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Alaska Airlines: ‘No mask, no travel, no exceptions’

Starting Friday, Alaska Airlines passengers at the airport and aboard aircraft will be expected to wear a mask or face covering at all times.

In a release published by the airline Wednesday, it said guests 2 and older must wear the face covering over the mouth and nose and with no exceptions.

If a guest is unwilling or unable to wear a mask for any reason while at the airport, they will not be permitted to travel. If a guest refuses to wear a mask after boarding their flight, they will be suspended from future travel.

—  Alaska Airlines news release issued Aug. 5, 2020

In early May, Alaska Airlines began a mask requirement for all passengers and employees. In June, the airline began issuing “yellow cards” similar to ones used in soccer matches as a warning to any guest who disregards the mask requirements.

In an apparent effort to compete with other airlines with tighter rules, the airline has adopted a stricter policy.

“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. Safety remains priority number one for Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air. 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,” Alaska Airlines’ vice president of safety and security said in the statement.

The airline will provide face masks upon request.