The Use of FFP2 Masks on Airlines

Following the relaxation of rules surrounding both masks and international travel by the British government, a number of European airlines have introduced new PPE regulations to be obeyed by future passengers as the world begins to open up again. With the risk of newer, more transmissible variants springing up, airline companies have a responsibility to ensure that all passengers are abiding by stricter, safer rules, without exemption.

Anybody who has travelled internationally during the pandemic will know what an ordeal it has become- from panicked, last-minute scheduling of PCR tests to quarantining in your destination country, it has never been more stressful to go abroad. Despite the rules in some countries in Europe, the aviation industry is beginning to roll out some more widespread rules regarding face masks, testing, and vaccinations, and this applies not only to the airlines but also to the airports and areas they operate out of.

European airlines have begun to mandate the use of ‘medical-grade’ masks for all passengers and staff, raising questions about which masks apply and whether or not you’ll be able to continue using the masks you’ve grown accustomed to using.

Generally speaking, within Europe, ‘medical-grade’ masks exclusively refer to masks offering an FFP2 level of protection or above. People from Germany and Austria will be familiar with these masks as they are mandated nationwide, but this term refers specifically to masks that have been tested to the European standard FFP2, which is clearly indicated both on any packaging and on the masks themselves.

Whilst N95/KN95 masks may have similar levels of protection, these are created and tested to US standards, and may not be suitable depending on the airline, particularly if travelling from or within European countries. Further, cloth masks have begun to be outright banned from certain airlines and airports across the globe after finding that they provide little to no protection for you or those around you.

As FFP2 masks are not reusable, you may wish to bring several spare masks with you if you are planning a trip abroad in the near future, as most airlines will have only a very limited supply of spare masks often reserved for crew members, and you will not be permitted to travel without one. Whilst you may be able to purchase additional masks at the airport, it’s not advised to rely on that as a primary means of obtaining them as they may not always be available.

ViraCoat FFP2 face masks are not only fit-to-fly, but also provide additional layers of protection for the wearer and those around them thanks to their unique virucidal coating. ViraCoat FFP2 face masks are cost effective, long-lasting, and available for purchase online.