Bellingham International Airport Not Requiring Face Masks During Coronavirus Pandemic

Travelers are not required to wear face coverings while in the Bellingham International Airport terminal during the coronavirus pandemic, the Port of Bellingham said on Monday, May 11.

The Port of Seattle announced Saturday that beginning May 18, all passengers, visitors and workers, including Port employees, will be required to wear face coverings in public areas of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

But Port of Bellingham spokesperson Mike Hogan told The Bellingham Herald in an email Monday that it is not yet taking that step, though face coverings are recommended.

“The recommended use of face-covering in public by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has been in effect since late March and that, along with other recommendations by the CDC, are posted throughout the airport,” Hogan wrote. “Should a governmental entity require face covering or the use of masks, the Port will certainly comply.”

The two major airlines usually serving Bellingham International — Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air and Allegiant, which suspended Bellingham operations in March until at least June 3 due to the closure of the U.S. Canada border to non-essential travel — are both providing face coverings to travelers who don’t have them, according to their websites.

As of Monday, all Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air passengers are required to wear face masks, according to a May 1 release by the airline. Travelers are expected to bring their own masks and are required to wear them throughout the flight and in the airport, Alaska said, adding that masks will be available for anyone who forgets their mask.

While Allegiant is not requiring passengers to wear face masks, they are strongly encouraged to do so, according to a May 3 Newsweek story. Alligiant also said on its website that upon boarding, customers will be provided with a complimentary health and safety kit that includes a single-use facemak, disposable non-latex gloves and two sanitizing wipes.

The CDC is recommending cloth face coverings be worn in all public settings where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, such as in grocery stores or pharmacies or other areas of significant social interaction.

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