CHARLOTTE — Airlines are getting more serious on their face mask requirements -- something that has been in place for months.
The trade association that represents major airlines in the U.S. is pushing to have passengers’ flying privileges revoked if they do not wear a mask.
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In a statement Monday, Airlines for America announced the updated policies in an effort to protect passengers and crew while traveling domestically. Major airlines including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines will be implementing the following face mask policies:
- Preflight communications: Each airline will clearly articulate its individual face-covering policy in communications with customers, which may require passengers to acknowledge the specific rules during the check-in process.
- Onboard announcements: Onboard the aircraft, crew members will announce specific details regarding the carrier’s face covering policy including the consequences passengers could face for violating the policy.
- Consequences for noncompliance: Each carrier will determine the appropriate consequences for passengers who are found to be in noncompliance of the airline’s face covering policy up to and including suspension of flying privileges on that airline.
“I feel like this whole thing is very overdone,” passenger Charles McClure told Channel 9.
Another traveler, Anthony White, said, “I think everyone should wear a mask.”
While the opinions on the matter may vary, the airlines are trying to create a more uniform approach.
United Airlines will be one of the first to implement suspension of flying privileges for noncompliance. United will require flight attendants to ask passengers whose faces are not covered to use a mask. The company said that beginning June 18, any passenger who does not wear a face-covering while flying will be placed on a travel restriction list "for a duration of time to be determined pending a comprehensive incident review.”
American Airlines announced a similar rule.
Other major airlines have not yet announced consequences for violation of the new policies. Each company will determine the consequence if people don’t follow the requirement. Some airlines have harsher rules than others.
Don’t expect air marshals to kick out offending passengers. Instead, United and American said they may deny travel to passengers who refuse to wear the masks.
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“Hey, if you don’t follow the rules you can’t fly,” said White. “I think that’s the way it should go until things get better.”
There will be exceptions for passengers with medical conditions or disabilities. Passengers may also remove their masks to eat, drink or take medication.
“I think if you’re concerned about your health, then maybe you should stay home,” McClure told Channel 9. “But the rest of us should be able to fly without masks.”
United said the requirement will likely be in place for another two months.
“At the end of the day, we all have to live. We all have to get back to what our new normal is going to be,” said passenger Wendy Evans.
Most airlines require a face mask during travel but allow passengers to eat and drink. Small children, people who cannot put on a mask and those with a disability are typically exempted.
Current mask policies for major airlines can be found below.
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