What Mask Should I Wear While Traveling?

Travelling soon? There are a few details to consider when choosing a mask to wear while travelling. Depending on which airline, airport, country and region, you will need to adhere to different rules and regulations. Each of these areas will have different expectations when it comes to what mask to wear, and you will not be accepted to travel if you’re not properly equipped with the correct one. This is especially important with the ever-growing concern over the Delta variant, which has prompted new restrictions in some countries.

Shop our collection of our N95 and KN95 masks here.

Expect Regulations to Differ Across All Areas

The CDC has stated that all citizens travelling by air must have a non-medical or medical face mask or face covering that completely covers their mouth and nose. These masks and face coverings must be worn while navigating airports as well as during your time onboard the flight. The mask should not allow your cheeks to be exposed, nor should there be any gaps on the top, bottom or sides of the mask. 

With this in mind, these are not the same criteria that Europe, Asia, Australia and other countries around the globe have set for their own standards. For example, Air France insists that the mask to be worn by passengers must have a Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) of ≥ 95%, such as a KN95 or N95 mask, a requirement not listed by the CDC.

Another example of this is Germany, which has mandated that either a single-use filtering facepiece respirator (FFP) surgical mask or FFP-2 masks, such as an N95 or KN95 mask, are acceptable when travelling or even entering a business or public establishment.

Be Thorough and Prepared

When travelling to Greece for a quick getaway with her husband, Hannah from the United States shares details in a recent article on how, although the trip was worth it, she wished she was a bit more prepared, “Bavaria, the region of Germany where Munich is located, required KN95 Masks, which we didn’t own. That was probably the low point: finding out we had to purchase less comfortable masks after a red-eye while not knowing if we'd be able to leave the airport until the next day. We spent several nail-biting hours working the phones and stressing over whether we would reach the azure waters that lured us." 

If you’re planning a trip, it would be wise to prepare yourself by purchasing a mask that offers optimal protection and a minimum Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) of ≥ 95%, such as our KN95 Protective Face Mask. Instead of getting stuck in a situation where you are denied entry onto your flight due to the choice of your mask, you’ll already be equipped with one that adheres to the regulations, no matter where you are flying. The KN95 Mask is equivalent to a non-medical N95 and FFP-2 mask, as all three provide a BFE of ≥ 95%. 

View the KN95 Protective Face Mask.

Not only is it important to keep the BFE of the mask you are wearing in mind, but also the fact that you will be wearing it from the moment you enter your departing airport to the moment you exit your destination airport. You’ll want to make sure that you are investing in a KN95 mask that will not only provide the protection that you need to seamlessly move through each area with ease but one that will also maintain optimal comfort for several hours. 

The KN95 Protective Face Mask is the perfect option to cater to these needs, as it is equipped with a minimum filter efficiency rate of 97.98% and a maximum filter efficiency rate of 98.37%. The flexible design and rounded shape of the KN95 mask provide optimal comfort and a substantial breathing area. An integrated, flexible nose bridge piece made of soft metal and plastic allows the ability for a more personalized and contoured fit for the wearer. The KN95 mask is composed of high-quality, comfortable materials such as non-woven, melt-blown fabric that are soft against the skin. 

Preparedness Ensures a Smooth Experience

It’s so wonderful to have travel as an aspect of our lives again, and preparedness is always the best way to ensure you’ll enjoy your time. Thinking ahead and investing in a KN95 mask that will provide optimal comfort and protection as well as allow you to seamlessly move through all areas you wish will ensure you a stress-free trip and even sweeter memories!

 

 

 

 

Resources:
https://tc.canada.ca/en/initiatives/covid-19-measures-updates-guidance-issued-transport-canada/covid-19-information-travellers-within-canada
https://www.cntraveler.com/story/face-masks
https://www.forbes.com/sites/tommybeer/2021/01/20/germany-mandates-medical-grade-masks/?sh=1b58b8532596
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/faqs.html