Alaska Airlines strengthens its mask policy
Alaska Airlines has implemented what it calls its Next-Level Care initiative in the battle against COVID-19.
Image: The Window Flyer
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On Wednesday, Seattle-based Alaska Airlines announced a strengthening of their mask policy, requiring all passengers above the age of two to wear face coverings, with no medical exceptions allowed. The change goes into effect August 7th. Alaska’s announcement comes the same day as New York-based jetBlue’s, who also announced it is eliminating medical exemptions for mask wearing, effective August 10th.
Alaska, along with jetBlue, now join American and Southwest, which announced similar zero-exceptions policies in recent weeks, as the airlines with the strictest face covering policies in the United States. Meanwhile, another airline with a strict policy, Delta Air Lines, still allows medical exceptions, but now requires passengers who claim a medical exemption to consult with a medical professional via telehealth at the airport where a decision will be made if the passenger can fly maskless, be rebooked onto another flight, or denied boarding and given a refund.
It is important to note that while some people claim the moves are illegal and discriminatory, the US Department of Justice had already issued a statement at the end of June that “The ADA does not provide a blanket exemption to people with disabilities from complying with legitimate safety requirements necessary for safe operations.” The key phrase in the statement pertains to “safe operations.” In conjunction with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Air Carrier Access Act, which states that “airlines may not refuse transportation to people on the basis of disability. Airlines may exclude anyone from a flight if carrying the person would be inimical to the safety of the flight.”, it appears to be well within an airline’s right to require all passengers to wear masks, regardless of medical condition.
In addition to making masks mandatory for all passengers, Alaska has also extended its blocking of middle seats until October 31st, and its rebooking and cancellation fee waiver through September 8th.
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