The Orlando Airport responds to new mask mandate ruling

Will you need to wear a mask at the Orlando International Airport? The airport has responded.

Mask Mandate

Love them or hate them, masks have been a part of life for the majority of the last two years. While many states have dropped requirements, federal law has required them on public transportation. Disney only recently dropped their requirements in the last several weeks.

A federal judge in Florida ruled yesterday that the CDC overstepped its authority when it issued a mask mandate for planes and other forms of public transportation.

The decision Monday by U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle in Tampa also said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention improperly failed to justify its decision and did not follow proper rule making.

Due to this ruling, the TSA can no longer enforce a federal mask mandate at airports and on flights.

Airlines Drop their Mandates

Several airlines have since dropped any mask policy on their flights including Southwest, Delta, and and American. You can see that story HERE.

Since then, more airlines and even ride share companies like Uber have released statements saying masks are no longer required when using their services.

Orlando Airport Statement

If you are heading to Disney World or other Orlando attraction soon, you may be wondering if the Orlando International Airport will still ask travelers to wear masks while in the airport.

The Great Orlando Aviation Authority released the following:

“Following a Federal Court decision and updated directives from the Transportation Security Administration, the wearing of facial coverings will no longer be mandated at Orlando International Airport.

The Great Orlando Aviation Authority will continue to remain vigilant in its efforts to promote a safe, secure and sanitized environment for its guests through the enhanced cleaning methods we’ve enacted over the course of the pandemic. However, the signage and messaging throughout the airport campus will be removed to support the current enforcement climate.

The CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings as a preventative measure against COVID-19. Each individual can proceed to wear a face mask if they feel it is important for their health and the health of their family. We can expect that some of our industry partners may require a mask be worn in our airports – and we need to respect that decision as well.”

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