U.S. Airlines Are Taking Face Mask Requirement More Seriously
Due to the ongoing pandemic, all U.S. airlines have made masks mandatory for all travelers and flight attendants. Many airports have made it mandatory to wear masks as well. Abrams Landau law is in favor of the mask policy on planes and at airports.
Attorney Doug Landau agrees with Delta Airline’s decision to require masks. “Delta, We’re Ready When You Are” is their motto, but if you are not ready to put on your safety mask, then you should not be permitted to fly and jeopardize anyone else’s health. It is required that you put on your seat belt during take off, landing and whenever the seat belt light is on during the flight, and we believe wearing a mask shouldn’t be any different. Just as passengers cannot smoke on flights, tamper with smoke alarms or block aisles, these safety rules are for everyone’s health. It should be required for not only the safety of fellow passengers and airline employees, but also for peace of mind for everyone around you.
Our clients, neighbors and friends are airline flight attendants, pilots, mechanics and frequent travelers, so we are particularly invested in the safety of those traveling and working at the airport and on airplanes. Mrs. Landau had to fly to Los Angeles due to a family emergency this week, so we are aware that many people cannot avoid flying whether it’s for personal reasons or for work. Being able to fly safely is critical during the pandemic.
Masks are not comfortable or attractive, but they are vital. You would not bring on board something that might explode, just as you should not bring on a potential infection. They protect you and they protect others.
Many airlines have not only stepped up cleaning in between flights, but they have also more strictly enforced their rule that all passengers wear masks. For instance, Delta Airlines confirmed Monday that two passengers were kicked off a July 23 Detroit-to-Atlanta flight for refusing to wear masks. The plane was headed to the runway but returned to the gate to remove the passengers from the plane. Delta said it has added 120 people to its no-fly list for refusing to wear masks.
The majority of businesses requiring customers to wear face masks exempt those with certain medical conditions; however, a few airlines have reversed their policies on their mask mandates. American Airlines and Southwest Airlines both decided that they will no longer allow medical exemptions as a reason not to wear a face mask. Anyone over the age of 2 must wear a face mask and the only exemption now is when you are eating or drinking.
Face masks with valves or vents are also banned from major airlines. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) changed its guidelines to say that vented masks do not help prevent the spread of COVID-19. According to the CDC, “Masks with one-way valves or vents allow air to be exhaled through a hole in the material, which can result in expelled respiratory droplets that can reach others. This type of mask does not prevent the person wearing the mask from transmitting COVID-19 to others. Therefore, CDC does not recommend using masks for source control if they have an exhalation valve or vent.” Some of the airlines that have banned masks with valves thus far include American, United, Delta, Southwest, Spirit, Frontier, JetBlue and Alaska.
If you or someone you know was significantly injured while traveling or working due to no fault of your own, please give us a call (703-796-9555) or email us at Abrams Landau, Ltd.