Austrian Airlines: Masks, Are They Still Mandatory?

Austrian Airlines has been enforcing mask mandates since 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic was at its peak. The airline, part of the Lufthansa Group, initially required passengers to wear a mouth-nose cover on board their flights from May 4, 2020, until August 31, 2020. The mandate was later updated to require passengers to wear FFP2 masks without valves from January 25, 2021. This was in line with the Austrian government's Emergency Measures Ordinance, which regulated the mandatory wearing of FFP2 masks on mass transportation, including aircraft and at all Austrian airports. The FFP2 mask mandate applied to passengers over the age of 14, with certain exemptions for younger children, pregnant women, and those with medical conditions.

Austrian Airlines requires passengers to bring their own FFP2 masks without valves

The FFP2 mask mandate on Austrian Airlines flights applies to all passengers over the age of 14. Passengers under 14 and pregnant women can travel with normal mouth-nose protection, while children under 6 are exempt from the mask-wearing requirement. Passengers who cannot wear a mask for health reasons must present a negative COVID-19 test no older than 48 hours before the start of the trip and provide a medical certificate on an Austrian Airlines form.

Passengers are expected to bring their own FFP2 masks, as the airline does not sell them on board or at the airport. It is recommended that passengers bring several masks for their travel comfort, especially on long-haul flights, as masks may need to be replaced if they become damp.

The FFP2 mask requirement on Austrian Airlines flights is expected to provide additional protection for all passengers, as maintaining the required distance on a flight is not always possible. By complying with this mandate, passengers can play their part in ensuring a safe and comfortable travel experience for everyone on board.

Passengers under 6, pregnant women and those with health issues are exempt

Austrian Airlines has updated its General Conditions of Carriage (GTC) to reflect the Austrian government's new Emergency Measures Ordinance. The new ordinance regulates the mandatory wearing of FFP2 masks without a valve on mass transportation, including aircraft and at all Austrian airports.

Passengers under 6 years of age, pregnant women, and those with health issues are exempt from the mask-wearing requirement. However, passengers between the ages of 6 and 14 and pregnant women can travel with normal mouth-nose protection. Passengers who cannot wear a mask due to health reasons must present a negative COVID-19 test, no older than 48 hours before the scheduled trip, and provide a medical certificate on an Austrian Airlines form. This form can be downloaded from the Austrian Airlines website.

The airline recommends that passengers bring their own masks, and a reusable fabric mask is suggested. However, simple disposable masks or scarves are also acceptable. Passengers should be informed of the updated face mask requirements by SMS or email before their flight.

It is important to note that the country-specific face mask requirements can change at any time, so passengers should always check the current requirements before starting their journey.

Passengers must wear masks onboard and at the airport

Passengers are advised to wear masks that cover both the nose and mouth. The airline recommends that passengers bring their own masks, and reusable fabric masks are preferred. However, simple disposable masks or scarves are also acceptable. Passengers should note that they may be denied boarding if they do not wear a mask. It is recommended that passengers bring several masks for longer flights, as they may need to be replaced.

Austrian Airlines' mask mandate is in line with the Austrian government's Emergency Measures Ordinance, which regulates the mandatory wearing of FFP2 masks on mass transportation, including aircraft and at all Austrian airports. The rule was implemented to ensure the safety and protection of all passengers and crew members during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The mask requirement on Austrian Airlines flights is subject to change based on the latest regulations and guidelines. Passengers are advised to check the current requirements before their journey to ensure compliance with the mask policy.

The obligation to wear a mask applied until 31 August 2020

In 2020, Austrian Airlines, along with other airlines in the Lufthansa Group, required passengers to wear masks. This was in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and was intended to slow or stop the spread of the virus. The obligation to wear a mask applied until 31 August 2020 and passengers were asked to bring their own mouth and nose coverings. The airline recommended the use of a reusable fabric mask, but also accepted simple disposable masks or scarves. This policy was implemented on 4 May 2020 and was communicated to passengers in advance via SMS, email, and on the Austrian Airlines website.

The Lufthansa Group, including Austrian Airlines, recognised that it was not always possible to maintain the required distance on a flight. Therefore, the measure of wearing masks served as additional protection for all passengers and crew members. The Group also recommended that passengers wear masks throughout their entire journey, including before and after the flight at the airport, whenever the minimum distance could not be guaranteed. This was in addition to other adjustments to service procedures, such as pre-packaged foods and sealed beverages.

The obligation to wear a mask until 31 August 2020 applied to all passengers, with some exemptions for young children who were unable to maintain a face covering. The requirement ensured that passengers were protected during their travels and aligned with the policies of other airlines and countries at the time. It is important to note that policies and requirements may change, and passengers are advised to check the current regulations before their journey.

While the specific mandate to wear masks until 31 August 2020 has since passed, Austrian Airlines and the Lufthansa Group continue to adapt their policies based on the evolving situation. They remain committed to the safety and well-being of their passengers and crew, implementing measures such as enhanced cleaning, social distancing, and the provision of sanitising wipes and gels. These measures aim to instil confidence in air travel safety and protect the health of all individuals involved.

Austrian Airlines staff will also wear masks

The type of mask that staff are required to wear is a mouth-nose cover, and the airline recommends the use of a reusable fabric mask. However, simple disposable masks or scarves are also acceptable.

Passengers are also required to wear masks on Austrian Airlines flights, and they are expected to bring their own. The airline recommends FFP2 masks without a valve, also known as N95 or KN95 masks, for all passengers over the age of 14. Masks with a higher classification, such as FFP3 masks without a valve, can also be worn. For passengers between 6 and 14 years of age and pregnant women, a normal mouth-nose protection mask is acceptable. Children under 6 years of age are exempt from the mask-wearing requirement.

Passengers who cannot wear a mask due to health reasons must present a negative COVID-19 test, no older than 48 hours before the scheduled trip, along with a medical certificate on an Austrian Airlines form. This form can be downloaded from the Austrian Airlines website.

The face mask requirement on Austrian Airlines flights was initially in place until 31 August 2020. However, it is important to note that country-specific face mask requirements can change, and passengers are advised to check the current regulations before their journey.

Frequently asked questions