A Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agent examines an airline passenger at O’Hare International Airport on October 19, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois.
Scott Olson | Getty Images
Delta Air Lines will not allow travelers flying to airports serving the Washington metropolitan area to check firearms on flights before President-elect Joe Biden takes office, CEO Ed Bastian told CNBC on Thursday.
The new policy, which begins this weekend and runs until next week, comes after last week’s pro-Trump riot at the U.S. Capitol and a wave of political-motivated disturbances on flights and airports. Police officers authorized to carry firearms will be exempt.
“We are all on high alert based on the events of the past few weeks in Washington,” Bastian said in an interview in the “Squawk Box”.
The Federal Aviation Administration said on Wednesday that it will adopt a zero-tolerance policy for travelers who are undisciplined or interfere with flight crew tasks, fining them up to $ 35,000.
Airlines, airports and hotels are increasing security ahead of Wednesday’s opening. Several airports have said they will add more police officers, while airlines are increasing the number of employees and booking crews to spend the night in hotels at the airport. American Airlines said on Wednesday night that it would suspend sales of alcohol for flights in Washington.