US airlines have put thousands of people on their no-fly lists for failing to wear face masks on board, as security measures are stepped up ahead of Joe Biden’s inauguration.
Delta Airlines has said it is going to ban passengers from taking firearms in their baggage on flights to Washington DC until the end of next week.
The Federal Aviation Administration has also adopted a “zero tolerance policy” after some of the president’s supporters were disruptive on recent flights.
Security has been ramped up at the Capitol building ahead of Joe Biden’s inauguration
Last week, Utah Senator Mitt Romney was heckled on a flight from Salt Lake City to Washington by passengers who back Mr Trump.
Under tough new measures that will be in force until 30 March, disruptive passengers could face fines of up to $35,000 (£25,590) and possible jail time – irrespective of whether they’re a first-time offender or not.
As security is boosted at airports in the Washington area, American Airlines has also said it won’t be selling alcohol on board its flights from 16 to 21 January.
American added it is “revising pre-departure announcements to further emphasise the importance of following crew member instructions and complying with mandatory face-covering policies”.
In other developments, several US-based airlines have announced that they back Mr Biden‘s plans to make face coverings mandatory for all air passengers.
Airlines for America – which represents American, Delta, United and others – asked the president-elect to “require all passengers two years and older to wear a mask, without exception”.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
National Guard sleep in Capitol building
Mr Trump had opposed introducing legal requirements that would have required passengers to wear face masks on planes, trains and other modes of public transport, despite the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention calling for such a policy.
More than 20,000 National Guard troops are going to be deployed in Washington DC amid fears of fresh political violence in the run-up to Mr Biden’s inauguration – as well as afterwards.
Thousands of National Guard troops have already been deployed in Washington DC
Officials have warned that armed protests are planned in DC and all 50 states.
It follows last week’s deadly storming of the US Capitol building.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
How violent scenes in the Capitol unfolded
“We’re all on high alert based on the events over the last couple of weeks in Washington,” Delta chief executive Ed Bastian told CNBC.