Late-Summer Travel Plans? You Might Want to Put On a Mask.

During the summer peak, transport modes like planes and cruises are fully booked, accommodations are full, and tourists flock to attractions and parks. Meanwhile, Covid-19 is spreading extensively across the US.

In the earlier stages of the pandemic, masks were a common sight in public spaces such as airports and hotels and were mandatory for air travel. Many adopted them in other situations to curb the spread of the virus. With the cessation of the mask mandate and as travel numbers reach or exceed those before the pandemic, fewer travelers are opting to wear masks.

As new vaccine updates won't be available until autumn, health authorities are advocating for the use of masks, especially in airports and enclosed spaces with poor ventilation.

Here’s what you need to know about masks and your travel plans.

What’s going on with Covid right now?

Reports indicate a rise in Covid-19 cases domestically and internationally. In the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note high virus levels in wastewater samples nationwide. Globally, the World Health Organization has observed a 30% increase in cases from June 24 to July 21 compared to the preceding four weeks. Essentially, Covid-19 remains widespread.

How effective are masks? What is the best mask to use?

Health experts recommend wearing a mask while traveling to lessen the risk of respiratory diseases, including Covid-19, colds, and the flu. Masks offer protection even if worn alone in public transport or airports, provided they are used correctly, covering both the nose and mouth.

"Reducing exposure risk significantly, though not completely," comments Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, head of research at the Veterans Affairs St. Louis Healthcare System in Missouri. Opt for high-quality masks like N95, KN95, or KF94, which filter out most virus particles and are much more effective than cloth or surgical masks. Ensure the mask fits well around your face.
"If you show symptoms, wearing a mask is advisable to protect others," advises Dr. Marc Sala, co-director at the Northwestern Medicine Comprehensive Covid-19 Center in Chicago. Common symptoms are coughing, fever, and fatigue, among others. Those asymptomatic but exposed to the virus should also consider wearing a mask.
If you test positive during travel but cannot postpone your trip, wearing a mask around others is necessary, according to Dr. Sala.

Where should travelers wear a mask?

The CDC recommends masking in crowded or inadequately ventilated indoor spaces, including public transport and transit hubs.
Dr. Al-Aly suggests keeping several masks accessible when entering busy indoor areas. "Stay aware of your surroundings," he advises. Although airplane air is regularly replaced and filtered, the proximity to others still poses a transmission risk.

What is the travel industry’s stance on masking?

The mask requirement on flights was contentious during the pandemic peak, with industry representatives claiming it impeded the sector's recovery.
The U.S. Travel Association, advocating for domestic and international travel, leaves mask-wearing to the discretion of travelers, celebrating the 2022 mandate lift as progress toward endemic COVID management.

The International Air Transportation Association states that airplane design minimizes virus transmission, with cabin air refreshed more frequently than in other indoor settings. It's also filtered from top to bottom, enhancing onboard air quality.

While masks are optional, airlines often provide them if requested.
Major cruise lines do not mandate masks but require a health assessment before boarding. Some operators, like Carnival Cruise Line, encourage keeping vaccinations up to date.