Masks at MCO

[Evita_W]

The mandate is currently scheduled to end later this month, but there are exceptions in the mandate for those with disabilities. So far, it has been up to individual airlines as to if they allow those exceptions or not, so it would be best to call your airline and ask for their policy.

 

[Kbrb]

The mandate is currently scheduled to end later this month, but there are exceptions in the mandate for those with disabilities. So far, it has been up to individual airlines as to if they allow those exceptions or not, so it would be best to call your airline and ask for their policy.

I did the airline had no problem issuing the exception however due to the rules in the US they couldnt tell me what would happen once we leave their plane. MCO have passed me border control who i have emailed.............

 

[lanejudy]

Honestly...for a flight in September, the rules could change in 2 weeks or in 2 months or multiple times in between. I think you are putting in effort to chase down a rule that may not even be in effect 5 months from now when you fly. You could end up with outdated information if there is a different rule in place when you fly.

 

[Evita_W]

I did the airline had no problem issuing the exception however due to the rules in the US they couldnt tell me what would happen once we leave their plane. MCO have passed me border control who i have emailed.............

I believe you should be ok there, but I would keep a printed copy of the exception that someone above quoted, but do double check it is still exists prior to flying, as if they impose a new mandate before then, who knows what will happen.

 

[Kbrb]

Honestly...for a flight in September, the rules could change in 2 weeks or in 2 months or multiple times in between. I think you are putting in effort to chase down a rule that may not even be in effect 5 months from now when you fly. You could end up with outdated information if there is a different rule in place when you fly.

Probably not, but i dont want to drop 6k on a trip with any chance of it going horribly wrong. The time is ticking on the final payment for the trip. Paying up and getting it wrong isnt an option. I guess im just trying to hang on to the hope i might still make it for a trip thats been cancelled for 3 years

 

[redboat45]

OK this is even more strange, BA will issue him a exemption no problem for the flight they have no idea what will happen the other end.??!?!?!??

If you can get a fare that can be cancelled and/or wait a couple of weeks and see what the administration does.

 

[xipotec]

Where are people getting this!? There is ABSOLUTELY a mask exception for disabled individuals.

https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/masks/mask-travel-guidance.html

I think Cdc and Airline rules do not have to match.
As a private company can require anything they want.

 

[lanejudy]

I guess im just trying to hang on to the hope i might still make it for a trip thats been cancelled for 3 years

I understand; a lot of people are having that same debate right now about international travel, my own family included. It comes down to whether you are willing to take a risk on rules changing, and/or changing more than once, between now and then.

 

[HashberryOTG]

It's still so hard to make the decision whether and when to travel, in spite of so much time going by! While things are being reviewed again in the US at the end of April regarding masks being required on planes and in airports (and heck, all modes of public transportation, which will also include busses and ride shares), even if they lift it, no one knows what it will be like by the time you travel. Perhaps consider some sort of travel insurance in case things don't go how you need them to go.

I agree, the airlines are free to allow exceptions for disabilities, and some have. But everything I've heard is that those are few and far between. Generally, they will require him to be masked on the plane and in the airport.

I hope everything works out for you and your son!

 

[Evita_W]

Probably not, but i dont want to drop 6k on a trip with any chance of it going horribly wrong. The time is ticking on the final payment for the trip. Paying up and getting it wrong isnt an option. I guess im just trying to hang on to the hope i might still make it for a trip thats been cancelled for 3 years

This is where trip insurance with the option to cancel the trip for any reason comes in really handy, you may wish to consider that option, as no one can guarantee what will or won't happen by September. The insurance should be a minimal cost, just make sure it is from a reputable company.

 

[DisneyOma]

Where are people getting this!? There is ABSOLUTELY a mask exception for disabled individuals.

https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/masks/mask-travel-guidance.html

The mandate is currently scheduled to end later this month, but there are exceptions in the mandate for those with disabilities. So far, it has been up to individual airlines as to if they allow those exceptions or not, so it would be best to call your airline and ask for their policy.

The exceptions are pretty restrictive and succinct. Pretty much has to be a life/death situation, an issue with communication, or a violent tendency. For the violent tendency, that could negate a person even being allowed on the plane, IMO. Hopefully the mandate will drop, at least for fully vaccinated people.

 

[ElyseInWonderland]

Was at MCO yesterday. I'd wager only about 20% of people had masks on. Most people took them off the second they stepped off the plane.

 

[Selket]

Probably not, but i dont want to drop 6k on a trip with any chance of it going horribly wrong. The time is ticking on the final payment for the trip. Paying up and getting it wrong isnt an option. I guess im just trying to hang on to the hope i might still make it for a trip thats been cancelled for 3 years

I am also looking at international travel at some point and am very wary of booking anything that cannot be cancelled with a refund (not just a credit). Always a chance some other variant comes along in the fall and restrictions go back. The trip insurance "cancel for any reason" idea is also sound. Might help to discuss insurance options with a travel insurance broker who represents many companies to find the best policy.

 

[kwdw]

OP, two suggestions:

1) If your son can’t wear a mask due to what the CDC calls an exemption, get that documented by a doctor now. Someone cited that page earlier in the thread. Follow airline directions for dealing with that.

2) Buy trip insurance. Nobody here can predict mask rules in September. Could be 100% a thing of the past; or we could have a new pandemic unrelated to COVID and you might not want to come at all.

 

[OurBigTrip]

I’m sitting at gate 50 at MCO right now, and I see very few people without a mask…a few people are eating, but other than that, everyone is masked.

 

[SueM in MN]

We got a mask exemption from the airline we were traveling on for our DD when we traveled in October 2022.
The airlines each have a specific form that needs to be completed, including a part completed and signed by the doctor, along with their license number. There was a time frame for filling it in and sending to the airline; the airline verified the doctor’s information/identity and also that the person applying for the exemption actually fits the narrow reasons for the exemption.
We were told the exemption is with the airline for air travel and doesn’t apply for the airport.

The hardest part for us was the requirement for a negative COVID test just before travel. It wasn’t really much of a problem going - she was able to get a low cost COVID test at a drive thru testing site close to our home. We didn’t need to wait for the result, it was emailed to us.

The one before coming home was a hassle- we found an Advent Health Clnic a couple of miles from Disney Springs. Even though we had an appointment, we still had to wait in a fairly crowded waiting room. After about 15 minutes, we were taken back to a room where the test was collected. Then we had to wait for a doctor to see us to ask a few questions and give us the results. Waited 30+ minutes to explain (again) that DD was not symptomatic and was not getting a test because of exposure. Had to ask a couple times for proof of her negative test and around $200 (not reimbursed by insurance) and an hour after arriving, we were out.

The mask exemption is for one round trip only, so we elected NOT to reapply for our trip in February. Our DD is able to wear a mask - she just can’t replace it if gets out of place or remove it in an emergency. We decided it was not worth the hassle in our situation

 

[SueM in MN]

OP, two suggestions:

1) If your son can’t wear a mask due to what the CDC calls an exemption, get that documented by a doctor now. Someone cited that page earlier in the thread. Follow airline directions for dealing with that.

2) Buy trip insurance. Nobody here can predict mask rules in September. Could be 100% a thing of the past; or we could have a new pandemic unrelated to COVID and you might not want to come at all.

Check with specific airline traveling with - they all have their own documentation that needs to be followed for that airline.

I second the recommendation for travel insurance, especially for overseas travel.

 

[SueM in MN]

NOTE TO POSTERS

Please keep replies to the subject of how mask exemptions work and suggestions for OP on how to handle it

 

[lanejudy]

We were told the exemption is with the airline for air travel and doesn’t apply for the airport.

Thank you for that clarification!

 

[Lilsia]

This is one of those situations that I don't think anyone can answer since things change so much. They could drop the mask requirement and then we can have another mass outbreak like China is having and they put it into place again. From what I read, getting a medical exemption is difficult. You would have to show that your son would either go into a rage and attack people if he had to wear a mask(and then that would lead to other problems with them might not wanting someone so violent on the flight). Or show that he is does not have the mental capability to be able to take it off on his own if needed. I don't think that British Airlines can say, with any confidence, what exactly will happen when you get here. You might be able to walk past all security without anyone saying anything to you and be able to get him out of the airport. But then the issue would be waiting in the airport for your return flight. You could run into security that takes it seriously and gives no exceptions. That is the problem here. I have seen it where people are sitting at the gate without their masks on and no one says anything. But I have also seen it where security is called and they tell the person that they need their mask on or they will be escorted out. Hopefully the mandate will be over by then. I also recommend a cancel anytime travel insurance just in case. Good luck to you.