EasyJet scraps face masks on flights – but only if flying to certain countries

EASYJET is the latest airline to announce it is scrapping mandatory face masks onboard flights – although it depends where you’re going.

From March 27, passengers flying with easyJet will no longer need to wear masks onboard if they are flying to a country where masks aren’t mandated.

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The airline has specified that passengers won’t need to wear masks if they are flying from England to Northern Ireland, Jersey, Denmark, Gibraltar, Iceland or Hungary.

However, they will still need masks if they are flying to all other easyJet destinations, including Spain, France, Italy and Scotland.

A spokesperson for the airline said: “As a pan European airline operating between 30 countries, we must continue to ensure that we and our customers follow the legal requirements of all the countries we fly to.

“This means when flying to or from countries where mask requirements remain in place, we will follow the relevant legal requirements.”

“We will aim to provide clear information to customers, including while onboard, detailing the specific mask requirements on their flight.

“Any customers or crew who wish to continue wearing a mask will, of course, have their personal choice respected.”

EasyJet has followed in the footsteps of British Airways, TUI and Jet2 which have all ditched mandatory masks in recent weeks.

Ryanair is expected to do the same, as boss Michael O’Leary said he hopes to see the end of masks on planes by the “end of April or May,” according to the Evening Standard.

Heathrow scrapped compulsory face masks last week, leaving it up to passengers to decide whether to wear one or not.

A spokesperson for the airport said: “”In recognition that the pandemic is not over, Heathrow strongly encourages those at the airport to continue wearing a face covering – particularly when coming into close contact with others – although this will no longer be a firm requirement.”

Face mask rules were scrapped in the UK back in January, although they are still encouraged on public transport and in some public spaces.

Other countries are also relaxing Covid rules ahead of the Easter holidays.

France has ditched face masks and the requirement for people to use its Covid passport – called pass vaccinal – to enter restaurants, bars or cinemas.

Spain is expected to scrap face masks soon too, as experts predicted they could be gone within weeks.

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