NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- A now-viral fight between a Spirit Airlines passenger wearing an American flag-themed neck gaiter as a mask and a flight attendant claiming it was "not legal."
In the video posted to Twitter last week, the flight attendant asks the passenger if he has a mask underneath his gaiter and he repeatedly asks the attendant to "show me those rules."
The attendant tells the passenger the airline will "have the authorities waiting for you when we land," and walks away.
The airline released a statement clarifying that it follows the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which says "gaiters may not be effective," after the dispute was posted to social media.
"Safety is Spirit’s number one priority, which is why our face covering policy adheres to CDC guidelines," the airline said.
"The CDC cautions that gaiters may not be effective, which is why we require Guests to either double up neck gaiters so they’re dual-layered and hug the chin, or to switch to a standard ear-loop face covering," the airline added.
Spirit Airlines denied that the passenger was targeted over the gaiter's design but said the man refused to double his gaiter or wear an alternative mask
"Spirit Airlines proudly welcomes anyone onboard who wants to show their pride with an American flag on a face covering that complies with our policy."