Delta Air Lines has implemented a new policy for enforcing masks on its planes that will require those who cannot wear face coverings for health reasons to fill out a new clearance screener for each flight.
The company announced the new policy, effective this week, and said that it is currently discouraging those with health conditions who cannot wear masks from flying altogether. Delta characterized the Clearance-To-Fly screening as a virtual consultation process, which CNN reported involves speaking by phone with the carriers third-party partner STAT-MD. That partner would ultimately determine the individuals ability to fly.
Medical research tells us that wearing a mask is one of the most effective ways to reduce the covid-19 infection rate, the spokesperson said. Thats why Delta remains committed to requiring customers and employees to wear a mask or face covering as a consistent layer of protection across all Delta touchpoints. We encourage customers who are prevented from wearing a mask due to a health condition to reconsider travel.
However, the spokesperson added, should passengers be prevented from wearing a mask, they are welcome to fly upon completing a virtual consultation prior to departure at the airport to ensure everyones safety.
According to the company, the consultation can take up to an hour to complete. If a customer is not cleared for exemption from wearing a mask, theyll be denied boarding unless they agree to comply with Deltas mask policy. If they still do not agree to wear a mask, theyll be placed on Deltas no-fly list.
Listen, you definitely do not want to risk becoming the American Airlines dweeb of your flight. Just wear a dang mask.read more
Thought You Could Easily Skirt Delta’s In-Flight Mask Policy? Yeah, Not Anymore
