A Delta Air Lines flight bound from Detroit to Atlanta was delayed Thursday after two passengers refused to put on masks, authorities said.
According to a Delta spokesperson, the flight returned to the gate at Detroit Metro Airport because two travelers “were non-compliant with crew instructions,” WXYZ reported. Flight 1227 was delayed one hour before resuming service to Atlanta, WDIV reported.
Passengers who refuse to wear masks will not be able to fly “into the future,” Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian told WWJ.
Like most airlines, Delta has employed several precautions for passengers during the coronavirus in an effort to limit passengers to the virus. All passengers and crew members are required to wear a mask at all times, except during meals, MLive reported. Passengers with a medical condition that prevents them from wearing a mask must complete a “Clearance to Fly” form before boarding the plane, the website reported.
Passengers who are caught falsely claiming to be exempt from wearing masks on flights may be banned from flying with Delta in the future, MLive reported.
Delta has also limited the number of passengers in each cabin, has blocked off middle seats and several aisle seats in rows that have two seats, according to airline protocols. The company also limits food and beverage service, depending on the length of the flight, and crew members are no longer allowed to assist passengers with their luggage, Delta said.