ASTA calls for FAA to mandate face masks
The American Society of Travel Advisors has added its voice to the great in-flight mask debate.
ASTA is urging the Federal Aviation Administration to mandate the use of masks for all flights.
Although airlines have made them compulsory, they are not able to effectively police the weang of masks throughout the flight.
"While the airlines have stepped up in the absence of a clear federal mandate, this inconsistency is holding back travel’s recovery," said ASTA CEO Zane Kerby.
ASTA said a FAA mask mandate is needed to boost public confidence in flying.
"In the absence of reliable, noninvasive, rapid-response virus testing, it’s clear that when it comes to flying, more consumers need the assurance that those they are in close quarters with will act responsibly," Kerby added.
ASTA says it has been conducting regular consumer surveys about travel confidence.
It found that consumers feel that other passengers close to them may not act as responsibly, and a federal policy would help make everyone compliant.
"Thankfully, a nearly painless public policy fix is within reach," ASTA said.
by Ray Monntgomery, US editor
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Digital Travel Reporter of the Mirror totally seduced by HotelPlanner AI Travel Agent
Strike action set to cause travel chaos at Brussels airports
All eyes on Qatar as Qatar Airways leads a season of global events