American Airlines may deny you future travel if you ignore its face covering rules
American Airlines customers might be denied future travel with the airline if they refuse to wear a face covering while on board their planes, the airline said in a press release this week.
The policy went into effect Tuesday, according to the company. American said that like other U.S. airlines, it already has a face covering requirement in place for passengers, and this new requirement strengthens existing measures.
Face coverings are recommended to help limit the spread of the novel coronavirus. As of Tuesday, Mecklenburg County has had 7,468 coronavirus cases and 129 deaths, according to state health officials.
“American already enforces this policy at the gate and will deny boarding to customers who don’t comply,” the company stated.
Young children and people with a disability or medical reason for being unable to wear a face covering are exempt from the requirement. In addition, the airline said the policy does not apply while passengers are eating or drinking.
All airline workers are required to wear face coverings as well, American said.
American is the dominant carrier at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
The airline will operate 415 daily departures from the Charlotte airport in July, The Charlotte Observer previously reported. Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, American operated 700 daily departures from Charlotte
The airport has stated on its website that customers are asked to wear face coverings while in the airport, as well as wash their hands frequently and maintain social distancing when possible.
This story was originally published June 16, 2020 at 4:15 PM.
