard for a while now).

Did the FA make this up? Or, did I miss the news?

HNLbasedFlyer Feb 3, 2021 4:16 pm

American Airlines recently banned neck gaiters - so it wouldn't surprise me if UA has done the same, although I don't see any news on it.

WineCountryUA Feb 3, 2021 4:26 pm

UA policy

Will I have to wear a mask when I travel?

Yes. Federal law requires all travelers to wear a face mask with no vents or openings that fully covers their nose and mouth. Masks must be worn in the airport and during the entire flight, and between bites and sips if travelers are eating or drinking. This includes customer service counters and kiosks, airport lounges, gates and baggage claim areas. A face shield alone does not count as a face covering, and bandanas are also not permitted. Travelers who aren't wearing their masks in the airport or on board may be refused transport, be subject to fines, and could also lose their travel privileges on future United flights. Children younger than 2 years old are exempt
Bandanas and loose fitting coverings are not considered as as effective as true masks (properly worn)

UA is required to enforce CDC requirements which state

The following do not fulfill the requirements of the Order.
  • Masks worn in a way that does not cover both the mouth and nose
  • Face shields or goggles (face shields or goggles may be worn to supplement a mask that meets above required attributes)
  • Scarves, ski masks, balaclavas, or bandannas
  • Shirt or sweater collars (e.g., turtleneck collars) pulled up over the mouth and nose.
  • Masks made from loosely woven fabric or that are knitted, i.e., fabrics that let light pass through
  • Masks made from materials that are hard to breathe through (such as vinyl, plastic or leather)
  • Masks containing slits, exhalation valves, or punctures
  • Masks that do not fit properly (large gaps, too loose or too tight)

Elsewhere CDC suggests only double layer gaiters are effective.

trk1 Feb 3, 2021 4:27 pm

Federal law bans gaiters. took effect on 2/1 at 11:00pm EST

UVU Wolverine Feb 3, 2021 4:41 pm


Originally Posted by trk1 (Post 33014633)
Federal law bans gaiters. took effect on 2/1 at 11:00pm EST

Ahh, I was not aware that an executive order is the same as a law. Regardless, that explains it.

SPN Lifer Feb 3, 2021 4:44 pm

Yes, an E.O. is regulatory law, and is published in the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations.

WineCountryUA Feb 3, 2021 4:46 pm


Originally Posted by SPN Lifer (Post 33014653)
Yes, an E.O. is regulatory law, and is published in the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations.

More precisely the EO directed the CDC to publish the regulation -- which it has in the Federal Register and CDC requirements

UVU Wolverine Feb 3, 2021 4:59 pm


Originally Posted by SPN Lifer (Post 33014653)
Yes, an E.O. is regulatory law, and is published in the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations.

Correct, and it has the same potential consequences as a law, however it is not a law but an executive order and should be called as such since the way each created is vastly different (why have two different terms for the same thing then?). But that’s OMNI stuff. Anyways, that explains the neck gaitor ban and I appreciate the information.

SPN Lifer Feb 3, 2021 6:22 pm

United Airlines is subject to federal law, which includes both statutory and regulatory law, as taught in every law school in the USA.

Often1 Feb 3, 2021 6:31 pm


Originally Posted by UVU Wolverine (Post 33014676)
Correct, and it has the same potential consequences as a law, however it is not a law but an executive order and should be called as such since the way each created is vastly different (why have two different terms for the same thing then?). But that’s OMNI stuff. Anyways, that explains the neck gaitor ban and I appreciate the information.

Nope.

CDC has the authority under law enacted by Congress and signed by the President to order safety measures such as this mask requirement. It did so. The fact that it did so because it was ordered to do so by the President has nothing to do with the underlying authority.

All of this is clearly stated in the CDC's Order, including citations to the specific laws authorizing it to act.

Not necessary to over-complicate this. Violation is a crime and a civil violation.

FlyDeltaMD88 Feb 3, 2021 6:35 pm


Originally Posted by Often1 (Post 33014838)
Nope.

CDC has the authority under law enacted by Congress and signed by the President to order safety measures such as this mask requirement. It did so. The fact that it did so because it was ordered to do so by the President has nothing to do with the underlying authority.

All of this is clearly stated in the CDC's Order, including citations to the specific laws authorizing it to act.

Not necessary to over-complicate this. Violation is a crime and a civil violation.

*In Jail*

Notorious Serial Killer - "What are you in for?"
Guy - "Mask violation against CDC order"
Notorious Serial Killer - *Runs away screaming*

Doppy Feb 3, 2021 8:03 pm

With the new variants it seems good to strengthen the mask requirements, so this seems to be a good thing. But no notification by United about the change seems bad; how many people are going to realize that the policy changed before they leave for the airport?

WineCountryUA Feb 3, 2021 8:25 pm


Originally Posted by Doppy (Post 33014973)
With the new variants it seems good to strengthen the mask requirements, so this seems to be a good thing. But no notification by United about the change seems bad; how many people are going to realize that the policy changed before they leave for the airport?

The new requirements were directed by Presidential EO on 27 Jan were published by the CDC on 29 Jan for implementation on 1 Feb and applies to all public conveyances (e.g., airplanes, ships, ferries, trains, subways, buses, taxis, ride-shares) in the USA.

This is much more far reaching than UA and was announced very publicly (lots of domestic news media coverage), but on a very short timeline.
Honestly it is not that different from the prior airline policies but is now a federal regulation (and some marginal options removed). This should lead to a much more consistent set of requirements for travelers.

mahasamatman Feb 3, 2021 8:45 pm

I know vented masks are not allowed by themselves, but can one be used in conjunction with another mask? These days, I double-mask whenever I'm indoors away from home with one surgical mask and one filtered (and vented) cloth mask.

(I'm sure things will change before my next flight in August, but I am interested to know United policy on this.)

Collierkr Feb 3, 2021 9:05 pm


Originally Posted by Doppy (Post 33014973)
With the new variants it seems good to strengthen the mask requirements, so this seems to be a good thing. But no notification by United about the change seems bad; how many people are going to realize that the policy changed before they leave for the airport?

the notification was done by the CDC. Pay attention as lots more to come.


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