A Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employee screens an airline passenger at O’Hare International Airport on Oct. 19, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois.
Scott Olson | Getty Images
Delta Air Lines will not allow travelers flying to the airports serving the Washington metropolitan area to check firearms for flights ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration, CEO Ed Bastian told CNBC on Thursday.
The new policy, starting this weekend and rolling out next week, comes after last week’s deadly pro-Trump riot at the Capitol and a wave of politically motivated disturbances on flights and airports. Law enforcement officers authorized to carry firearms are exempt.
“We are all very alert based on the events of the past few weeks in Washington,” Bastian said in an interview on “Squawk Box.”
The Federal Aviation Administration said on Wednesday that there will be a zero tolerance policy for travelers who are unruly or interfere with flight crew duties, with a fine of up to $ 35,000.
Airlines, airports and hotels are increasing security ahead of Wednesday’s inauguration. Several airports said they will add more police, while airlines increase the workforce and book overnight crews at airport hotels. American Airlines said late on Wednesday that it will suspend sales of alcohol for DC flights.