On Friday, April 30th, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced it is extending the mask enforcement directive to September 13, 2021. We are grateful to both the TSA and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for their continued support with mask mandate enforcement and zero tolerance for failure to comply or interfere with our duties. This will also extend the FAA’s Zero Tolerance policy for unruly passengers and provide us the federal back up we sometimes require.
Earlier this month, AFA advocated for the directive to be extended in a letter to TSA Administrator Pekoske. AFA International President, Sara Nelson, testified before the Senate Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations, Innovation.
Progress in prevention of Covid-19 has been made in the form of vaccinations and social distancing precautions, but all evidence shows that the best way to stay healthy and avoid contact with the COVID-19 virus is to wear a mask consistently and properly. Continuing this enforcement through September 13 gives us more time to mitigate the virus and keep Flight Attendants and passengers safe. Our sincere appreciation to the Biden Administration, the FAA and the TSA for this strong stance on keeping us all protected.