TSA Mask Mandate Scheduled to End Next Week, But Will It Be Extended?

What do you think? End/Extend?


Published March 9, 2022 • Updated 2 hours ago

UPDATE: Officials tell NBC News the mandate will be extended. Read more here for how long and what travelers can expect.

The Transportation Security Administration's face mask requirement for airports, planes, buses and rail systems is still in place, even as many states lift their masking requirements, but how long could it last?

Following two extensions of its mandate, the TSA mask mandate is scheduled to expire on March 18, unless officials extend it once again.

It remains unclear if that will happen, however.

The agency put out a release Wednesday ahead of busy spring break travel, stating "the mask requirement remains in place and TSA will continue to assess the duration of the requirement in consultation with CDC."

“TSA’s collaboration with industry and federal partners has been instrumental throughout this pandemic, and now we are seeing a light at the end of the tunnel as demonstrated by the rapid recovery of the travel industry,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said in a statement. “We are prepared and ready for a busy spring, and are doing our part to ensure the traveling public is safe and secure by continuing to deploy new technologies within the checkpoint that enhance security, reduce physical contact and improve the traveling experience. We just ask travelers to do their part by being respectful to each other and those who work in the transportation sector – from our officers to airport workers and flight crew.”

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