A lot of rules that commercial airlines have are a little more lax on a private aircraft: pets in the cabin, more personal items allowed, and sitting in non-assigned seats, for example. But are mask mandates for air travel another rule that private jet passengers can avoid?
Access Jet Group remains committed to the health and safety of our guests and aircraft partners. When booking your flight, we encourage you to review all current regulations and requirements on mask mandates for air travel so that you can get the most out of your Access Jet Group experience.
What the FAA Says About Mask Mandates on Private Aircraft
In May 2021, the Federal Aviation Administration released an updated Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO) explaining new updates and implementations to protect airline passengers, crews, and facility workers from the COVID-19 virus. You can read the SAFO in full here, but here are a few highlights regarding masks:
- “…The CDC issued an Order effective February 2, 2021, requiring the use of masks on public conveyances (including aircraft) traveling into, within, or out of the United States, and in U.S. transportation hubs including airports.” (Page 3)
- “[Fully vaccinated individuals] are still required to wear a mask on aircraft and other conveyances and in U.S. transportation hubs.” (Page 4)
- “[Crewmembers should] wear a mask while on an aircraft, in airports, on ground transportation (unless traveling only with members of their household), and in other situations around other people…” (Page 6)
However, there’s still some gray area when it comes to whether private jet passengers are required to wear a mask during the flight. Because the flight is chartered and therefore not considered “public,” does the mask mandate still apply?
The simple answer is yes, private jet passengers are still required to wear masks on all flights, including during boarding and de-planing. Scientific data continues to demonstrate the effectiveness of wearing masks to minimize the spread of COVID, especially indoor spaces (such as a private jet cabin). And, as stated in the FAA’s SAFO, masks also provide a level of protection to the wearer.
Are There Exemptions to the Aircraft Mask Mandate?
As with vaccine and mask exemptions on the ground, there are also a few scenarios where you may be exempt from wearing a mask onboard a private jet. Examples of mask exemptions include:
- Times when wearing a mask would create a risk to workplace health, safety, or job duties;
- When an oxygen mask must be worn onboard an aircraft;
- When a crew member or passenger were to become ill and are vomiting or otherwise cannot tolerate the use of a face mask;
- Brief periods of eating, drinking, or taking medications;
- When visibility of the mouth is essential for communication;
- Children ages 2 and under
Vaccination status does not warrant a mask exemption, nor does having a negative COVID test result prior to boarding.
When Am I Required to Wear a Mask on a Private Flight?
Based on the CDC’s mask mandate and guidance outlined by the FAA, all private jet passengers should expect to wear a mask for the duration of their charter experience, including:
Prior to Boarding
Passengers must first pass through the terminal to board their aircraft and will be required to wear their mask while they are on the premises. The above exemptions will apply to passengers who are waiting to board the aircraft.
During the Flight
Masks must be worn at all times while onboard the aircraft, except for the few exemptions listed above. Failure to comply with the mask mandate is a violation of federal law.
Upon Leaving the Aircraft
Once the aircraft lands and taxis to the gate, masks must be worn until the passenger has exited the aircraft and terminal. Upon exiting the terminal or FBO, you may remove your mask as long as your ground transportation (e.g, train, bus, etc.) does not also require masks to be worn at all times.
Access Jet Group’s Elevated Standards for Safety
From the very first days of the global pandemic, Access Jet Group has remained committed to elevating the health and safety of our private aviation experiences for all guests. We have been carefully following CDC guidance throughout the pandemic and implementing the recommendations in our standard operating procedures.
As new updates are released, we will continue to ensure our passengers are informed and set the right expectations for their private jet travels.
In the meantime, you can learn more about the CDC’s mask requirements for air travel here, or learn more about best practices for mask usage here.
To schedule your next private jet flight, call our 24-7 concierge service today.
