Delta Plane Returns to Gate When Passengers Refuse to Wear Face Masks; Flight Takes Off ‘After Short Delay'

An Atlanta-bound Delta flight returned to its gate after two passengers refused to wear masks which is against the airline’s policy since the COVID-19 pandemic started.

In an email to People, the airline stated that one of its aircraft returned to the gate due to a couple of customers allegedly refusing to wear masks when instructed by the crew.

Delta announced its requirement for passengers to wear face masks on its flights from July 20 due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, passengers with health conditions or disabilities that prevent them from wearing a mask will be asked to complete a medical consultation by phone from the airport. The consultation is with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s service STAT-MD, which is Delta’s medical support contractor.

It is not clear if the two passengers were removed but the aircraft left “after a short delay,” according to Delta.

“Delta customers and employees are required to wear a face mask,” states Delta’s website. “Or appropriate cloth face covering over their nose and mouth throughout their travel, aligning with best practice guidelines from the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention].”

The airline’s CEO, Ed Bastian, has been looking to improve the safety of flying during the crisis since March when he released a statement on the company’s website stating the importance of health and safety during the pandemic.

“It is safe to travel, but always make sure you are taking the necessary steps to ensure your health and that of our customers and our people. The CDC has important guidelines available, so please follow all necessary precautions.”

Bastian said to People that his airline has banned over 100 people because they refused to wear a mask

"You cannot board a Delta plane unless you have a mask on,'' said Bastian in an interview with Today. "If you board the plane and you insist on not wearing your mask, we will insist that you don't fly Delta into the future."

Delta said that it is doubling down on safety commitments ensuring customers wear their masks as required

“We are making sure customers are aware of and acknowledge this requirement by adding even more digital notifications, signage and announcements starting before you leave home and across your journey with us,” the statement said.

Chicago-based United Airlines also said passengers not heeding the mask requirement will lose their travel privileges on the carrier for a duration of time to be determined pending a comprehensive incident review. The United Airlines policy took effect on June 17.

“Every reputable health institution says wearing a mask is one of the most effective things people can do to protect others from contracting COVID-19, especially in places like an aircraft where social distancing is a challenge,” said United’s Chief Customer Officer Toby Enqvist. “We have been requiring our customers to wear masks onboard United aircraft since May 4 and we have been pleased that the overwhelming majority of passengers readily comply with our policy.”

———

Visit MassLive.com, Springfield, Mass. at www.masslive.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.