It’s been years since face masks were required on flights during the COVID-19 pandemic. But when cold and flu seasons hit—and with this year seeing the highest level of respiratory viruses in more than 20 years—masks remain an essential item in the health and wellness toolkit for many travelers.
Whether you need a face mask for travel because you are not feeling well or because of public health concerns and a desire to protect against viruses that may be circulating, we’ve rounded up the best ones to use on the road.
The most protective face masks
Wearing a mask is about ensuring and providing protection for yourself and others. When it comes to preventing the spread of infected particles, N95s are still considered the most effective type of face mask to wear.
“Cloth masks generally offer lower levels of protection to wearers, surgical/disposable masks usually offer more protection, international filtering facepiece respirators (like KN95 respirators) offer even more, and the most protective respirators are NIOSH-approved filtering facepiece respirators (like N95 respirators),” the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states in its latest mask guidance. (NIOSH is the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.)
While KN95 and N95 masks (or respirators as they are sometimes called) can offer a similar level of protection, N95s are considered a notch above because of the NIOSH approval that ensures they are well manufactured. So if you are purchasing KN95 masks, it is important to research and buy quality KN95s from reputable vendors.
Although N95 masks have become the gold standard for protection, there is one drawback to them—they aren’t washable, which means they can only be used so many times. Per the CDC, “Do not wash your N95 respirator or put it in the oven or microwave to try to sterilize it. Replace the N95 respirator when the straps are stretched out and it no longer fits snugly against your face or when it becomes wet, dirty, or damaged.”
Ultimately, what matters is that the fit remains close to the face and that the condition of the mask remains sufficient to provide adequate protection. Once either of those deteriorates, it is probably time to swap out for a new mask.
The best face masks for travel
Regardless of which mask type you wear, it’s important to ensure it creates a tight seal against your face with no gaps and is comfortable enough to wear for the duration of your flight or journey. These are some of the best face masks available for flights, as well as other forms of travel—such as subways, trains, and buses—when you are likely to be in close proximity to others for a prolonged period.
Buy your WellBefore masks in bulk for better pricing.
Courtesy of WellBefore
WellBefore N95 Medical Respirator Mask
Buy now: from $40 for a 20 pack, wellbefore.com
Available in both flat-fold and cup style designs with over-the-head straps, these N95 face masks from the medical supplier WellBefore are NIOSH approved. Sold in packs of 20, 30, or 50, you can get these for as little as $1.27 each if you buy a bulk pack of 50.
The duck-bill style may look funny but it provides added comfort and breathability.
Courtesy of Amazon
Kimberly-Clark N95 Pouch Respirator
Buy now: from $60 for a 50 pack, amazon.com
Yes, these “duck-bill” shaped masks may look a little silly, but if you’re snoozing away on an hours-long flight, style isn’t exactly a top priority. These NIOSH-approved respirators excel in comfort and breathability, thanks to adjustable around-the-head straps and a large breathing chamber—just what you need on that long-haul flight.
Evolvetogether’s KN95 masks feature soft ear loops.
Courtesy of Evolvetogether
Evolvetogether KN95 face masks
Buy now: $15 for a 5 pack, evolvetogether.com
If you’re looking for a more stylish alternative to the basic white or black KN95s, Evolvetogether makes them in several different colors, including blue and khaki, with a sleek flat profile. These masks feature soft ear loops, an adjustable nose bridge for a secure fit, and six layers, including a water-resistant outer layer and two water absorbent inner layers. Evolvetogether also makes masks for kids.
Powecom masks come with a declaration of authenticity.
Courtesy of Powecom
Powecom KN95 face masks
Buy now: from $12 for a 10 pack, bonafidemasks.com
Found to have a 98.8 percent filtration efficiency, the Powecom KN95 face masks are a solid, straightforward option for face masks. One of the unique features, though, is that each set of masks can be run through an anti-fake checker—simply enter the serial number in the online portal at powecom.com—so customers can be certain they received a legit (and effective) Powecom mask.
Maskc KN95 face masks
Buy now: from $39 for a 10 pack, shopmaskc.com
Worn by celebrities like Rihanna and JLo during the pandemic, Maskc makes KN95s and three-ply surgical masks in a rainbow of colors as well as a variety of patterns, including florals, stars, and an equality motif. The brand’s KN95s are made with a five-ply design and an adjustable nose bridge for a snug but comfortable fit.
This story was originally published in April 2022, and was updated on January 7, 2026, to include current information.
