There are lots of places to visit from Northern Ireland now that the coronavirus restrictions have been lifted.
However, the pandemic has changed the way people travel, requiring the use of face masks on planes.
Each airline that operates out of Northern Ireland has its own policy on the wearing of face coverings and what proof passengers who are medically exempt from wearing masks onboard may be required to provide.
If you’re planning a trip soon, it’s also a good idea to research the guidelines for wearing face masks in your destination. Face masks are required on all inbound and outgoing flights, as well as when roaming around airports in the United States.
To facilitate your trip preparation, we’ve compiled a list of each airline’s current face mask policy for flights departing from Northern Ireland.
EasyJet
All passengers aged six and up must wear a face mask at the airport, at the gate when boarding the plane, and for the duration of the trip.
Passengers who do not wear a mask will be denied boarding.
Hats, face visors, or masks with holes are not authorized, and you may be denied travel if you don’t wear one.
EasyJet requires passengers to notify them ahead of time if they have a medical exemption from wearing a face mask. A medical letter or certificate proving your exemption may be necessary for specific destinations.
Jet2
Passengers on Jet2 flights from and to Northern Ireland are no longer required to wear face masks.
You may still be required to wear a mask in airports, upon arrival at your destination, and during transfers, depending on local COVID restrictions; make sure to confirm this before flying.
Onboard face masks are still necessary for passengers flying to and from Scotland.
A statement on the airline’s website adds: “If you’re unable to wear a mask, you must let us know in advance to be able to travel. If you fail to wear a face mask without our agreement, you’ll not be allowed to board your flight or transfer.”
Ryanair
On Ryanair flights, as well as at the airport, wearing a face mask or covering is required. Contact the airline ahead of time if you have a medical exemption from wearing a face mask.
A statement on the TUI website explains: “Everyone aged 12 and over needs to wear a face mask on our flights, including while sleeping, unless you’re exempt due to a medical condition. You’ll need to wear a mask even if you’ve had your two vaccinations. Your face mask must cover your nose, mouth and chin – you can wear a face shield, but you’ll need to wear a face mask, too.”
Passengers must pack their own face masks, as well as spares for long-haul flights, as you will need to change your mask every four hours.
You’ll need to download a government exemption card if you’re exempt for health concerns, or you can use a face shield instead.
Aer Lingus
On Aer Lingus flights, wearing a face mask or covering is required. According to a statement on their website, if you’re medically exempt, you must provide a medical certificate to prove it.
For the duration of all flights, cabin crew will be required to wear face masks.
Face masks are available in two types: reusable fabric masks and disposable masks. The airline suggests that you wear these from the time you arrive at your departure airport until you depart from your destination airport.
This restriction does not apply to young children who are unable to keep a facial covering.
British Airways
Passengers aged 12 and up, according to British Airways, must wear a face mask at all times in the airport and on the flight.(With the exception of flights to and from the United States, where it is mandatory for anybody aged two or up to wear a face mask on flights.)
Passengers on flights longer than four hours are advised to bring extra masks. At passport checkpoints, you may be asked to remove your mask.
A statement on the BA website adds: “When you’re on board, you’re allowed to remove your face mask for a reasonable time to enable you to eat or drink. When you’re not consuming food or drink, your face mask must be placed back on and must cover your nose and mouth at all times.”
Wizz Air
Face masks are permitted on board Wizz Air flights for both passengers and employees. According to the airline, passengers should bring more face masks for trips longer than four hours.
You must call Wizz Air’s Special Assistance Call Centre at least 48 hours before your flight if you are excused from wearing a face mask.
Virgin Atlantic
Onboard flights and at the airport, Virgin Atlantic requires passengers aged 12 and up to wear face masks or facial coverings at all times. If you’re travelling to or from the US, you must wear a face mask if you’re over the age of two.)
You can take off the face mask to “eat or drink when it is reasonably necessary,” take medication, or avoid danger or injury.
If you are not required to wear a face mask, you must contact the airline’s special assistance team at least 48 hours before your flight.
