21 August, 2020

Delta extends middle seat blocks into January 2021

Whilst in Europe, budget carriers like Ryanair and easyjet and packing passengers in like sardines, with little regard for passenger safety or comfort, over in the U.S. airlines are caring a little more for the lives of the people they fly.  Mega-carrier Delta has extended is blocking of the middle seat and limiting the number of customers per flight through to at least January 6th, 2021.

“Medical experts, including our own partners at Emory Healthcare, agree – more distance on board makes a difference,” said Bill Lentsch, Chief Customer Experience Officer. “We believe that taking care of our customers and employees and restoring confidence in the safety of air travel is more important right now than filling up every seat on a plane. We’ll continue taking a thoughtful, layered approach ensuring customers know to expect the highest standard of care as they prepare for their holiday travels.”

The airline is also extending its change fee waiver for new bookings -  up until September 30th

Blocking Middle Seats for More Space

Through Jan. 6, 2021, Delta will block the selection of middle seats in Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin via the Fly Delta app or online.

For customers in parties of 1-2: Middle seats will be blocked for safety.

For customers in parties of 3 or more: Middle seats will appear as available for booking, to allow families and travel companions to select seats together.

This functionality helps the airline maintain our pledge to give customers more space on board while offering flexibility with their seat choices.

Delta says that to ensure its flights are not filled to capacity it will:  

Limit the number of customers on board all aircraft – with or without middle seats.
Limit the First Class cabin to half capacity to further ensure more space between customers.*
Block one aisle of seats on aircraft without middle seats.
On routes where aircraft begin to fill, Delta will continue to look for opportunities to upsize to a larger aircraft type or add more flights.

The Delta One cabin on widebody aircraft, which is designed with more space and privacy built-in, will be offered at full capacity effective Oct. 1.

Customers can review their seat selections any time prior to departure in My Trips on delta.com or in the Fly Delta app for greater reassurance about space on board.

As with all our health and safety measures, we will continue reviewing best practices and evaluating our standard of care, based on expert medical advice and customer feedback.

Wearing Your Mask

Medical research tells us that wearing a mask is one of the most effective ways to reduce the COVID-19 infection rate. For everyone’s safety, customers should expect to continue wearing masks or face coverings throughout the airport, in Delta Sky Clubs and on board the aircraft through the winter holiday travel season and beyond.

Customers who indicate they have an underlying condition that prevents them from wearing a mask are required to complete a "Clearance-To-Fly" process before being permitted to travel.

Peace of Mind When Purchasing

Customers can continue enjoying peace of mind in case their travel plans change. For all new flights purchased through Sept. 30, travelers have the option to change their flight without a change fee for a year from the date of purchase. See delta.com for details.



*On regional jets in 1x2 configurations, First Class cabin will be capped at 67%











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