Delta and three other airlines introduced a temporary ban on carrying firearms in checked bags on flights to the DC area prior to President-elect Joe Biden‘s inauguration on Wednesday.
United Airlines, Alaska Airlines and American Airlines made the move following Delta’s announcement.
“To help ensure the safety of customers and employees, Delta will not allow firearms in checked bags for flights to the DC area Jan. 16-23. To rebook or cancel, no change fees will apply,” Delta Airlines said in a notification sent to its customers.
Delta also encouraged its customers to “consider changing their travel plans to the Washington, D.C. area, in accordance with requests from officials asking people not to travel to the inauguration” in a release.
The Associated Press reported that the gun ban will be in place from January 16 through January 23.
Members of law enforcement and military will be exempt from the rule.
Currently, there is a call from flight attendants for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and airlines to bar individuals involved in the deadly US Capitol siege from flying to the DC region during the week of inauguration.
“We support the swiftest action with clear consequences and clear rules for keeping these people off planes,” Sara Nelson, head of the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA), said in an interview with Forbes.
Congressman Bennie Thompson, Democratic chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, also supports adding the Capitol rioters to the TSA’s no-fly list.
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