Travelers on Delta Air Lines will still be able to practice social distancing onboard holiday flights and through early next year. As the airlines has maintained the blocking of middle seats since it resumed operations after the Coronavirus lockdown.
Delta airlines remains the only U.S. airline to block middle seats and will limit onboard capacity through March 30, 2021
The airline says blocking seats into spring 2021 provides added confidence and reassurance for customers booking future travel plans.
“We recognize some customers are still learning to live with this virus and desire extra space for their peace of mind. We are listening and will always take the appropriate steps to ensure our customers have complete confidence in their travel with us,” Bill Lentsch, Chief Customer Experience Officer said in a memo on Wednesday.
Delta says it will continue delivering on its industry-leading commitment to provide more space for customers as the only U.S. airline blocking middle seats for flights departing now through March 30, 2021.
The airline said, currently, it has more than 100 protective measures in place, such as sanitizing every flight, a comprehensive employee COVID testing program and the use of industrial-grade HEPA filters that extract more than 99.99% of particles, including viruses.
“We are listening and will always take the appropriate steps to ensure our customers have complete confidence in their travel with us.”
Face coverings will still be required for passengers 2 years of age and older while checking in, boarding, during the flight and at baggage claim.
In August, Delta extended its middle seat blocking policy through the holiday and winter season, blocking the selection of middle seats and limiting the number of customers per flight through Jan. 6, 2021.
In the same month, Delta also placed more than 240 people on a “no-fly list” for failing to comply with its mandatory mask policy.
As more medical experts agree on the safety of air travel thanks to the multiple layers of protection provided under the Delta CareStandard, blocking seats into spring 2021 provides added confidence and reassurance for customers booking future travel plans.
“Several independent studies have validated the effectiveness of the Delta CareStandard’s multi-layered protection, like advanced ventilation and an extensive cleaning regimen, which together significantly reduce the risk of flight-related transmission,” said Bill Lentsch, Chief Customer Experience Officer. “However, we recognize some customers are still learning to live with this virus and desire extra space for their peace of mind. We are listening and will always take the appropriate steps to ensure our customers have complete confidence in their travel with us.”
The health and safety of our customers and employees remains our top priority. The Delta CareStandard encompasses more than 100 protective measures, such as sanitizing every flight, a comprehensive employee COVID testing program, and the use of industrial-grade HEPA filters that extract more than 99.99% of particles, including viruses.
Taking the Stress Out of Flying
Delta launched a new interactive map on delta.com that gives customers the power to search, view and click-to-book their desired destination all in one place, giving full control and a better understanding of current travel restrictions and what to expect upon arrival.
The data is curated from government agencies and the International Air Transport Association to provide detailed insight into quarantine and testing requirements, travel forms and paperwork, local health information, local COVID-19 guidelines, and links to necessary forms and applications needed prior to travel.
In addition to a new trip planning tool, we’re offering greater flexibility if you ever need to change your plans, including, No change fees for a U.S. domestic ticket or domestic award ticket, excluding Basic Economy fares. No change fees for all domestic and international tickets purchased through Dec. 31, 2020, even if scheduled to travel next year.
Extending the use of travel credits through December 2022 for travel originally scheduled to depart before March 31, 2021 (if the ticket was purchased before April 17, 2020).