(CNN) – Tensions on face masks have led passengers to be removed from an American Airlines flight Wednesday, while airlines have implemented stricter security measures.
In the airline statement, passenger New York Straka was asked to fly from New York to Dallas after refusing to wear a face covering as required by American Airlines policy.
This is the first known event of this type, because airlines announced that they plan to wear masks more tightly.
American Airlines confirmed the incident on the flight 1263 from LaGuardia in New York to Dallas / Fort Worth, saying that it refused to wear Straka’s face.
“After refusing to follow the flight crew’s instructions, our team members asked him to relocate. He left the door four minutes late,” he said in the airline statement.
Straka stated that after agreeing to comply with company policies, he was re-booked on a later flight, and the airline contacted him for more information about the American incident. Straka said that he wore a mask provided by the company, but removed it after getting on the plane and no one complained.
Straka told CNN in a phone call, “When one of the flight attendants came to me quite aggressively, ‘Sir, you need to wear your mask.’ And I said, ‘Well, I don’t have it.’ ”
Straka is a conservative personality on Fox News. He describes himself as an old liberal on his website that encourages people to leave the Democratic Party.
When asked about masks, Straka said it was an anti-mask for her, but she sees it as a personal decision. Along with T-shirts and other items, Straka sells masks on its website.
The flight attendant said that he had to wear a mask to be on the flight, Straka and said it was a law.
“I was annoyed that there wasn’t even a speech. I said to him,” This is not actually a law. “
When asked by CNN if she had a medical condition, Straka refused to comment, but “I find it difficult and prohibitive to wear a mask, yes,” he said.
He said he had no problem wearing masks on flights before.
“Sometimes I fly two or three times a week, and I was flying at least once every two weeks even when I was closing. I am quite used to travel and this was never a problem. Not even a single trip, even with this airline, said Straka.
Although US aviation officials do not require face coverings for air passengers, the Federal Aviation Administration chief said in a congressional statement Wednesday that passengers are expected to wear masks when guided by flight attendants.
FAA Manager Steve Dickson said in his statement that air passengers “must wear face coverings to protect themselves and those around them.” Facial coverings are especially important when social distance is not possible.
CNN’s Pete Muntean and Gregory Wallace contributed to this report.
