A New Jersey man has said he kicked off a flight to Tampa, Florida, where the Super Bowl is being played on Sunday, because he was wearing a mask that United Airlines did not comply with.
In an interview with local NBC affiliate WNBC, Robert Joseph said he bought a $ 85 face mask that looks like a gas mask. That mask contained a face shield and breath filter. He was planning to fly from Newark, New Jersey, to Tampa as part of his job where he performed security duties at Super Bowl LV.
‘When I entered the airport, I was wearing safe [the mask], like my own little bubble around my face to protect it, ‘he explained.
According to Joseph, he got another mask when he boarded his flight because the one he brought along was in violation of company policy. After an exchange of words, Joseph said that he had chosen to put on another mask and wear the other mask, but then he was told to go. He insisted he had done nothing wrong.
‘At that point, they turned to me and said it should not be in the plane. “If you are not satisfied with our policy, you can leave,” Joseph told WNBC. “I said no, I’m fine, I’m going to sit down, you do not need to hear another word from me. At that point they said no, we have already told you to leave, get off. That’s when it got out of hand. ‘
After being taken from his original flight, Joseph said he had to wait a few hours for his next plane.
United declined to comment when Newsweek reaches out to the airline, but in a statement to WNBC, the company said that the mask Joseph brought with him was not allowed because it could potentially create certain barriers in emergencies, such as clear communication between customers and crew members. prevent. “
Joseph said the husband of his wife’s cousin had died from the coronavirus, a situation he described as a “wake-up call” for people to take the pandemic seriously. He added that his experience had considered him traveling back home with another airline.
Incidents of passengers refusing to wear a mask on flights have been a problem for airlines since early in the pandemic. Earlier this week, the TSA announced that it would execute President Joe Biden’s executive order that the masks be worn, both at airports and in transportation systems. The TSA further added that face coverings are mandatory at the airport security checkpoints from February 2 to May 11. Those who violate the safety guideline will be fined $ 250 and then $ 1500 for repeated violations.
In a press release, Darby LaJoye, senior official performing the duties of the TSA administrator, said: “TSA will fully comply with the President’s executive orders, CDC guidance and the DHS National Emergency provision for healthy and safe travel through This will help prevent the further spread of COVID-19 and encourage a uniform government response. As we continue to experience the effects of this pandemic, we are committed to this measure to do for the TSA workforce, for our industry stakeholders and for passengers. ‘
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