The recent announcement by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) about extending face mask requirements on public transportation through April 18 has generated a lot of buzz.
The U.S. Travel Association, for example, is pushing for an end to the mandate, saying that giving travelers the choice to take off their masks is necessary for the continued recovery of the airline and travel industry.
But how much will the continuation — or suspension — of the mask mandate really affect travel bookings?
Numerous organizations and industry players may weigh in on the topic, but travel advisors often know better than anyone what really motivates travelers to hit the road — or stay home.
For expert insight on the effects of the mask mandate, we turned to seven advisors from around the country.
Are some people avoiding travel because of the mask mandate?
Donna Alkarmi, president of Lonestar Travel in McKinney, Texas: “I have not had any clients refuse to travel due to the mask mandate, but I do think more people, mainly with children, will book travel once the mandate is lifted.
Joshua Bush, CEO of Avenue Two Travel in Philadelphia: “We have not had clients say that it’s a deal breaker for them. Small requirements, such as masks, are much more manageable versus the complexity of testing and continuously changing policies for each destination that still plagues us.”
Carissa Cummings, travel advisor and manager at Avenue Two Travel in Los Angeles: “At this point, I don’t think it is [keeping] most people from flying. They are more bothered by the test-to-return home requirement than the mask mandate on airlines and airports.”
At this point, I don’t think it is [keeping] most people from flying. They are more bothered by the test-to-return home requirement than the mask mandate on airlines and airports.
Mitch Krayton, owner of Krayton Travel in Denver: “It’s inevitable that some folks resisted travel due to masks, but active travelers want to travel, and wearing a mask is merely an inconvenience, not a bar to traveling.”
Alan Martin, travel consultant at The Adventure Group, an affiliate of MTravel Hosting Services in San Antonio, Texas: “The mask mandate did impede some in the early beginnings of the pandemic, but as time passed, more were willing to comply to travel. This applies to both leisure and corporate travelers. I do have some clients that are pulling back on the distance they travel because of the travel restrictions placed here and abroad.”
Paloma White, CEO of Paloma White Travel, San Diego, Calif.: “Only a few. Most of my clients are willing to do whatever is necessary in order to travel.”
I find that the longer the distances, the more comments about masks — such as a trip to Africa, for example. With the shorter distances, people are just excited to explore again and don’t tend to complain as often.
Lael Wood, owner of Travel Designs by Lael, an affiliate of MTravel Hosting Services in Boise, Idaho: “Absolutely it has affected how some people are traveling. I find that the longer the distances, the more comments about masks — such as a trip to Africa, for example. With the shorter distances, people are just excited to explore again and don’t tend to complain as often.”
Do you expect a surge in travel once the mask mandate is lifted?
Alkarmi: “I think there will more interest to book, especially families with smaller children.”
Bush: “It will likely increase demand; however, we’re already seeing demand outpace pre-pandemic times.”
It will likely increase demand, however we’re already seeing demand outpace pre-pandemic times.
Cummings: “We are already seeing a huge surge in travel requests. I would expect another surge when the COVID-19 test-to-come-home requirement is dropped.”
Krayton: “I do, however we now have inflation and a war in Eastern Europe causing additional concerns about safety, costs and viability of suppliers.”
White: “No. Testing and COVID-19 protocols while abroad have been the major deterrents.”
Wood: "No, since most people are already booking."
What will happen if the mandate is extended yet again?
Cummings: "At this point, I don’t think [clients] will be surprised. While most are ready to drop it, they do what they must to travel."
Krayton: "It won’t matter to those who love to travel. And for the others, they will hold back on their plans or book further out."
Martin: "Most of our travelers would be understanding of the mask mandate because they are willing to do whatever it takes to get that vacation or business trip in."
White: "Simple annoyance, but not enough to cancel plans."
What would you tell nervous clients when the mandate is lifted?
Bush: "It’s always the individual’s decision whether to travel or not. All we can do is provide them with the best information available, leverage our relationships on their behalf and be their support system should anything go wrong."
If masks become optional on airplanes but you feel safer wearing a mask, then definitely do that.
Cummings: "I am of the mindset that if a client is going to be nervous during the entire time they are traveling, they shouldn’t travel. They aren’t going to enjoy themselves. I can give them facts and resources to help them make an informed decision, but it is up to them to decide how and if they will feel safe traveling with COVID-19 and traveling once the mandate is lifted."
Krayton: "I always tell them the truth. I encourage them to still wear a mask where they don’t know the health situation of the places they are visiting. Each traveler knows their own threshold for travel. We can only advise."
Martin: "I remind my clients to stay alert and practice social distancing when they can. First and foremost, I tell my clients that the best person for them to talk with is their physician when getting advice on COVID-19. We can guide them to beautiful and exciting destinations to make lifetime memories and offer them travel insurance options, so that they can be prepared when they travel."
White: "Those who are still concerned will continue to mask and socially distance themselves as appropriate. I can only reiterate the science."
Wood: “You need to decide what is best for you and respect your comfort level. If masks become optional on airplanes but you feel safer wearing a mask, then definitely do that. If you are still nervous, which some of my customers are, then you must respect that and make the best choice for you and your family.”
