Major UK airline scraps face masks on flights from today
BRITISH Airways has scrapped mandatory face masks for its flights.
As of this morning, passengers flying from the UK don't need to wear a mask if they are heading to a country where face coverings aren't compulsory.
The change coincides with Heathrow Airport's decision to ditch face coverings - opening up mask-free travel opportunities for Brits.
Jason Mahoney, BA chief operating officer, said: "We're working through [the current travel restrictions] and from Wednesday, March 16, customers will only be required to wear a face covering onboard our flights if the destination they're travelling to requires it."
The airline has said that some flight routes will continue to require passengers to wear face masks due to the restrictions in place at the arriving country.
This could include destinations such as the US and Italy as they have their own rules in place regarding face masks.
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However, BA hasn't yet confirmed which of its flights passengers will have to continue wearing masks on.
Jason continued: "For destinations where the wearing of a face covering is not mandated, our customers are able to make a personal choice, and we kindly request everyone respects each other's preferences."
Sun Online Travel has contacted British Airways for additional comment.
BA follows in the footsteps of TUI and Jet2, which have both also scrapped mandatory face masks on flights in recent weeks.
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Ryanair is expected to follow suit in the coming weeks, as the airline's boss said face masks are likely to be dropped from flights by spring.
The UK scrapped compulsory face masks in public spaces and on some public transport back in January, although are still encouraged.
And face mask rules are being eased in countries around the world.
France is the latest holiday destination to scrap them - with the exception of public transport and care homes.
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France has also ditched the requirements for people to use its Covid passport - called pass vaccinal - to enter restaurants, bars or cinemas.
Spain is expected to scrap masks soon too, as experts predicted masks could become a thing of the past in as little as three weeks.
