Delta Airlines has taken a serious step forward in enforcing health rules on its flights: Passengers who claim they have a medical reason they can’t wear a mask in flight except when eating will have to be cleared in a virtual appointment with Delta’s doctors.
While other airlines have posted requirements for inflight and in-terminal mask wearing, enforcement has been uneven, and there have been incidents with travelers refusing to wear masks and claiming they have medical conditions that prevent it. Some have also flashed home-made or internet-purchased documents that claim to exempt them.
But, starting yesterday, Delta is telling people who can’t wear a mask that they should first reconsider travel in the first place, and is telling them that if they intend to fly anyway, they will either have to wear a mask or be interviewed online by a doctor from STAT-MD, Delta’s partner for inflight medical emergencies, based at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
If the doctor agrees the passenger will be cleared to fly; otherwise, the passenger will have a choice between a mask and a fee-free refund or re-booking. Delta did not indicate whether other passengers would be able to re-book or get a refund if a maskless passenger is allowed to fly on their flight.
The airline is also handing out sanitizing kits to passengers, and letting them know if they don’t follow mask rules in flight they may be denied future booking.
I hope that includes connecting flights that day.
UPDATE: American, Southwest say ‘No Exemptions’
American and Southwest have now upped the ante: Not only are passengers required to wear masks except when actually eating and drinking, but the two airlines have announced there will be no exemptions except for children under two years of age.
While Delta is willing to allow an unmasked flyer if the airline’s doctor agrees there is a legitimate medical reason for not wearing, AA and Southwest have taken the position that the unmasked passenger is a threat to others aboard.
Although Americans with Disabilities Act and Carrier Access Act rules do not allow discrimination against persons with disabilities, both have language to cover exceptions to protect the safety of the flight and passengers.
UPDATE: Delta bans rule-breakers
Delta’s determination on mask rules is clearer than ever; as of Wednesday morning, over a hundred passengers have been banned for non-compliance.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian told NBC News’ Today show that “if you board the plane and insist that you not wear a mask, we’ll insist that you don’t fly Delta into the future. We already have over 100 people that we’ve put on this list.”