Delta screening process for travelers who cannot wear a mask begins Monday
Delta Air Lines Boeing 737-900ER aircraft seen at Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport. (Photo by Alex Tai/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Delta Air Lines' new "Clearance-to-Fly" screening process for travelers who have medical conditions that prevent them from wearing masks kicks in on Monday.
"We encourage customers who are prevented from wearing a mask due to a health condition to reconsider travel," Delta said in a statement to FOX Business. "If they decide to travel, they will be welcome to fly upon completing a virtual consultation prior to departure at the airport to ensure everyone's safety, because nothing is more important."
Delta is partnering with STAT-MD, a company it has used for ground-based medical support for nearly 20 years, to conduct phone consultations with a medical professional for all passengers exempted from wearing face coverings. The consultation will determine whether the passenger has final clearance to fly.
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Passengers who refuse to wear a mask without clearance from STAT-MD can be denied boarding and even lose flight privileges with Delta.
The airline asks that customers who need to go through Clearance-to-Fly arrive early to allow plenty of time for the process, which can take over an hour.
The process will be in effect through the end of 2020.
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