American Airlines, Southwest now overtake Delta for the strictest mask policy in the US
Keeping up with airlines' mask policy updates isn't straightforward.
Over the past few months, we've seen carriers go from recommending masks to requiring them for employees. Then passengers were required to wear them, too.
But that's not all. Enforcing the rules isn't easy either. For whatever reason, some passengers don't want to wear masks. Some might state they have a medical condition that excuses them from wearing a mask.
On two U.S. airlines, that's no longer going to fly.
Sign up for the free daily TPG newsletter for more airline news!
American Airlines, Southwest have newly strengthened mask policies
Both American and Southwest announced that they're going to require masks throughout the end-to-end travel journey. This includes at check-in, in lounges, onboard and at baggage claim.
This comes after United announced a similar policy on Wednesday morning (July 22).
In addition, all three carriers will require masks to be worn by children two years or older.
But American and Southwest break from the rest of the pack regarding medical exemptions. Both carriers are eliminating all exceptions to the mask-wearing rule (aside from being an infant). That means that even those with a valid medical condition can't fly American or Southwest without a mask.
Some may claim that this is illegal. After all, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination based on a medical condition. However, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has already asserted its position on this.
"The ADA does not provide a blanket exemption to people with disabilities from complying with legitimate safety requirements necessary for safe operations," the DOJ said in a statement last month.
Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Transportation's Air Carrier Access Act states that "airlines may not refuse transportation to people on the basis of disability. Airlines may exclude anyone from a flight if carrying the person would be inimical to the safety of the flight."
Medical experts say that not wearing a mask poses a safety threat to those around you. Even if you've got a medical condition that prevents you from wearing a mask, based on this act, you can legally be denied boarding.
Related: This is what it's like to travel with a disability in the United States
How it compares to Delta
No other airline has gone as far as AA or Southwest... yet.
The closest we've seen is Delta. We broke the news last week that the Atlanta-based carrier would begin requiring a "Clearance-to-Fly" exam for those looking to fly without a mask. You need to show up at the airport at least an hour earlier than normal for a virtual consultation with one of Delta's doctors.
After explaining your condition, the doctor will decide if you're allowed to fly without a mask.
Just last week, the idea of needing to speak to an airline's doctors before boarding sounded quite strict. And I wasn't at all surprised that Delta, the carrier that's been capping the capacity of all its flights since April 8, introduced such a policy.
But just a few days later, Delta's has seen its rivals go one step further. Not only will AA and Southwest bar anti-maskers, but they're also the strictest about face coverings for young children. Delta continues to exempt young children from the requirement, though it's possible they'll match the more restrictive policies of its competitors.
Related: Delta has banned more than 100 passengers for not wearing a mask
What's the future of the mask mandate?
At this point, it seems like the airlines are competing for the strictest mask requirement. We've seen countless updates to the policies over the last three months, with each airline basically copying the others.
There's no end in sight.
However, a federally-mandated mask requirement on airplanes and in airports could be a solution. It'd be easier for the customer to understand the policy, and remove the rule-making burden from the carriers.
Further, airlines would no longer have to play the uncomfortable role of the middle man. The mandate could spell out a fine and enforcement action for rule-breakers, as well as define exactly what to do if you have a medical exception. Airlines could then reference the FAA policy to those who don't wear a mask.
Related: Why we need a federal mandate on masks now more than ever
Bottom line
Wearing a mask has become the latest travel essential.
On American and Southwest, even children above the age of two have to wear one too. Plus, on these carriers, there are no longer any medical exemptions — if you can't wear a mask, you won't be allowed to fly.
In fact, this policy is even more restrictive than Delta's recently strengthened policy. It's anyone's guess when these ever-changing updates will end — or perhaps the government will change its stance and allow us to cross the finish line with a federally-mandated mask mandate.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees