Passengers who refuse to wear masks may be banned from flying these popular airlines

Refusing to wear a mask on your next flight could have hefty consequences.

United and American airlines both announced Monday that passengers who won’t wear masks or face coverings on flights may be temporarily denied future travel with the companies, according to news releases.

The move comes as Airlines for America, a trade association that represents major U.S. airlines, said its members will be “vigorously enforcing” mask policies for passengers and employees due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines will all clearly communicate face covering policies prior to flights and during the boarding process, including consequences for noncompliance, the organization said.

“U.S. airlines are very serious about requiring face coverings on their flights. Carriers are stepping up enforcement of face coverings and implementing substantial consequences for those who do not comply with the rules,” President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio said in the release. “Face coverings are one of several public health measures recommended by the CDC as an important layer of protection for passengers and customer-facing employees.”

The organization said consequences could include revoking travel privileges for passengers who refuse to comply with mask policies.

United and American have said that’s exactly what they’ll do.

United currently requires masks on all flights, a policy it expects to continue for at least another 60 days, the company said.

Passengers who repeatedly refuse to don face coverings may be placed on an “internal travel restriction list” beginning June 18, according to United. Passengers on the list will be temporarily banned from future travel on the airline, the company said.

The length of time a passenger is banned will be determined following a review of the incident, according to United.

American also requires passengers to wear masks, and those who refuse are prevented from boarding, the company said.

Now, the airline says it may revoke future travel privileges to those who won’t wear face coverings, according to American. The policy goes into effect June 16, the company said.

Young children and people who have medical conditions or disabilities that prevent them from wearing masks are exempt from mask requirements on both airlines, according to the companies.

This story was originally published June 16, 2020 at 12:46 PM with the headline "Passengers who refuse to wear masks may be banned from flying these popular airlines."