Delta Air Lines has become one of the most strident airlines in enforcing its mandatory mask policy due to the coronavirus pandemic.
More than 120 people have been banned from flying on the airline for refusing to wear a mask or face covering, according to an internal Delta memo the company recently sent to its employees.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian is resolute in disallowing unmasked passengers to board one of their planes.
“The flight experience today is really positive,” he told The Today Show. ”
Here Is What Delta Is Doing To Keep Passengers Safe
According to Bastian, here are some of the guidelines that make Delta safer than other airlines to fly:
- Planes are sanitized through electrostatic methods
- Planes are only booked to 6% capacity
- Every middle seat is blocked on a Delta plane
When it comes to masks, Delta’s CEO says the airline has ramped up enforcement.
“We’ve been requiring masks since the 1st of May,” he said. “You cannot board a Delta plane unless you have a mask on.”
If you insist on not wearing a mask on a Delta flight “we will insist that you don’t wear Delta,” he said.
Even if you have a medical condition that prevents you from wearing a mask, Bastian says. “You might not want to fly Delta.”
He did say however that the airline is working with doctors on a validation process for customers who can’t wear masks for one medical reason or another.
If you’re wondering how that process works, footage on social media showed a woman passenger kicked off a flight. It is unclear if the video is of a Delta flight.
What Is Delta’s Mask Policy?
Delta’s official mask policy states that “Delta customers and employees are required to wear a face mask, or appropriate cloth face covering over their nose and mouth throughout their travel, aligning with best practice guidelines from the CDC.”
Not only are masks or face coverings required onboard flights, but also at:
- Lobby Check-in
- Delta Sky Clubs
- Boarding Gate Areas
- Jet Bridges
Read more from Delta HERE.
The question on everybody’s mind though is this: Should you be flying right now? Read our air travel resource to find out.