The American Society of Travel Advisors has added its voice to the great in-flight mask debate.
ASTA is urging the Federal Aviation Administration to mandate the use of masks for all flights.
Although airlines have made them compulsory, they are not able to effectively police the weang of masks throughout the flight.
"While the airlines have stepped up in the absence of a clear federal mandate, this inconsistency is holding back travel’s recovery," said ASTA CEO Zane Kerby.
ASTA said a FAA mask mandate is needed to boost public confidence in flying.
"In the absence of reliable, noninvasive, rapid-response virus testing, it’s clear that when it comes to flying, more consumers need the assurance that those they are in close quarters with will act responsibly," Kerby added.
ASTA says it has been conducting regular consumer surveys about travel confidence.
It found that consumers feel that other passengers close to them may not act as responsibly, and a federal policy would help make everyone compliant.
"Thankfully, a nearly painless public policy fix is within reach," ASTA said.
by Ray Monntgomery, US editor
