Southwest says: no mask, no flight. Only children under 2 years exempt

CHICAGO / WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Southwest Airlines (LUV.N) said Wednesday that it was removing all exemptions from its face-covering requirement, except for children under the age of 2, in the toughest policy so far among U.S. airlines.

American Airlines Group Inc (AAL.O) did the same with a similar order later on Wednesday.

So far, most airlines have exempted passengers with medical conditions, although United AirlinesUAL.O) and Delta Air Lines (DAL.N) require that conditions be removed before flying.

But Southwest, whose mandate takes effect on July 27, will no longer allow medical or disability exemptions, saying that if someone cannot cover their face for any reason, “they regret that we cannot transport the individual.”

Passengers can remove covers to eat, drink or take medicine, but Southwest said it expects those cases “to be very brief.”

American Airlines Group Inc (AAL.O) said his order, effective July 29, would require all passengers over the age of 2 to wear face covers at airports and on board.

The orders come as more governors require residents to wear masks at all times outside of their homes.

United Chief Executive Scott Kirby told investors Wednesday that demand affected by the coronavirus could improve thanks to lessons learned about preventing the spread of COVID-19, including wearing masks.

The airlines, grappling with demand that has been crushed by the coronavirus pandemic, say hospital-grade air filtration systems along with face masks and better cleanliness make air travel safe.

Southwest also said it is implementing a thermal screening test at its base airport, Dallas Love Field, to respond to the pandemic.

Major US airlines have so far been unsuccessful in convincing the Trump administration to support temperature testing for airline passengers.

Questions remain about what would happen if someone were rejected from a flight and which agency would be responsible.