United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
ASTA calls for FAA to mandate face masks
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
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel