A requirement that people on planes and other forms of transportation in the US wear masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will remain in place through at least Sept. 13, the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says. The mandate, which went into effect Feb. 1, was set to expire May 11.

Acting TSA administrator Darby Lajoye said in announcing the extension that masks “remain an important tool in defeating this pandemic” even though about half of US adults have received a vaccine.

The rule requires people to wear a mask to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 across all transportation networks in the US. That includes at airports, on buses, and on trains. People under two and with certain disabilities are exempt.

Penalties for violating the rule start at US$250 and can go up to $1,500 for repeat offenders.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said that fully vaccinated people can “travel,” but its guidelines still require the use of masks, social distancing, and other measures to prevent the virus.

Airlines and their unions had pushed for an extension of the federal mask rule as a stronger alternative to airline-imposed rules.

Disruptive passengers

Separately, the US Federal Aviation Administration says it will continue its zero-tolerance policy against disruptive airline passengers as long as the TSA mask rule is in effect. The FAA is seeking much larger civil penalties – some topping $30,000 – against a small number of passengers that it accuses of interfering with airline crews.