BREAKING: Alaska Airlines Becomes First Airline To Remove Mask Mandate

Photo Source: Alaska Airlines

The airline announced Monday evening that it would be making face masks optional onboard all their flights and in airports effective immediately. Alaska is first carrier in the U.S. to do so, other airlines are expected to do follow in the coming days.

Alaska Airlines said in a statement: “It has been a long 24 months with nearly constant change. I could not be prouder of our frontline employees who have handled every pivot focusing on safety and the care we’re known for,” said Max Tidwell, VP of safety & security at Alaska Airlines. “We’re also thankful for our guests who remained considerate, patient and stood by us throughout every twist and turn.”

This comes as a federal judge in Florida struck down the Biden administration’s mask mandate on airplanes and other public transportation methods earlier today saying it had exceeded the statutory authority of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and because its implementation violated administrative law, a Biden administration official said the order was no longer in effect while the ruling is reviewed.

In a statement a Biden administration official said: "The agencies are reviewing the decision and assessing potential next steps, in the meantime, today's court decision means CDC's public transportation masking order is not in effect at this time."