US: Plane, train and bus travelers still need to wear masks, even if they’re vaccinated

Fully vaccinated and planning to fly? You still need to wear a mask. The CDC Thursday said fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks indoors and don’t have to physically distance in that setting either. But a federal rule that requires that all air, rail and bus travelers over the age of 2 to wear a mask is still in effect, the TSA said Thursday. They are also required in bus and rail stations as well as airports. That policy is set to expire Sept. 14. Airlines began requiring masks about a year ago at the start of the coronavirus pandemic and have banned hundreds of customers who have failed to comply. Carriers are now expecting travel to continue rebounding through the summer after more people have been vaccinated and attractions reopen. United said the carrier will lift its mask requirement when the federal government does. For now, it will “continue to abide by this mandate and remind our customers that masks must be worn on our planes and in our terminals while this requirement is in effect.” Other airlines could follow suit, indicated Airlines for America, the lobbying group that represents United and other major US carriers.<br/>