When a federal court struck down the mask mandate in public transportation settings last month, the initial reaction was split. While many applauded the decision, happy that they could now travel without having to wear the unbeloved face covering, others, especially vulnerable groups, felt left alone, feeling that mandatory face masks were a prerequisite to them traveling safely.
Airlines widely welcomed the court’s decision hoping that it would facilitate travel and encourage people who are uncomfortable wearing a mask for long periods to return to the skies. And while some critics of the decision said that they would cancel their travel plans in light of the changed circumstances, TSA safety check figures show no discernible effect of the ruling on airport traffic in either direction.
According to data from Statista’s Global Consumer Survey, many Americans regarded mandatory masking a key safety measure for traveling amid the pandemic as recently as February. With rising temperatures, falling case numbers and plenty of other crises to worry about, coronavirus concerns have recently dropped to the back of many people’s minds in recent months, however.
