If you’re planning to fly with Delta Air Lines, be sure to leave home any masks with valves as the airline will not allow you to use them on-board.
In a recent policy update regarding mask usage, the airline states that masks with valves (whether it be N95 or something else) will not be allowed as they do not offer any real protection for those around the person wearing the mask. Valved masks allow for air to be easily expelled, offering protection only for the wearer, but not for those in close proximity.
“Any mask with an exhaust valve is not approved as an acceptable face mask for customers traveling on any Delta operated flight.”
Those who do not have approved masks will be offered a complimentary one at the airport.
A Delta spokesperson clarified the new rule to The Points Guy, saying that “the latest guidance, informed by the many conversations we are having with health officials and other experts, is that face coverings and masks without vents work best for everyone’s safety. Delta has plenty of complimentary masks without vents for our customers at airports who may need one.”
While the Delta spokesperson says that there are plenty masks to share out, it’s still recommended walking with one that does not have a valve just in case the airline has none to offer at the time of your flight.
[Featured Photo: Mika Baumeister/Unsplash]