Won’t Wear A Face Mask? United Might Not Let You Fly Next Time

NEWARK, NJ — United Airlines is planning to tighten up its existing face mask policy for passengers and staff. And if customers don’t comply, they may find themselves on the company’s travel restriction list.

On Monday, United spokespeople announced the company is joining several other Airlines for America (A4A) members in an effort to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Companies including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines will each be rolling out their own policies that deal with passengers who refuse to wear face masks, A4A stated in a news release.

At United, it may get you temporarily banned from future flights, the company said.

“While the overwhelming majority of passengers are complying with United’s mandatory policy, starting on June 18, any passenger that does not comply when onboard a United flight will be placed on an internal travel restriction list,” the airline stated.

“Customers on this list will lose their travel privileges on United for a duration of time to be determined pending a comprehensive incident review,” spokespeople said.

According to United, it currently requires all passengers to wear a face covering onboard its flights. The company expects that policy to remain in place for at least the next 60 days.

“The only exceptions to this policy are individuals who have a medical condition or a disability that prevents them from wearing a face covering, those who cannot put on or remove a face covering themselves and small children,” United Airlines spokespeople stated. “Customers are expected to wear a mask for the duration of the flight, except when eating or drinking.”

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A PASSENGER WON’T WEAR A MASK?

According to United’s new policy, if a flight attendant notices or is informed of a customer onboard who is not wearing a face covering and that passenger does not fall within an exception, the flight attendant will “proactively” inform the customer that for the health and safety of everyone, face coverings are mandatory for all customers and crew on board. Flight attendants will also offer to provide the customer with a mask if needed, United stated.

If the customer continues to be non-compliant, flight attendants will do their best to de-escalate the situation, again inform the customer of United’s policy, and provide the passenger with an In-Flight Mask policy reminder card, the airline stated.

If a customer still won’t comply, the flight attendant will file a report of the incident, which will initiate a formal review process. Any final decision or actions regarding a customer’s future flight benefits will not occur onboard, but instead take place after the flight has reached its destination and the security team has investigated the incident, United stated.

“Every reputable heath 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,” United’s Chief Customer Officer Toby Enqvist said.

“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,” Enqvist said. “Today’s announcement is an unmistakable signal that we’re prepared to take serious steps, if necessary, to protect our customers and crew.”

In April, United became the first major U.S.-based airline to require flight attendants to wear a face mask while on duty, and beginning in May, expanded that mandate to include all employees and customers on board. This includes frontline workers like pilots, customer service agents and ramp workers when on board an aircraft, along with any other United employees traveling using their flight benefits.

• See related article: Most Passengers, Staff Need Face Masks To Fly On United Airlines

In addition to requiring masks, United Airlines planes have HEPA grade filters that recirculate air every two to three minutes, and the airline is using electrostatic sprayers to disinfect the cabin before flights.

United has also rolled out other new coronavirus-inspired safety procedures, such as offering touchless check-in for baggage at more than 200 locations, asking customers to complete a health assessment at check-in, installing sneeze guards and adjusting the boarding process.

The airline maintains a large presence at Newark Liberty International Airport, where it has a hub.

• See related article: United Airlines Flies Huge Payload Of N95 Masks To Newark Airport

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Don’t forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Sign up for Patch email newsletters.