The coronavirus pandemic is still ongoing and with it brings many rule changes.
One thing that people may be unsure of is the various travel rules from different airlines surrounding facemasks and vaccines.
TUI, easyJet, Ryanair, BA and other airlines are operating flights in and out of the UK to a wide array of destinations and each of them have their own sets of rules, reports The Mirror.
READ MORE: Japan, New Zealand, Sweden and 22 other countries Brits are still banned from
It's also worth taking note of your chosen destination's own rules too; for example, the US says face masks are mandatory for any inbound/outbound flights, as well as inside airports.
To make things easier for travellers looking to get away in the next school break, we have compiled a list of what each major airlines policies currently are on facemasks.
TUI
TUI has changed its face mask policy for those flying from England and Northern Ireland.
Its travel policy explains: "It’s no longer a legal requirement for those travelling to or from England or Northern Ireland to wear a face mask during their TUI Airways flight, but – in accordance with UK government and EU Charter guidance – we do still strongly recommend that you do so. Please don’t travel if you’re showing any Covid-19 symptoms, or testing positive – you can change your holiday fee-free under our covid flexibility policy."
Anyone aged 12 or over flying on routes to/from Wales or Scotland must still wear a face mask during their flight unless exempt from medical reasons.
Passengers need to bring their own face masks - and bring spares for long-haul flights to change your face covering every four hours.
If you're exempt for health reasons, you'll need to download a government exemption card, or you can opt for a face shield instead.
Jet2
Jet2 no longer requires passengers on flights from/to England and Northern Ireland to wear face masks onboard its flights.
However, you may still be required to wear a mask in airports, on arrival at your destination and in transfers, depending on local covid rules - check before you travel.
Passengers on flights to and from Scotland are still required to wear face masks in flights.
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."
easyJet
All passengers aged six and over will be required to wear a face mask at the airport, at the gate when boarding the aircraft, and throughout the flight.
Passengers not wearing a mask will not be able to board the aircraft.
You must wear a face mask - scarves, face visors or masks with valves are not permitted, and you may be refused travel.
For those who have a medical exemption from wearing a face mask, easyJet requires passengers to let them know ahead of travel. For some destinations you may be required to have a medical letter or certificate that proves your exemption.
Ryanair
It is mandatory to wear a face mask or covering on board Ryanair flights, as well as at the airport. If you have a medical exemption from wearing a face mask, get in touch with the airline before you travel.
British Airways
British Airways requires passengers aged 12 and over to wear a face mask at all times in the airport and on board the flight. (The exception is flights to/from the US where it's law for anyone aged two or over to wear a face mask on flights).
They advise passengers on flights longer than four hours to bring extra masks with them. You may be asked to remove your mask at passport checks.
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."
Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic requires passengers aged 12 and over to wear face masks or face coverings at all times onboard flights and throughout the airport. (If you're flying to/from the US, it's law that anyone aged two or over must wear a face mask on flights).
You can remove the face mask to "eat or drink where it is reasonably necessary to do so", take medication, or to avoid the risk of harm or injury.
If you are exempt from wearing a face mask, you need to get in touch with the airline's special assistance team at least 48 hours before you're due to travel.
Wizz Air
It is compulsory for passengers on Wizz Air flights to wear face masks on board for both passengers and crew. For flights over four hours the airline recommends that passengers bring more face masks.
If you are exempt from wearing a face mask, you'll need to contact Wizz Air's Special Assistance Call Centre at least 48 hours before your flight.
Norwegian Air
Face masks are mandatory for passengers aged 16 or over on board Norwegian Air flights. Face masks must cover your nose and mouth and "must be made for the purpose" - for example, scarves won't be accepted.
You can remove your mask while eating and drinking during the flight.
You may not be granted boarding if you are not wearing a face mask.
The airline says: "If you have a medical condition that prevents you from wearing a mask, you must present a medical document to the gate staff confirming this before boarding."
Emirates
A statement on the Emirates website explains: "You must wear a cloth or medical mask throughout Dubai International, during boarding, throughout your flight, and as you leave the aircraft. Children under 6 years old and customers who have certain medical conditions do not have to wear a mask.
Due to local government regulations, only medical face masks are accepted on flights from Dubai to Germany, France, and Austria.
If for medical reasons you’re unable to wear a mask throughout your entire journey, you need to complete a Medical Information Form (MEDIF) before your flight."
Rules are correct at the time of writing but can be subject to change. Contact your airline if you have any queries.
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