ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – It’s been a topic of conversation among travelers going on two years now at Austin Straubel International Airport.
Masking up both at the airport and during flights has been the policy since spring of 2020.
A decision on the transportation mask mandate is expected later this week. (WLUK)
Airport Director Marty Piette tells FOX 11 he doesn’t know what’s going to happen.
“We’ve seen a number of extensions over the last year or two. But we’re certainly hopeful that it does end up expiring.”
As it stands right now the federal mandate goes through April 18.
Piette saying it’s something that hasn’t done the airport any favors in terms of staffing.
“I think with the mask mandate in place that maybe makes it a little more impactful at the airport. So hopefully if the mask mandate goes away, we’re able to hire more people and accommodate the passengers better.”
Still travel numbers are back to levels that precede the pandemic, and are expected to keep rising.
Flyer Peter Johnson is heading to Cleveland.
“If we need to continue doing it to save lives so be it.”
He doesn’t mind wearing his mask, but where he will is circumstantial.
“Probably on the plane I’ll wear the mask, in various settings I’ll wear the mask. But certainly I wouldn’t wear it as much.”
Another traveler, Mark Mount, feels otherwise.
“People are getting vaccinated but they’re still getting COVID. So in my personal thought is the masks are really not doing their job.”
Regardless of what happens, the airport will still be providing masks – if you need one.
