Do I have to wear a face mask on a plane? Flight rules for EasyJet, Ryanair, Jet2 and TUI explained
TRAVEL restrictions are relaxing around the world making it easier for Brits to hop on a plane and jet off abroad.
But some airlines still have some strict rules in place for passengers, so don’t get caught out.
We’ve rounded up the face mask policy for some popular UK airlines.
EasyJet
EasyJet passengers must still wear face masks on the flight.
The easyJet guidance states: “Face masks must be worn at the airport, at the gate when boarding the aircraft, and throughout the flight.
“Passengers not wearing a mask will not be able to board the aircraft.”
However, kids under six do not have to wear them, or anyone with proof of a medical exemption.
They also warn that scarves, face visors or masks with valves are not permitted, and you may be refused travel if your mask isn’t suitable.
The airline also warned they will not be giving masks to anyone who forgets them.
Ryanair
The boss of Ryanair has announced face masks are likely to be dropped from flights by spring.
Michael O’Leary said he hopes to see the end of masks on planes by the “end of April or May”.
Until then, face masks are still required for Ryanair passengers.
Ryanair states on their website: “You must wear a face mask/covering in the airport and onboard your flight.
“On arrival, please keep your mask on until you have left the airport terminal.”
A number of passengers have been kicked off Ryanair flights in recent months for refusing to wear face masks.
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Jet2
Jet2 is the first major airline in the UK to drop mandatory face masks on flights.
The Jet2 website states: “It’s no longer a legal requirement to wear a face mask at our airports or onboard our planes.
“However, as per UK Government guidance, we recommend that you continue to wear a face mask in these spaces, and you will need to wear one when you get to your overseas destination.”
This applies to anyone travelling from England and Northern Ireland.
Customers traveling from Scotland aged six and over must still wear a face mask.
TUI
Brits must still wear face masks on their TUI flight.
The TUI website states: “It’s really important that everyone aged 12 and over wears a mask throughout their flight, even if they’re fully vaccinated.
“Your face mask must cover your nose, mouth and chin – you can wear a face shield, but you’ll need to wear a face mask, too.”
“If you’re flying to the USA, everyone aged 2 and over must wear a mask – if you’re medically exempt, you must carry evidence of this.”
British Airways
British Airways is yet to lift the face mask guidance on their flights.
British Airways states: “We require you to wear a face mask at all times in the airport. As a guide, each mask lasts up to four hours.
“When you’re on board, you’re allowed to remove your face mask for a reasonable time to enable you to eat or drink. When you’re not consuming food or drink, your face mask must be placed back on and must cover your nose and mouth at all times.”
Kids under 11 do not need to wear masks, unless flying to the US, where only kids under two are exempt.
They also state: ” If you meet the government’s exemption requirements, you may be asked about the exemption and could be asked to present supporting documentation.”