United Closes Loopholes for Maskless Travelers
New stricter face covering policies apply to travelers in more than 360 airports where the carrier operates
United Airlines issued a release on July 21, announcing that customers will be required to wear a face covering in the more than 360 airports where the airline operates around the world. This includes United customer service counters and kiosks, United Club locations, United’s gates and baggage claim areas. If customers refuse to comply, they may be refused travel and banned from flying United at least while the mask requirement is in place.
The revised policy is part of the airline’s CleanPlus program, which was developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic under the guidance of the airline’s on-staff corporate medical team, public health officials and Cleveland Clinic.
The requirement will be effective for all customers traveling on and after July 24 regardless of when their ticket was purchased. United said it will tighten its mask exemption policy by only excluding children under the age of two. If a passenger believes that there are extraordinary circumstances that warrant an exception, they must contact United or speak to a representative at the airport.
Meanwhile, Delta Airlines recently mandated fliers claiming maskless medical exemptionsto speak to a consulting physicians service before flying to determine eligibility to fly without a mask.
