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.
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