US: TSA extends mask mandate for transportation through Jan. 18

The TSA Tuesday extended a federal requirement that travelers wear masks on commercial flights, buses and trains through Jan. 18. The measure is the latest sign of persistent concerns within the federal government about the spread of Covid-19. Airlines including Southwest and Spirit have warned about a drop in bookings and higher cancellations, trends they blamed on the fast-spreading delta variant of the coronavirus. “The purpose of TSA’s mask directive is to minimize the spread of COVID-19 on public transportation,” the agency said. The current mask rules, aimed to curb the spread of the virus, were extended this spring through Sept. 13. Officials briefed airlines on Tuesday about the plan, according to people familiar with the matter. The extension covers traditionally busy periods for air travel such as the Thanksgiving and December holidays. Airline executives say most passengers comply with the mask requirements. However, the vast majority of reports of unruly travelers this year are tied to travelers who allegedly refuse to wear masks.<br/>