‘No mask, no travel, no exceptions.’ This airline gets tough with its mask policy

If you’re planning to fly with Alaska Airlines anytime soon, be sure you take a mask or you won’t be allowed to fly, the company said.

The airline announced Wednesday that all passengers over the age of 2 will be required to wear a mask or cloth face covering on flights, no exceptions.

Put more simply: “No mask, no travel, no exceptions,” according to Alaska Airlines. The policy goes into effect Friday, Aug. 7.

Those who can’t or won’t wear a mask in the airport will not be allowed to travel, the company said. Guests who refuse to wear a mask after boarding a flight will be suspended from future travel on Alaska Airlines.

“We all need to look out for each other during this health emergency, and the best way we can do that – and prevent the spread of the virus – is to simply wear a mask or face covering when we’re around each other,” Vice President of Safety and Security Max Tidwell said in a statement from the company.

“Our tougher policy shows how important this issue is to us and our guests. If you don’t wear a mask, you won’t be flying with us,” he added.

The move comes days after news broke that a Delta Airlines flight in Detroit turned around because two passengers refused to put on face coverings, WXYZ reported.

In a statement to CNN, Delta said Flight 1227 headed for Atlanta returned to the gate July 23 because two passengers “were non-compliant with crew instructions.” The flight took off for Atlanta following a short delay, CNN reported.

Last month, American and Southwest airlines both rolled out similar policies, requiring all passengers over the age of 2 to don face masks on flights, abolishing medical face mask exemptions.