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How many passengers have US airlines banned for not wearing masks?

March 01, 2021
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3 min read
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How many passengers have US airlines banned for not wearing masks?
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Delta calls it a "no-fly list." At Frontier, it's a "Prevent Departure list."

No matter what it's called, you don't want your name to appear — travelers who end up there will have to find another carrier to fly, at least for the time being.

Historically, airlines have banned customers for a handful of reasons, from obnoxious behavior to noncompliance with crew member instructions. During the pandemic, however, U.S. carriers have added another misdeed to the list: a disregard for face-covering policies, created to help keep other passengers and airline employees safe.

Related: Here’s what might land you on a government or airline no-fly list

While U.S. airlines rolled out face mask policies earlier during the pandemic, it wasn't clear how strictly they were being enforced. Delta put the kibosh on any speculation there, though, with a July 2020 announcement that over 100 passengers had landed themselves a spot on the carrier's naughty list.

Since then, U.S. carriers have continued to ban passengers who refuse to wear masks onboard, and at designated airline-managed areas of the airport, such as check-in counters and lounges.

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Now, with Frontier Airlines sharing a post on Twitter that it had removed a "large group" of noncompliant passengers from a recent flight, I wanted to check back in with carriers to see how many former flyers have been banned.

Just how many passenger bans are we talking? Several airlines were willing to share their latest stats with TPG, including:

  • Alaska: 448
  • Allegiant: 15
  • Delta: 950 (as of Feb. 2, 2021)
  • Frontier: 645
  • Hawaiian: 74
  • JetBlue: 170 (as of Feb. 2, 2021)
  • Spirit: 604
  • United: 750

Based on that breakdown, we're at well over 3,000, among U.S.-based airlines sharing the latest figures with TPG. American and Southwest are unable to confirm the number of customers they've banned, however, and Delta, JetBlue and Sun Country did not immediately respond to TPG's request. With those carriers factored in, the grand total could be more than 4,000.

Related: Delta is now the only US airline blocking all middle seats

For travelers, there's really no excuse not to comply. The federal government now requires that everyone wear a face mask on all public transportation in the United States — including airplanes, trains, buses, taxis and rideshare services — and many carriers even have backups available at check-in and onboard. Be sure to check out this post for a detailed look at what to expect at the airport, and on your flight.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

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  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.