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Days after British Airways became the first major airline in the world to lift the mask requirement, the airline has caused confusion among passengers after it appeared to withdraw its relaxed mask rules.
In the same week that Virgin Atlantic and Heathrow followed in loosening their own mask policies, it does not appear to be all smooth sailing for Britain's flag carrier to push the policy change in time for March 16.
Jordan Waller, executive editor of TPG UK, flew British Airways from London Heathrow (LHR) to Dublin (DUB) on March 17 and found the mask regulations quite confusing.
After boarding the flight, the flight attendant informed him that he needed to wear a mask and immediately offered him one.However, throughout the flight, he saw some passengers not wearing masks and flight staff not enforcing the rule.
RELATED: Ireland drops most of its COVID-19 rules: Americans welcome in time for St. Patrick's Day
Aside from boarding, the only mention of masks was when the flight was approaching landing, it was announced that all passengers would be required to wear masks when disembarking.This echoes a conversation earlier in the day, during which other Jordanian travelers at Heathrow told them that British Airways had told them they would only need to re-wear when entering airports where nationally mandated masks are required. Put on a mask.
Adding to the confusion, Heathrow is still showing instructions on notice boards that masks must be worn, even though Heathrow has said it will drop masks by March 16.Airport staff explained to TPG that the signs were incorrect and that travelers were free to go without masks at the airport.Airports - they just haven't updated their signs.Although it has been several days since they announced earlier this week that they would drop the mask requirement.
According to industry discussions on the online forum FlyerTalk, British Airways cabin crew believe the airline is already rolling back its widespread de-masking policy.
FlyerTalk user EJetter wrote: "Passengers and crew still need masks (at least on CityFlyer, I don't see the main thread... The company is investigating some compliance issues, so all [British Airways] and BA CityFlyer need masks for now) airplane."
"We were told there was an issue that they couldn't disclose, so until further notice masks are mandatory on all flights," commented one apparent crew member."It's a great pleasure for the crew, who now have to police this in BA's active social media campaign about removing masks from today."
According to a British Airways source who reached out to TPG on social media after our initial report, the airline "communicated internally that all routes still require masks on board. Even domestic flights," adding that it appears earlier It may be premature to announce a mandatory mask requirement.
At the time of writing, British Airways' official website still says masks are mandatory, a change from a few days ago.Passengers must wear them "at all times", the website says, even stressing that "a mask can be used for four hours, so please bring enough travel supplies."
It's been a big week for the UK tourism industry as it continues to return to normal after the brutal impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, with many airlines and airports now looking to welcome air travellers without strict-grade masks as standard.
BA COO Jason Mahoney this week hailed it as a "very positive step forward", with BA stating that face coverings are only required onboard if they are required in the destination they are travelling to, including the US, where airlines Masks will still be mandatory for travel until at least April.
To be sure, the new ruling places the responsibility for COVID-19 safety firmly on passengers who can make "personal choices and "[respect] each other's preferences."
Disappointingly, I have flown several times during the pandemic and am happy with the mask requirement.Frankly, it would keep me from flying.No one wants to catch coronavirus abroad and ruin their vacation, or pray that your insurance will work the way you think it will when you need medical help
Naturally, the news drew mixed reactions on social media, with many frequent travelers welcoming the news as a smart move.Others remain cautious, even critical of airlines, asking about refunds as they look for alternatives to existing bookings.
Good news, I was on Jet2 over the weekend and the mask rule (must be worn when disembarking at Spanish airports) was lifted on a flight to and from Spain.Newcastle Airport also doesn't require masks, which is much better.
So far, British Airways has had no official word on the extent to which it plans to scrap the new mask policy.We've reached out to us for comment and will update this story as soon as there is progress.
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Post time: 3月-19-2022