Supreme Court dismisses challenge against federal mask mandate for air travel
The U.S. Supreme Court this week rejected a challenge to block the federal mask mandate at U.S. airports and domestic air travel amid the ongoing pandemic. Chief Justice John Roberts, Jr. denied the 89-page emergency petition for review without comment and without referring the application to the full court.
The lawsuit was seeking an immediate injunction to stop the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) mandate requiring face coverings, on the grounds of medical reasons. Michael Seklecki filed the suit on behalf of himself and his autistic son. Seklecki says he and his son can't tolerate wearing masks, and the son needs to fly on a regular basis to seek out-of-state medical care. Lucas Wall, who has already filed another lawsuit seeking to block the mask mandate, also joined the case.
Want more airline-specific news? Sign up for our bi-weekly aviation newsletter
The New York Times reported on the TSA's response to the lawsuit. The agency argued that Congress put the mask mandate in place to protect passengers, and argued that the plaintiffs failed to "[pursue] an available procedure for obtaining medical exemptions." Chief Justice Roberts did not comment on his ruling or refer it to the full court. According to the Times, this suggests he "viewed the legal question in the case as insubstantial." In other words, this lawsuit has no chance to be taken up by the highest court in the land.
The TSA implemented the latest mask requirement shortly after President Joe Biden took office in January. The mandate applies to everyone passing through "TSA airport screening checkpoints and throughout the commercial and public transportation systems." The mandate applies to all U.S. airports, commercial aircraft, buses and rail systems.
Related: New rules for international travel, mask mandate extended
Airline employees have had to endure a huge increase in unruly passengers and sometimes violent confrontations with passengers over the enforcement of the mask mandate.
Related: If you threaten a Delta employee, you could lose your SkyMiles
The TSA has extended the mask mandate several times to help curb the spread of COVID-19 and most recently extended it again during the outbreak traced to the delta variant of the coronavirus. The mask requirement will remain in place until at least March 18, 2022, at which time the TSA will review it and decide whether or not to extend it once again.
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app