I agree with you, but now they took it out of the hands of the airlines (who could otherwise be influenced by factors affecting their bottom line).
Also, it appears that some airline policies have changed recently, or are about to change in the next week or two, but not sure which direction that change is going.
After reviewing the various airlines' sites, it appears that you are correct about it being governed by federal regulation, not airline policy. All of the airlines I reviewed (American, Southwest, Delta, United) have provisions for medical exemptions, but there are a LOT of hoops to jump through.
A simple doctor's note is NOT enough. For all but Delta, you have to "apply" 3-7 days (depending on the airline) in advance of your planned flight, have a negative COVID test within 72 hours of your flight, and in some cases you STILL have to be interviewed by the airline's medical personnel. And then they can move you to a different seat, a different flight, even a different travel day, depending on how full your chosen flight is. In short, pretty invasive and pretty restrictive. Delta seems the most lenient, requiring only that you show up an extra hour early to complete their "Clearance to Fly" process (no clue what that entails). And all of this is just for domestic flights. For international, additional rules and restrictions apply.
For passengers without an exemption, masks are required from the time you enter the airport for your departure until you leave the airport at your destination. Balaclavas, bandannas, face covers with exhaust valves or vents, face covers made of mesh or lace type fabric, face shields with no mask, gaiters, scarves, and ski masks are NOT allowed. You can lower the mask only to eat or drink, but you must put it back up between bites/sips. Again, all these are federal regulations, not at the discretion of the airline.
It appears that my best option is to find the most breathable fabric I can make a mask from (that won't draw attention), carry water and snacks to munch/sip on continuously, try to wear the mask as little as I can get away with without getting threatened with arrest, and pray I don't start to hyperventilate at the airport or on the flight. Unfortunately, this trip is essential, and driving is not an option. (And I thought dealing with TSA was bad enough.)
Wegmans helps me not miss HEB so much. And only once have I been offered a mask in Wegmans. When I politely told the lady I'm exempt, she backed off. I did have a customer Karen go off on me one time. I simply ignored her and went on my way.
False dichotomy. All they need to do is pull the same stunt they did with the 2020 Presidential Election. They clearly have the organization, the means, and the will already in place to steal any election, any vote, regardless of the will of the people. Our side does not yet have any way to prevent it. Doesn't mean that I or anyone else is incapable of action.
Yeah, I saw that a while after I posted by reply. Haha! It's g00gle.