United, Alaska Air drop face mask mandates after court ruling

Two major US airlines, United Airlines Holdings and Alaska Air Group, said Monday they’ll no longer require travelers or employees to wear face coverings on domestic and some international flights. The decisions came hours after a US judge overturned a federal mandate for passengers to cover their faces on board airplanes and trains. United said its employees may continue to wear masks “if they choose to do so.” The airlines said they also will not require the use of masks at boarding gates or elsewhere in airports. Earlier this month US airlines had asked the Biden administration to end its masking requirement for public transport. But last week the CDC extended the ban until May 3.<br/>