How to navigate the recently dropped mask mandate while traveling
Needless to say, it's been quite a week in the world of travel news, especially for myself and TPG's rock-star team of aviation reporters who worked nonstop to report on the developing story of the removal of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mask mandate.
As it stands, the decision of whether to wear a mask on board commercial U.S. transit, including planes, now lies in the hands of travelers thanks to the removal of the mandate by a federal judge in Florida and subsequent action by the Biden administration.
Although the decision is currently under appeal by the Department of Justice, the conversation has shifted to be less about whether masks may once again be required on transit and more about the White House reminding the country how the three branches of government are supposed to operate.
This week's column attempts to answer questions surrounding the topic of the week — how does the removal of the U.S. mask mandate affect travel moving forward?
Where are masks still required?
Domestically, masks are required on New York public transit
Although all statewide mask mandates had been removed as of March 26, New York state officials recently reintroduced an indoor mask mandate for public transit, meaning travelers passing through New York airports, including John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA), are subject to this rule. Essentially, you'd have to wear a mask in these airports until the plane takes off.
This also applies to the New York City subway system.
On Wednesday, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said she expects the mandate to remain in place for at least the "short term," though the duration of that is unclear.
Mask mandates vary by airline/country for international travel
When traveling abroad, a mask may or may not be required on your flight, regardless of whether you are traveling on a domestic or international carrier. Unfortunately, there is not an all-encompassing answer to this because mask requirements vary by country and are dependent on local law, based on both your departure and arrival country.
Because of this, various airlines still enforce mask policies. To verify mask expectations for your travels, go through these steps to ensure you have the most updated information:
- Consult a country's local COVID-19 rules as outlined by the government in addition to the U.S. Embassy's website for that country.
- Review TPG's airline-by-airline guide outlining current mask policies for some international carriers.
- Double-check with your airline ahead of travel and see if your carrier has outlined destination-specific rules.
For example, Air France travelers can use an online tool called TravelDoc to verify COVID-19-related travel requirements for Air France flights.
Some airlines may require you to wear a mask even if the local government doesn't
To further confuse us, some airlines may have policies that do not align with the government.
For example, Air Canada says on its website that face masks remain compulsory on all Air Canada flights.
Currently, all incoming fully vaccinated travelers to Canada are also expected to wear masks for 14 days after arrival, but the Canadian government announced Friday that this requirement will be lifted on April 25.
Since masks are not otherwise legally required in indoor public spaces across the country, masks would be required on your way to Canada but not once you arrive as of Monday, applicable for vaccinated persons.
Which types of masks protect me the most?
Opt for a surgical mask
By this point, we know that not all masks are created equal as research has shown that surgical masks, specifically N95 masks, offer the most protection. Do yourself and others around you a favor and throw your cloth masks in the trash, not just because some airlines prohibit you from wearing them.
What else do I need to know about current US COVID-19 restrictions?
The US still requires a predeparture test for all travelers age 2 and older
Certain countries, including the U.S., still ask incoming travelers to take a COVID-19 test at various times throughout their trip. While you don't have to wear a mask for domestic travel within the U.S. or for flights to the U.S. departing from other countries that have also eliminated mask mandates, you must still take a negative COVID-19 test within 24 hours of departure for the U.S.
Save yourself frustration and time by traveling with an approved at-home test, which will enable you to test from the comfort of a hotel room or wherever it is you are staying. Your future self will thank you.
Have a question for next week? Email me at caroline.tanner@thepointsguy.com or tips@thepointsguy.com.
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Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
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- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.