Wearing face masks has been required of all PHL guests and employees since last May, when the City of Philadelphia’s face covering mandate was put into effect. On February 1, an executive order requiring everyone over the age of two to wear a mask in federal facilities, including airports, and while on commercial aircraft and public transit, went into effect. At airports, the mandate is enforced by the TSA.

Guests traveling through PHL since last fall might have noticed airport employees wearing #MaskUpPHL buttons featuring Philadelphia team mascots and the City’s Rocky Balboa statue wearing face masks.  Good news- the popular PHL swag is now available to passengers—free of charge—if they are spotted wearing their face masks correctly while at PHL.

“We created the button giveaway last year as a way to reward employees for complying with the City’s mask mandate and inspiring their colleagues and guests to do the same,” said PHL Director of Guest Experience Leah Douglas. “The pins were such a hit that when the executive order was announced, we wanted to extend the program to our passengers.” TSA representatives recently joined Douglas in PHL’s B/C Food Court for the first pin giveaway—as expected, there were many excited takers.

Under the federal mandate, masks covering the nose and mouth must be worn at all times while at the airport and on flights, except when eating, drinking, or taking medications orally. Penalties include fines ranging from $250-$1500. TSA representatives at PHL’s security checkpoints and PHL information desk personnel will provide masks free of charge to those in need of a proper face covering. 

“We have to work together to stop the spread of COVID-19 and wearing masks is one of the easiest ways to help protect one another,” said Douglas. “And your goodwill could earn you a fun prize.”