Delta Air Lines ​Flight Delayed After Two Passengers Refuse To Wear Face Masks

A Delta Air Lines flight was delayed after two passengers refused to wear face masks while on board, despite being told to by crew.

Flight 1227 from Detroit to Atlanta had to return to the gate at Detroit Metro Airport on 23 July due to the incident.

Eventually, passengers were able to travel on to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, though not without a 'short delay' as the two unnamed trouble makers were removed from the plane.

Delta Air Lines spokesperson Emma Kate Protis said: "Flight 1227 from Detroit to Atlanta returned to the gate following two customers who were noncompliant with crew instructions.

"After a short delay, the aircraft departed to Atlanta."

PA

Delta has updated its conditions of travel in response to the coronavirus pandemic, having been one of the first US-based airlines to implement medical screenings before departure for those who can't wear face coverings due to health conditions. Other public health measures include blocking off seats either side of a reservation in order to uphold social distancing.

"We encourage customers who are prevented from wearing a mask due to a health condition to reconsider travel," the airline said in a statement.

"If they decide to travel, they will be welcome to fly upon completing a virtual consultation prior to departure at the airport to ensure everyone's safety, because nothing is more important."

PA

The company's website also outlines that customers and employees are 'required to wear a face mask' or 'appropriate cloth face covering over the nose and mouth' throughout the duration of their journey.

This aligns with best practice guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the post said.

Delta CEO Ed Bastian previously told NBC's Today show that the airline would ban people for life if they refused to wear face coverings on board, saying more than 100 people have already been barred from flying with Delta in future and are now on the naughty list.

He said: "You cannot board a Delta plane unless you have a mask on. If you board the plane and you insist on not wearing your mask, we will insist that you don't fly Delta in the future. We already have over 100 people we've put on that list."

It is not known whether or not the two people removed from Flight 1227 have received the lifetime ban that Bastian announced.

Topics: News, Coronavirus, US News, travel

Jess Hardiman

Jess is a journalist at LADbible who graduated from Manchester University with a degree in Film Studies, English Language and Linguistics - indecisiveness at its finest, right there. She also works for FOODbible and its sister page Seitanists, which are both a safe haven for her to channel a love for homemade pasta, fennel and everything else in between. You can contact Jess at [email protected].

@Jess_Hardiman