On Monday, passengers of Delta Air Lines will have to adhere to stricter mask guidelines.
What We Know:
- Previously, the airline stated that people with underlying conditions who could not keep on a face mask would not be forced to wear them. Now, the Atlanta-based airline is strongly encouraging individuals with underlying conditions to reconsider travel or be prepared to complete a “Clearance-to-Fly” process at the airport before departing.
- The individuals who qualify for this process must arrive at the airport early to complete the check-in, which could take over an hour.
- It involves a phone consultation from Delta’s medical support contractor, STAT-MD, facilitated by the Delta staff as a private call with others listening in. This screening will determine if the passenger can fly without a mask.
- “Any false claims of a disability or health condition to obtain an exemption from wearing a mask or face covering may result in the suspension of travel privileges on any Delta flight for the duration of the mask/face covering requirement,” Delta stated on its website.
- This enforcement comes as more states and cities require their citizens to wear face masks. Gov. Brian Kemp has encouraged citizens of Georgia to wear face masks. Still, he is suing Atlanta Mayor, Keisha Lance Bottoms for her mask requirement as he sees it as unenforceable. Dozens of other cities in Georgia also mandated mask use.
- Delta also stated, “Masks, or appropriate face coverings, will be required for all Delta employees and customers starting at the check-in lobby and across Delta touch points including Delta Sky Clubs, boarding gate areas, jet bridges and onboard the aircraft for the duration of the flight, aligning with best practice guidelines from the CDC.”
Passengers refusing to adhere to the airline’s mask guidelines will could be put on travel suspension or banned from the airline.
