Effective Sept. 10, 2021, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will double the fines for travelers who do not wear masks at airports and on commercial aircraft to $500 to $1,000 for the first offense and $1,000 to $3,000 for the second offense. The federal mask mandate and fines also apply to other modes of surface transportation, including passenger railroads, intercity bus services, and other public transportation.
“Wearing a mask protects the traveling public and all of the personnel who make the travel experience safe, secure, and comfortable,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “We will continue to enforce the mask mandate as long as necessary to protect public health and safety.”
“We appreciate the majority of travelers each day who voluntarily follow the requirement, but find this action necessary to maximize the protections for those who use and work within the transportation system, and to contain COVID-19,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “By doubling the range of penalties, we seek to reinforce the importance of voluntary adherence.”
TSA recently extended the federal mask mandate to end Jan. 18, 2022. The mandate was originally put into place via executive order in January 2021 and was extended twice already.
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