Grounded: Delta Bans Travelers Who Refuse To Wear Masks

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 in 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 covering over their nose and mouth throughout their travel, aligning with best practice guidelines form the CDC, according to the company’s website.

“As we all work toward the recovery, it’s vital that we continue to stay focused on the drive to provide the safest, cleanest airports, aircraft and workspaces possible,” Bastian said.

Face coverings are required across all Delta touchpoints, including the lobby check-in, Delta Sky Clubs, boarding gate areas, jet bridges, and onboard the aircraft, with the exemption of limited time while eating and drinking.

Passengers on major U.S. airlines are required to check a box that confirms they will follow the airline’s mask rules, and airline gate agents can deny boarding to anyone not wearing a mask prior to a flight, Reuters reported.

Delta said they continue to find ways to keep passengers safe aboard flights.