American passenger takes video of ‘overcrowded’ flight
This video, which was uploaded on Twitter, depicting a packed flight from American Airlines, may lead some to believe that it was filmed for the coronavirus pandemic.
LOS ANGELES – Delta Air Lines has placed more than 240 people on a “no-fly list” for failing to comply with its mandatory mask policy, CEO Ed Bastian said in a memorandum to employees on Thursday.
“Although rare, we continue to put passengers who refuse to follow the required face-covering rules on our no-fly list,” Bastian said in the memo, which highlighted the airline’s new hub facility in Salt Lake City.
There is currently no federal mandate on masks at airports or on airplanes, forcing each airline to implement its own regulations.
Delta customers and employees are required to wear a face mask or appropriate cloth face over their nose and mouth throughout their journey, in accordance with CDC best practice guidelines, according to the company’s website.
“As we all work on recovery, it’s important that we stay focused on the drive to deliver the safest, cleanest airports, aircraft and workspaces possible,” Bastian said.
RELATED: American Airlines will resume full-capacity flights from July 1 amid coronavirus pandemic
Facial coverage is required across all Delta touchpoints, including the check-in lobby, Delta Sky Clubs, boarding passes, jetties and on-board aircraft, with the exception of limited time for food and drink.
Passengers on major U.S. airlines must check a box confirming that they will follow the airline’s mask rules, and airport gate agents may refuse boarding to anyone who does not have a mask prior to a flight, Reuters reported.
Delta said it is continuing to find ways to keep passengers safe on board flights.
“We are also rolling out a new program, developed in collaboration with our expert advisors at the Mayo Clinic, to proactively identify U.S. areas that are currently at higher risk of COVID-19 spread,” said Bastian. On a weekly basis, we plan to notify Delta people living in these high-risk areas via notified email so that they can take appropriate precautionary measures to protect themselves and their families. “
On Thursday, Delta also announced that hand infection stations will soon be accessible at boarding doors and restrooms on every Delta aircraft.
In recent months, our double-digit customer satisfaction figures have increased, including those for on-site toilet cleaning, ”said Bill Lentsch, Chief Customer Experience Officer. “But that does not stop us from going even further to make customers feel safe and comfortable when traveling with Delta.”
RELATED: Delta flight turns to wear coronavirus masks refused after 2 passengers
In August, a Delta flight departing from Detroit had to turn around when customers refused to wear face masks amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Delta and Southwest continue to block middle seats and have greater restrictions on airlines ’capacity in a bid to provide some passengers social distance.
In July, Delta said, “We are committed to limiting cabin seating to 60 percent in Main Cabin and 50 percent in First Class and blocking middle seats until September 30, 2020.”
Delta extended this policy through the holiday and winter season, blocking the selection of middle seats and limiting the number of customers per flight until at least January 6, 2021.
