United Airlines announced Monday that they will create an internal travel restriction list for passengers who won’t wear masks inflight.
What We Know:
- The mandatory mask policy is to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to continue to keep the staff and passengers safe. United says passengers are complying with the policy but starting June 18, anyone inflight who is not wearing a mask will be placed on an internal travel restriction list. In April, United became the first airline to require flight attendants to wear masks while on duty and in May, required all employees and customers to do the same.
- The restriction list means passengers will lose their travel privileges on United Airlines for some time; the decision will be pending a review based on the incident. Toby Enqvist, United’s Chief Customer Officer says, “Every reputable heath institution says wearing a mask is one of the most effective things people can do to protect others from contracting COVID-19, especially in places like an aircraft where social distancing is a challenge. We have been requiring our customers to wear masks onboard United aircraft since May 4 and we have been pleased that the overwhelming majority of passengers readily comply with our policy.” The policy will remain in effect for the next 60 days.
- If a flight attendant sees or is informed of anyone not complying with the policy, they are required to notify the passenger of the guidelines. United has said passengers will also be offered masks if they do not have one with them. United issued a statement reading, “If the customer continues to be non-compliant, flight attendants will do their best to de-escalate the situation, again inform the customer of United’s policy, and provide the passenger with an In-Flight Mask policy reminder card.”
- The only people who are excluded form wearing masks are those with a medical condition or a disability, those who can’t remove the mask themselves and small children. The masks are expected to be worn during the entire flight.
According to the CDC, COVID-19 can be spread through tiny droplets in the air such as from a cough or a sneeze. Social distancing is the best-known factor for preventing the spread of COVID-19 and all Americans are urged to wear masks in public.
