Delta to require passengers who refuse mask to complete virtual health consultation

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Delta Airlines will require passengers who refuse to wear a mask on board to complete a "virtual consultation" with a health professional prior to travel, which includes passengers flying out of Tallahassee International Airport.

Delta said this will "ensure everyone’s safety because nothing is more important."

The airline currently mandates that all passengers wear a mask.

The airline is the first to attempt to crack down on a potential loophole in which customers could say they cannot comply with the face-covering requirement because of a medical condition.

The consultation will consist of a private phone call facilitated by Delta employees at the airport, according to an airline spokesperson.

The call will be with "medical professional consultants, including doctors" from STAT-MD, according to Delta. STAT-MD is an arm of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, which Delta has partnered with in the past, the airline stated.

Pending the outcome of the consultation, a final determination to fly is made, the spokesperson said.