Delta CEO says federal government should issue a mask mandate

As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to spread throughout the US, travelers are still not federally required to wear a mask on a passenger jet. But Delta CEO Ed Bastian said the government should make it a mandate. He's not optimistic, however, that a national mask requirement will happen. The airline industry has not issued a strong collective message asking the government to take that step, Bastian said. "We've had those discussions with the White House," he said. "I feel strongly about it," Bastian added. "But I'm not sure some of my peers and other airlines feel the same way. So as a practical matter, I'm not sure it's gonna happen." The vast majority — "99.9%," Bastian said — of Delta fliers are following the rules. But for the passengers that don't comply, enforcing the rule is tricky. "I think I can speak for corporate America: We're all frustrated with the politicization of safeguarding the health and well-being of our employees, as well as our customers," Bastian said. He added that most Delta customers have been respectful when asked to wear a face covering. "We ask our customers to wear the mask, not only to safeguard themselves, but just as importantly safeguard others," Bastian said. Delta's Covid-19 policies have been among the industry's strongest. Delta has said it will keep all middle seats empty on its planes at least through the end of September, parting ways with American Airlines and United, which have said that move does not keep passengers safer. Bastion said Delta consulted with medical experts at the Mayo Clinic and Emory University in its decision making. "I think it's a really important safety feature," he said. "Distance matters."<br/>