Why the mask mandate on planes is good for business

“I think the case is very strong that masks don’t add much if anything in the air cabin environment,” he said in response to a question at a There is one downside to the airlines having a mask mandate to enforce — it has caused a spike in incidents involving unruly passengers. But at least with a federal rule, the airlines can tell passengers who are merely unhappy, and not unruly, that they must wear a mask to comply with federal rules, not the airline’s own rules. And they don’t have to worry about losing customers opposed to masks to a competitor.All four major airlines declined to speculate if their bookings are helped or hurt by the mask mandate, but other experts agree that it’s likely a benefit.”It’s not a big deterrent for people to take trips on planes, so it’s probably a net positive for bookings at this point,” said Savi Syth, airline analyst for Raymond James. “This is a service business. Airlines need to make sure passengers are as comfortable as possible. Even if no one likes wearing masks, many would feel less comfortable if others are not doing so.”