The federal government has prolonged the mask mandate until January 2022, adding a new wrinkle.

Wearing a mask is no longer a question on some airlines, but an appropriate face mask.

Fabric face masks are apparently prohibited on several airlines.

Finnair was the most recent to do so, tweeting its new policy earlier this week.

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Starting 16 August, we will no longer accept fabric masks on our flights. We accept surgical masks, FFP2 or FFP3 respirator masks without a valve or other valve free masks with the same standard (N95). Please remember you need to wear a mask throughout the entire journey. pic.twitter.com/Am4SxtT1G3

— Finnair (@Finnair) August 13, 2021

Cloth masks became popular when the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in the spring of last year, with many made privately with colorful designs and even more made by companies trying to cash in on the message.

However, from a medical aspect, they may not be as effective as other masks.

According to the points guy, “so far it’s mostly been international airlines that have banned fabric masks.”

Since February 1, the German national carrier Lufthansa has mandated all passengers and crew to wear medical masks on all flights to and from Germany – either a surgical mask, an FFP2 mask, or a mask that meets the KN95/N95 standard.

Swissair requires a non-fabric mask as well.

Swiss notes on its website, “The obligation to wear a mouth-nose cover applies to all passengers (also vaccinated and recovered) and staff on board.”

“On all flights facemasks of the FFP2, KN95, or N95 standard, as well as surgical masks, are obligatory when boarding, onboard, and when leaving the aircraft.”

Surgical masks are also required on flights operated by Air France and Croatia Airlines.

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