The reaction to a move by air carriers to do away with mask requirements for travelers drew a strong reaction on social media Monday.
The federal government was prevented from enforcing mask mandates after a Florida federal judge ruled that the federal mask mandate for public transpiration was unlawful.
Within hours of the ruling, several air carriers, including Southwest Airlines, American Airlines and United Airlines, relaxed mask rules for domestic flights.
Ben Dietderich, the press secretary for Republican U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan of Alaska, captured the moment when an Alaska Airlines pilot announced the rollback.
Ladies and gentlemen, this is your pilot speaking. The pilot said this is the most important announcement I've ever made. Passengers on the flight can be heard clapping and cheering.
NICE JOB! I've traveled less due to masks, so I'm going to book more trips soon! One Twitter user commented in response to the airline's move.
It just happened. I am in Florida about to board a flight to LaGuardia. Attention all Jet Blue customers, over the loudspeaker. We just received word from a civil rights attorney and public defender Scott Hechinger. The mask mandate has been lifted! You can board your flight without masks. A loud, sustained cheer just erupted. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, said airline employees and passengers deserve this misery end. Many appeared to embrace the news, but some on social media expressed disappointment.
Is Covid dead? How long before maintenance is optional? If yes, how long does it take? One person posted a message on the internet.
Others felt the airline should still require masks be worn on flights given to the increase in COVID- 19 cases.
Multiple violent confrontations between travelers and flight crews have resulted in masks being a big point of contention for airline passengers.