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Did This Mask Get a Flyer Removed from a United flight?

The CDC is requiring all flyers to wear a face covering aboard aircraft – but what happens when a flyer tries to go beyond the requirements? One attempted to wear a new mask design aboard a United Airlines flight, and says he was asked to leave the aircraft for non-compliance.

Under new rules issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all flyers must wear a face covering before boarding an aircraft. However, one flyer says they were not allowed to board despite wearing what they claim was an improved mask design. Baltimore CBS affiliate WJZ-TV reports the “Narwall” face mask potentially cost one person a seat on their United Airlines flight.

Narwalls Can’t Fly – Or Can They?

According to their website, the Narwall mask is designed to keep travelers safe as they navigate the world by plane, train, or other public option. Integrating a face shield and mask together, the design resembles a gas mask with vents over the head and at the mouth. The company says their mask is registered with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and authorized under the broad Emergency Use Authorization to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rob Joseph was using one of the Narwall masks when attempting to board a United flight from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Tampa International Airport (TPA). At the gate, Joseph told WJZ that he was asked to wear a different face covering provided by the airline.

Without incident, Joseph said he wore the airline’s face covering and continued to board. But the gate agents were allegedly not interested in letting him fly with the Narwall on board.

“[I] Said, I don’t need to say another word. I’m going to my seat. I’m done with this,” Joseph told WJZ. “And they said you know what, no. We already decided. I already asked you to leave. You’re off the flight.”

Joseph says he was denied boarding, and had to wait several hours to catch the next flight to Tampa. Flying home aboard another unnamed carrier, Joseph told the TV station he was allowed to fly wearing the Narwall without question.

In a statement to WJZ, United said they do not allow face coverings “…that could create impediments in emergency scenarios, such as impacting a customer’s ability to quickly administer oxygen in the event of the deployment of oxygen masks.”

Inventor Defends Narwall as Acceptable for In-Flight Use

Speaking to WJZ, Narwall inventor Alex Rattray claims his mask was designed for close-quarters, including flying aboard commercial aircraft. He believes several flyers – even those on United – have been able to use the filtered mask without incident. United says they do not allow masks that require a filter change, because they cannot guarantee flyers are changing the filters on schedule.

Feature image courtesy: Narwall via Facebook

26 Comments
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SamirD March 10, 2021

I have seriously researched proper masks including military designs and the Narwall is actually one of the best out there. Why? Because all the covid zombies flying on planes spreading this stuff all around thinking a piece of paper will do anything to prevent the spread of death. I don't want to die and unfortunately I have to fly to get where I need to go in any reasonable time (it's days vs hours). That being said, a good rule of thumb is to never get smart with anyone with the power to F you up. You may want to, you may be right, but you have to weigh the option of what they can do you versus what you can do to them. And unfortunately a lot of times that means getting screwed over. Police officers, government, tax officials, that bully at school, people in traffic, and yes, airline and airport staff. And the only solace I find in these situations when I'm in the right and they authority is wrong is that one day someone won't take it and pound them into the ground.

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pulokk1 February 27, 2021

“[I] Said, I don’t need to say another word. I’m going to my seat. I’m done with this,” Obnoxious.

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montone59 February 24, 2021

Don’t know anything about or have much concern about the mask, but the guy sounds like a bit of a jerk. And that’s why I wouldn’t want him sitting next to me.

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ND Sol February 23, 2021

Too many of the comments show that they don't know how this device works. 1. The tube at the top is for inhaling (not exhaling) and has a filter to protect the wearer. 2. The exhale valve is in the front and has a filter that is better than the masks that are commonly worn. This device is better for both the wearer and nearby persons than what United requires. United made a mistake.

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DeltaFlyer123 February 23, 2021

I just can’t imagine why some people just refuse to comply with rules that businesses impose when they enter their property (in this case, their airplane). If they don’t like the rules, they can take their business elsewhere. If the rules are mandated by a government, they can take up their objections with them. A hundred other people complied, and want to get going.